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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Process data
   • Record test data noting atypical observations
   • Construct calibration graphs and compute results for all samples from these graphs
   • Ensure calculated values are consistent with reference standards and expectations
   • Record and report results in accordance with workplace procedures
   • Determine if basic procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results
2. Interpret and schedule test requirements
   • Review test request to identify samples to be tested, test method and equipment/instruments involved
3. Identify hazards and workplace controls associated with the sample, preparation/test methods, reagents and/or equipment
4. Plan parallel work sequences to optimise throughput of multiple sets of samples
5. Receive and prepare food samples
   • Log samples using standard operating procedures (SOPs)
6. Record sample description, compare with specification and note and report discrepancies
7. Prepare samples and standards in accordance with food testing requirements
8. Check equipment before use
   • Set up equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements
9. Perform pre-use and safety checks in accordance with relevant workplace and operating procedures
10. Check equipment calibration using specified standards and procedures
11. Inspect reagents required for quality issues including visual checks and expiry
12. Test samples to determine food components and characteristics
    • Operate equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements
13. Perform tests/procedures on all samples and standards in accordance with specified methods
14. Shut down equipment/instruments in accordance with operating procedures
    • Record test data noting atypical observations
15. Construct calibration graphs and compute results for all samples from these graphs
16. Ensure calculated values are consistent with reference standards and expectations
17. Record and report results in accordance with workplace procedures
18. Determine if basic procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results
19. Maintain a safe work environment
    • Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel
20. Minimise the generation of wastes and environmental impacts
21. Ensure the safe collection of laboratory and hazardous waste for subsequent disposal
22. Care for and store equipment and reagents as required
23. Maintain laboratory records
    • Make entries on report forms or into a laboratory information management system accurately calculating, recording or transcribing data as required
24. Ensure traceability of sample from receipt to reporting of results