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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Develop an analysis plan with supervisor
  2. Reduce the complexity of the sample
  3. Apply quantification method
  4. Perform analysis
  5. Process and analyse data
  6. Maintain a safe work environment
  7. Maintain laboratory records

Range Statement

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements include the latest version of one or more of:

Australian and international standards covering the requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, laboratory design and construction, physical containment levels and facility types, laboratory safety, and quality and environmental management

national work health and safety (WHS) standards and codes of practice, and national measurement regulations and guidelines

Australian and international standards and guidelines covering chemical analysis, specialised spectrometric and chromatographic analysis, accuracy of measurement methods and results, expression of uncertainty and quantifying uncertainty

specific codes, guidelines, procedures and methods, such as the Australian code of good manufacturing practice for medicinal products (GMP), principles of good laboratory practice (GLP), Association of Analytical Communities International (AOAC International) Official Methods of Analysis, and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

workplace documents, such as SOPs; quality and equipment manuals; calibration and maintenance schedules; material safety data sheets (MSDS) and safety procedures; material, production and product specifications; production and laboratory schedules; data quality procedures; workplace recording and reporting procedures; waste minimisation and safe disposal procedures; cleaning, hygiene and personal hygiene requirements; and stock records and inventory

sampling procedures (labelling, preparation, storage, transport and disposal)

test procedures (validated and authorised)

Test requirements

Test requirements include:

specification of concentration and limits of analytes

time and cost limitations

Sample preparation

Sample preparation includes identification of any hazards associated with the samples and/or analytical chemicals and use of techniques, such as:

grinding, mulling, preparation of disks, digestion, dissolving, ashing, refluxing, extraction, filtration, evaporation, flocculation, precipitation, washing, drying and centrifugation

solid-phase micro-extraction

determination of, and if appropriate, removal of any contaminants or impurities

ultra-trace procedures requiring high purity solvents, clean rooms, ultra clean glassware and specialised glassware

Quantification techniques

Quantification techniques include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

matrix matched standards

standard additions

international standards

Analytical techniques

Analytical techniques include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

spectrometric techniques, such as inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS)

chromatographic techniques, such as gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and ion chromatography (IC)

electrometric techniques, such as ion selective electrodes, voltammetry (polarography) and anodic stripping voltammetry

electrophoretic techniques, such as capillary electrophoresis

Typical analytes and samples requiring complex tests

Typical analytes and samples requiring complex tests include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

contaminants in food, such as heavy metals and afflotoxins

trace level (microgram and nanogram/litre) analytes

forensic testing, and drug testing in body tissues and fluids

multiple analytes, such as organochlorins and polyaromatic hydrocarbons

environmental contaminants in water, soil and air (such as pesticides)

sludge, wastewater and sewage

samples with matrix interferences

Validation checks

Validation checks include:

recovery checks

use of standard/certified samples

Tests for completeness of sample preparation

Tests for completeness of sample preparation include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

visual inspection for colour and solids

odour

pH and conductivity

chemical tests for interferents, such as precipitation and colour forming

basic screening instrumental tests, such as infrared, ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) and gas chromatography

Modifiers

Modifiers include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

ionisation suppressants, such as Caesium for calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), and potassium (K) in atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS)

ionic strength and pH buffers, such as total ionic strength adjustment buffer (TISAB) for fluoride in ion-selective electrode (ISE)

releasing agents, such as Lanthanum and Strontium for Ca in AAS

volatility suppressants, such as phosphate for lead (Pb) in electrothermal AAS

Safety procedures

Safety procedures include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

ensuring access to service shut-off points

recognising and observing hazard warnings and safety signs

labelling of samples, reagents, aliquoted samples and hazardous materials

handling and storage of hazardous materials and equipment in accordance with labelling, MSDS and manufacturer instructions

identifying and reporting operating problems or equipment malfunctions

use of fumehoods and direct extraction of vapours and gases

use of appropriate equipment, such as biohazard containers, laminar flow cabinets, Class I, II and III biohazard cabinets

cleaning and decontaminating equipment and work areas regularly using workplace procedures

using PPE, such as gloves, safety glasses, coveralls and gowns

minimising exposure to radiation ionising, such as lasers, electromagnetic and UV radiation

reporting abnormal emissions, discharges and airborne contaminants, such as noise, light, solids, liquids, water/wastewater, gases, smoke, vapour, fumes, odour and particulates, to appropriate personnel

WHS and environmental management requirements

WHS and environmental management requirements include:

· complying with WHS and environmental management requirements at all times, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation. These requirements must not be compromised at any time

· applying standard precautions relating to the potentially hazardous nature of samples

accessing and applying current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health, where relevant

Performance Evidence

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

isolating analytes from complex matrices and performing multi-staged and/or multi-component analysis on them on at least three (3) different occasions

accurately interpreting client requests, test methods and procedures

applying detailed knowledge of analytical chemistry to develop an analysis plan for approval by a supervisor

maintaining close attention to measurement procedures, accuracy and precision during lengthy and complex tests

preparing samples and standards

safely setting up, starting up and shutting down equipment using workplace procedures

checking the calibration and qualification status of equipment

optimising procedures and equipment to suit sample and test requirements

making approved adjustments to procedures

preparing and using calibration charts and standards

analysing data, recognising atypical or anomalous results and troubleshooting common analytical procedure and equipment problems

calculating analyte concentrations with appropriate accuracy, precision, units and uncertainty

recording data and reporting results using workplace procedures

maintaining security, integrity and traceability of samples and documentation

following workplace safety procedures.

Knowledge Evidence

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

principles and concepts underpinning the analysis, including:

nature of specific sample matrices

effects of interferents with analyte behaviour, such as ionisation, complexation, precipitation, masking and association

quantification methods, such as internal standards, standard additions, Gran's Plot and recovery checks

chemical and physical treatments to minimise interferences

fragile and labile nature of biological sample materials

sample preparation procedures used for analyses

special needs for sample treatment or pre-treatment

function of key components of equipment and effects of modifying instrumental variables on outputs and results

basic procedure and equipment troubleshooting techniques

common analytical procedure and equipment problems, including:

matrix interference

spectral interference

problems associated with the physical state of the analyte, such as blockages and viscosity changing flow rates to instruments

basic equipment maintenance procedures

calculation steps to give results in appropriate units, precision and uncertainty

workplace and legal traceability requirements

relevant hazards, work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.