Elements and Performance Criteria
- Establish client needs and schedule analysis
- Liaise with client or sample provider to determine client needs and sample history
- Record sample description, compare with specification and record and report discrepancies
- Identify non-routine samples and the possible need to vary workplace procedures
- Seek advice from supervisor about any proposed variations and document all approved changes.
- Schedule analysis using workplace procedures
- Prepare samples and standards
- Set up and optimise instrument and sub-systems
- Perform pre-use and safety checks using workplace procedures
- Assemble appropriate instrument sub-systems to construct the required analytical path
- Start up and condition the instrument using workplace procedures
- Check and optimise each instrument sub-system
- Optimise instrumental parameters to suit sample and test requirements
- Check calibration status of instrument and perform calibration using specified standards and procedures, as required
- Perform analysis
- Process and analyse data
- Confirm data is the result of valid measurements
- Perform required calculations and ensure results are consistent with standards or estimations and expectations
- Record results with the appropriate accuracy, precision, uncertainty and units
- Analyse trends in data and/or results and report out-of-specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel
- Troubleshoot analytical procedure or equipment problems which have led to atypical data or results
- Maintain a safe work environment
- Identify risks, hazards, safety equipment and control measures associated with sample handling, preparation and analytical method
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety procedures specified for test method and materials to be tested
- Minimise the generation of waste and environmental impacts
- Ensure the safe disposal of laboratory waste
- Clean, care for and store equipment and consumables in accordance with workplace procedures
- Maintain laboratory records