Required skills

Required skills include

interpreting instructions manuals and applying enterprise procedures

logging and tracking samples from collecting or receiving a sample through to completion of a procedure and reporting

performing tasks associated with the culture and isolation of microorganisms

setting up cleaning and using a light microscope to achieve optimum resolution of the specimen

identifying artefacts or image aberrations attributable to misalignment or obstruction of light paths or condensers used in bright field dark ground and phase contrast microscopy or with other steps in microscopic examinations

performing basic microscopic examination of materials to enumerate and identify microorganisms and identify important components of plant and animal tissues

interpreting and recording test results including simple calculationsestimations

using personal protective clothing and other safety equipment correctly

preventing contaminating of oneself other people the work area equipment or the samples under test

sterilising materials disinfecting spillage and safely disposing of all contaminated waste

decontaminating the work area upon completion of work

storingdisposing of samples and cleaningstoring equipment

seeking advice when issuesproblems are beyond scope of competenceresponsibility

working safely for the protection of self and others

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes

principles and terminology used in elementary microbiological testing organism classification microscopic examination and cell structure

hazards risks and controls associated with handling microorganisms

common sampling techniques for air water soil in a range of terrestrial and aquatic habitats

the relationship between sterile practices hygiene procedures and the ability to obtain growth of microorganisms free of contamination

importance of pure culture techniques and aseptic transfer to successful microbiological investigation and correct interpretation of results

growth requirements of microorganism cultures eg bacteria fungi and yeasts

principles of infection control related to occupational health and safety OHS sampling and transfer of materials in microbiological investigations

disinfection and sterilisation procedures used in the collection processing and safe disposal of samples and materials

cleaning and sanitising requirements of equipment and work area and effects of physical and chemical agents on microbial growth and death

parts and functions of common microscopes setup procedures and common causessolutions for suboptimal performance eg fringing

basic structure and function of cells and organelles

basic classes and classification of organisms

cell physiology and processes such as simple and facilitated diffusion plasmolysis osmosis tonicity active transport energy production mitosis motility phagocytosis and pinocystosis

purposes and mechanisms of staining eg Gram ve and ve

enterprise andor legal traceability requirements

relevant safety procedures

Overview of assessment

Competency must be demonstrated in the ability to perform consistently at the required standard

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently apply the skills covered in this unit of competency in new and different situations and contexts Critical aspects of assessment and evidence include

collecting and handling biological samples

using aseptic techniques to obtainmanipulate samples and prepare media

using standard techniques to grow cultures of environmentally significant microorganisms

setting up and optimising the performance of light microscopes

conducting tests and microscopic examination of samples to identify and enumerate environmentally significant microorganisms and important components of plantanimal tissues

demonstrating safe sterilisation disinfection cleaning and waste disposal techniques

preparing documentation that is concise accurate and meets enterprise requirements

working safely

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment

Assessment should emphasise a workplace context and procedures found in the candidates workplace

This unit of competency may be assessed with

MSLA Collect routine site samples

MSL952001A Collect routine site samples

MSSA Perform sampling and testing of water

MSS024006A Perform sampling and testing of water

environmental monitoring units such as

MSSA Assist with assessing and monitoring stormwater systems

MSS024009A Assist with assessing and monitoring stormwater systems

MSSA Assist with assessing and monitoring wetlands

MSS025013A Assist with assessing and monitoring wetlands.

The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team

Resources may include

relevant sampling equipment and materials

standard microbiology laboratory with relevant equipment materials and reagents

enterprise procedures test methods and equipment manuals

Under duty of care requirements offthejob training providers will only use biological samples and organisms of a risk category that is compatible with their laboratory as defined in ASNZS Safety in laboratories Microbiological aspects and containment facilities

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested

inspection of samples and review of data results and records prepared by the candidate

feedback from peers and supervisors that the candidate consistently follows enterprise procedures and works safely

oralwritten questioning associated with sampling safe handling culturing testing and examination of microorganisms and their identification

observation of the candidate handling samplescultures optimising a light microscope for identified samples classifying organisms or performing basic environmental microbiological testing

In all cases practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly

Where applicable reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity age gender demographics and disability

The language literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a worklike environment

Guidance information for assessment

Codes of practice

Legislation, standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements

Equipment, materials and systems

Samples

Aseptic techniques

Microscopes and microscopy techniques

Organism classification

Cell structure and function

OHS and environmental management requirements