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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare to supervise laboratory operations and monitor quality of test results
   • Obtain, interpret and confirm work requirements
   • Access, interpret and apply documentation required to supervise laboratory operations and monitor quality of test results and confirm work activity is compliant
   • Monitor risk management and environmental protection and address non-compliance
   • Select and wear personal protective equipment required for work activity
   • Establish and implement communication system and coordinate activities with others prior to work activity
   • Prepare and implement an action plan in consultation with team members
2. Establish resource requirements and procure resources
   • Determine and confirm availability of required equipment and resources
   • Select and purchase new materials and equipment according to workplace procedures if required
   • Prepare operational plans which make the best use of available resources, considering client needs and workplace plans
   • Identify and analyse possible variances due to external/internal factors and prepare contingency plans
3. Manage personnel within work area
   • Confirm that personnel are competent to perform required tasks and organise training as required
   • Arrange for the recruitment and induction of personnel as required
   • Confirm personnel follow all relevant procedures, regulations and standards and that technical work is performed according to relevant standards, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and schedules
   • Monitor testing and sampling procedures for quality control according to workplace requirements
   • Develop and coordinate rosters to balance job requirements, laboratory efficiency and skill development opportunities
   • Empower work groups/teams in dealing with technical and workflow problems and suggest improvements
   • Provide coaching and mentoring to support personnel who have difficulties with meeting targets for performance and/or resource usage
4. Assess the quality of data/results
   • Review user checks and calibration performance records to confirm that equipment meets test specifications
   • Check for obvious sources of interferences that may have occurred during measurements
   • Review records of sample collection and preparation to confirm chain of custody requirements and adherence to sampling procedures
   • Check the condition of equipment and stored samples if available and appropriate
   • Review the quality of test results and data and document potential sources or instances of non-conforming work and asses their significance
5. Review performance and complete housekeeping
   • Assess utilisation of plant, equipment and consumables and compare with planned usage
   • Program and arrange for maintenance of plant and equipment according to workplace maintenance schedules
   • Recommend preventative and corrective actions to improve sampling, testing and calibration activities
   • Maintain systems, procedures and records associated with resource usage according to workplace requirements

Performance Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including evidence of the ability to:

supervise laboratory operations and monitor quality of results on at least two occasions, including:

analysing at least two sets of test reports and data to detect potential or actual non-conformances, asses their significance, identify potential causes and recommend preventative or corrective actions

reviewing the accuracy and completeness of at least one set of technical records for sampling or testing activities, including:

instrument calibration/performance records

client requests or work orders however named

worksheets

competency records

reports

records of proficiency testing or quality assurance activities.

During the above, the candidate must:

locate and apply required legislation, accreditation, documentation, policies and procedures

interpret and implement required procedures and techniques, including:

using computers/data management devices and programs

reading and interpreting databases and spreadsheets

maintaining written and verbal reporting requirements and procedures

work with others to supervise laboratory operations and monitor quality of test results to meet required outcomes, including:

communicating instructions to those involved

establishing and maintaining communication with all personnel and clients

using a range of communication techniques and equipment to convey information to others.

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including knowledge of:

key legislation required to supervise laboratory operations and monitor quality of test results, including:

National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation program requirements

Australian and international standards and codes relevant to the laboratory’s operations and scope of testing

key policies, procedures and established requirement for supervising laboratory operations and monitoring the quality of test results, including those for:

budgeting, operational planning and efficient resource use

scheduling and completing internal audit

contingency planning

work health and safety

emergencies

environmental sustainability issues as they relate to the work task

workplace data quality and legal traceability

records and reports

housekeeping

problem-solving techniques, including:

troubleshooting and fault-finding

risk analysis, cause analysis and/or aspect/impact analysis commensurate with the problem

non-routine operational, technical, administrative and/or personnel-related problems

specifications for samples, tests or calibration activities under investigation

procedures, equipment, materials and instrumentation used to generate test results and data

apply basic mathematical skills to determine data acceptability

typical sample collection and preparation problems and associated preventative and corrective actions

human and environmental factors that may affect data

sources of interference that may affect data

workplace documents and/or plans covering management of laboratory services, quality, environment, personnel, budgets and maintenance

laboratory services and/or products and customers in work or functional area

business operational plans and key performance indicators (KPIs) for work or functional area

team leadership, mentoring, coaching and training opportunities and techniques

human resource management

characteristic properties of the materials under investigation

workplace industrial agreements and regulations dealing with hygiene, dress and behaviour of employees.

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