Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

MSL974001 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Prepare, standardise and use solutions

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency MSL974001 - Prepare, standardise and use solutions
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency covers the ability to prepare, standardise and monitor the quality of solutions.This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory technicians working in all industry sectors.While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

Judgment of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

relevant MSL974000 series units of competency, and

relevant MSL975000 series units of competency dealing with sampling, tests and measurements

Holistic assessment methods include:

inspection and/or testing of solutions prepared by the candidate

review of records and workplace documentation completed by candidate

review of work outputs by the candidate over time to ensure accuracy, consistency and timeliness

observation of the candidate preparing, standardising and using a range of solutions

feedback from peers and supervisors about the candidate’s ability to consistently prepare and standardise solutions that are fit for purpose

oral/written questions about key steps in solution preparation and standardisation, calculations, common hazards and safety procedures.

Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:

a standard laboratory equipped with appropriate reagents and equipment to prepare and standardise solutions, such as pH meters; balances; magnetic stirrers, water baths and hot plates; measuring cylinders, beakers, conical flasks, volumetric flasks, pipettes and burettes; filter papers and funnels; and fume cupboards

standard methods and workplace procedures

containers and storage facilities.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

The assessor must demonstrate both technical competence and currency.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR

relevant workplace experience.

Currency can be demonstrated through:

performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR

having consulted with a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field Testing
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Prepare solutions
  • Select appropriate procedure for solution preparation
  • Select equipment, materials and solvent of specified purity
  • Measure appropriate quantities of reagents for solution preparation and record data.
  • Select and assemble specified laboratory equipment and appropriate grade of glassware
  • Perform specified dilutions
  • Prepare solutions to achieve homogeneous mix of the specified concentration
  • Label and store solutions to maintain identity and stability
       
Element: Standardise and use volumetric solutions
  • Assemble appropriate laboratory equipment
  • Perform serial dilutions as required
  • Standardise the solution to the required specified range and precision
  • Label and store solutions to maintain identity and stability
  • Use standard volumetric solutions to determine concentration of unknown solutions
       
Element: Calculate and record data
  • Calculate specified concentrations
  • Use authorised procedure if data is to be modified
  • Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures, as required
  • Record all relevant details according to laboratory procedures and report results
  • Report concentration with appropriate units
       
Element: Monitor the quality of laboratory solutions
  • Check solutions for visual deterioration and expiry date
  • Re-standardise or dispose of dated or deteriorated solutions
  • Record details and label solutions according to laboratory procedures
       
Element: 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
  • Clean up spills using appropriate techniques to protect personnel, work area and environment
  • Minimise generation of waste and environmental impacts
  • Ensure the safe collection of laboratory and hazardous waste for subsequent disposal
  • Store equipment and reagents as required
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare solutions

1.1

Select appropriate procedure for solution preparation

1.2

Select equipment, materials and solvent of specified purity

1.3

Measure appropriate quantities of reagents for solution preparation and record data.

1.4

Select and assemble specified laboratory equipment and appropriate grade of glassware

1.5

Perform specified dilutions

1.6

Prepare solutions to achieve homogeneous mix of the specified concentration

1.7

Label and store solutions to maintain identity and stability

2

Standardise and use volumetric solutions

2.1

Assemble appropriate laboratory equipment

2.2

Perform serial dilutions as required

2.3

Standardise the solution to the required specified range and precision

2.4

Label and store solutions to maintain identity and stability

2.5

Use standard volumetric solutions to determine concentration of unknown solutions

3

Calculate and record data

3.1

Calculate specified concentrations

3.2

Use authorised procedure if data is to be modified

3.3

Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures, as required

3.4

Record all relevant details according to laboratory procedures and report results

3.5

Report concentration with appropriate units

4

Monitor the quality of laboratory solutions

4.1

Check solutions for visual deterioration and expiry date

4.2

Re-standardise or dispose of dated or deteriorated solutions

4.3

Record details and label solutions according to laboratory procedures

5

Maintain a safe work environment

5.1

Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel

5.2

Clean up spills using appropriate techniques to protect personnel, work area and environment

5.3

Minimise generation of waste and environmental impacts

5.4

Ensure the safe collection of laboratory and hazardous waste for subsequent disposal

5.5

Store equipment and reagents as required

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

preparing and standardising at least three (3) different solutions in accordance workplace procedures and/or standard methods

using balances and volumetric glassware accurately

selecting and using primary and secondary standards and indicators

performing titrations using laboratory procedures with required accuracy and precision and within required timelines

determining equivalence points using indicators and graphical methods

calculating the concentration of the solution with appropriate units and uncertainties given the chemical reaction for the titration

performing quality assurance checks for solution performance

recognising control results that are not within acceptable range

recording and reporting results in accordance with workplace procedures

labelling and storing solutions, safely cleaning up spills and collecting and disposing of waste in accordance with workplace procedures

working safely at all times by following established safe work practices and using safety information and safety equipment.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

solution terminology

the chemistry of acids, bases, buffers and redox reactions

Moles and Molarity

scientific terminology for different types of solutions

chemical symbols and Atomic Mass

formulae for calculating concentration

concepts of metrology, including:

all measurements are estimates

measurements belong to a population of measurements of the measured parameters

precision, accuracy and significant figures

sources of error, uncertainty and repeatability

traceability

international system of units (SI)

grades of glassware, reagents and their use

reactions used for standardisation and desirable characteristics

workplace procedures, standard methods and calculations used for preparing, standardising and monitoring the quality of solutions used in job role

workplace communication and reporting procedures

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

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare solutions

1.1

Select appropriate procedure for solution preparation

1.2

Select equipment, materials and solvent of specified purity

1.3

Measure appropriate quantities of reagents for solution preparation and record data.

1.4

Select and assemble specified laboratory equipment and appropriate grade of glassware

1.5

Perform specified dilutions

1.6

Prepare solutions to achieve homogeneous mix of the specified concentration

1.7

Label and store solutions to maintain identity and stability

2

Standardise and use volumetric solutions

2.1

Assemble appropriate laboratory equipment

2.2

Perform serial dilutions as required

2.3

Standardise the solution to the required specified range and precision

2.4

Label and store solutions to maintain identity and stability

2.5

Use standard volumetric solutions to determine concentration of unknown solutions

3

Calculate and record data

3.1

Calculate specified concentrations

3.2

Use authorised procedure if data is to be modified

3.3

Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures, as required

3.4

Record all relevant details according to laboratory procedures and report results

3.5

Report concentration with appropriate units

4

Monitor the quality of laboratory solutions

4.1

Check solutions for visual deterioration and expiry date

4.2

Re-standardise or dispose of dated or deteriorated solutions

4.3

Record details and label solutions according to laboratory procedures

5

Maintain a safe work environment

5.1

Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel

5.2

Clean up spills using appropriate techniques to protect personnel, work area and environment

5.3

Minimise generation of waste and environmental impacts

5.4

Ensure the safe collection of laboratory and hazardous waste for subsequent disposal

5.5

Store equipment and reagents as required

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 safety, quality management, laboratory glassware and international system of units (SI)

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

specific codes, guidelines and procedures, such as National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation requirements, principles of good laboratory practice (GLP), and Australian code of good manufacturing practice for medicinal products (GMP)

workplace documents, such as standard operating procedures (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; workplace recording and reporting procedures; and waste minimisation and safe disposal procedures

workplace procedures and standard methods for preparing working solutions

Solutions

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

solutions of strong/weak acids and bases

oxidising/reducing agents

solutions used for complexometric or precipitation titrations

stains for cells and tissues, enzymes, buffers and antibodies

diluents for maintaining isotonicity

organic solutions and histological fixatives

Checking useability of solutions

Checking useability of solutions includes, but is not limited to, one or more of:

examining stained samples for correct staining reactions

performing pH checks

confirming enzyme activity

checking red cell suspensions for haemolysis

ferric chloride for phenolic solutions

isotonicity for saline

Established safe work practices

Established safe work practices include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

use of PPE, such as safety glasses, gloves and coveralls

correctly labelling reagents and hazardous materials

handling and storing hazardous material and equipment in accordance with labels, MSDS, manufacturer instructions, and workplace procedures and regulations

regular cleaning and/or decontamination of equipment and work areas

prompt clean-up of spills in accordance workplace procedures

WHS and environmental management requirements

WHS and environmental management requirements

· 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

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Select appropriate procedure for solution preparation 
Select equipment, materials and solvent of specified purity 
Measure appropriate quantities of reagents for solution preparation and record data. 
Select and assemble specified laboratory equipment and appropriate grade of glassware 
Perform specified dilutions 
Prepare solutions to achieve homogeneous mix of the specified concentration 
Label and store solutions to maintain identity and stability 
Assemble appropriate laboratory equipment 
Perform serial dilutions as required 
Standardise the solution to the required specified range and precision 
Label and store solutions to maintain identity and stability 
Use standard volumetric solutions to determine concentration of unknown solutions 
Calculate specified concentrations 
Use authorised procedure if data is to be modified 
Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures, as required 
Record all relevant details according to laboratory procedures and report results 
Report concentration with appropriate units 
Check solutions for visual deterioration and expiry date 
Re-standardise or dispose of dated or deteriorated solutions 
Record details and label solutions according to laboratory procedures 
Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel 
Clean up spills using appropriate techniques to protect personnel, work area and environment 
Minimise generation of waste and environmental impacts 
Ensure the safe collection of laboratory and hazardous waste for subsequent disposal 
Store equipment and reagents as required 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSL974001 - Prepare, standardise and use solutions
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

MSL974001 - Prepare, standardise and use solutions

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: