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

MSL974003 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Perform chemical tests and procedures

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency MSL974003 - Perform chemical tests and procedures
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency covers the ability to interpret chemical test requirements, prepare samples, conduct pre-use and calibration checks on equipment and perform routine chemical tests/procedures. These tests will involve several measurement steps. The unit includes data processing and interpretation of results and tracking of obvious test malfunctions where the procedure is standardised. However, personnel are not required to analyse data, optimise tests/procedures for specific samples or troubleshoot equipment problems where the solution is not apparent.This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory or technical assistants and instrument operators 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:

MSL924001 Process and interpret data

MSL974001 Prepare, standardise and use solutions

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of test data and results obtained by the candidate over a period of time to check accuracy, consistency and timeliness of results

review of test records and workplace documentation completed by the candidate

feedback from peers and supervisors

observation of the candidate conducting a range of sample preparations, chemical tests and procedures

oral or written questioning of chemical principles and concepts, test methods and workplace 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 sample preparation and test equipment, instruments, standards and reagents

workplace procedures and standard methods

records, including test and calibration results; equipment use, maintenance and servicing history, and faulty or unsafe equipment.

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: Interpret and schedule test requirements
  • Review test request to identify samples to be tested, test method and equipment and instruments involved
  • Identify hazards and workplace control measures associated with the sample, preparation and test methods, reagents and/or equipment
  • Plan work sequences to optimise throughput of multiple samples
       
Element: Receive and prepare samples
  • Log samples using standard operating procedures (SOPs)
  • Record sample description, compare with specification and note and report discrepancies
  • Prepare samples and standards in accordance with chemical testing requirements
  • Ensure traceability of samples from receipt to reporting of results
       
Element: Check equipment before use
  • Set up equipment and instruments in accordance with test method requirements
  • Perform pre-use and safety checks in accordance with relevant workplace and operating procedures
  • Identify faulty or unsafe components and equipment and report to appropriate personnel
  • Check equipment calibration using specified standards and procedures
  • Quarantine out-of-calibration equipment and instruments
  • Ensure reagents required for the test are available and meet quality requirements
       
Element: Test samples to determine chemical species or properties
  • Operate equipment and instruments in accordance with test method requirements
  • Perform tests or procedures on all samples and standards in accordance with specified methods
  • Shut down equipment and instruments in accordance with operating procedures
       
Element: Process and interpret data
  • Record test data noting atypical observations
  • Construct calibration graphs and compute results for all samples from these graphs
  • Ensure calculated values are consistent with expectations
  • Record and report results in accordance with workplace procedures
  • Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures
  • Interpret trends in data and/or results and report out-of-specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel
  • Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results
       
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
  • Minimise the generation of wastes and environmental impacts
  • Ensure the safe collection of laboratory and hazardous waste for subsequent disposal
  • Care for and store equipment and reagents as required
       
Element: Maintain laboratory records
  • Enter approved data into laboratory information management system (LIMS)
  • Maintain confidentiality and security of workplace information and laboratory data
  • Maintain equipment and calibration logs in accordance with workplace procedures
       


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

Interpret and schedule test requirements

1.1

Review test request to identify samples to be tested, test method and equipment and instruments involved

1.2

Identify hazards and workplace control measures associated with the sample, preparation and test methods, reagents and/or equipment

1.3

Plan work sequences to optimise throughput of multiple samples

2

Receive and prepare samples

2.1

Log samples using standard operating procedures (SOPs)

2.2

Record sample description, compare with specification and note and report discrepancies

2.3

Prepare samples and standards in accordance with chemical testing requirements

2.4

Ensure traceability of samples from receipt to reporting of results

3

Check equipment before use

3.1

Set up equipment and instruments in accordance with test method requirements

3.2

Perform pre-use and safety checks in accordance with relevant workplace and operating procedures

3.3

Identify faulty or unsafe components and equipment and report to appropriate personnel

3.4

Check equipment calibration using specified standards and procedures

3.5

Quarantine out-of-calibration equipment and instruments

3.6

Ensure reagents required for the test are available and meet quality requirements

4

Test samples to determine chemical species or properties

4.1

Operate equipment and instruments in accordance with test method requirements

4.2

Perform tests or procedures on all samples and standards in accordance with specified methods

4.3

Shut down equipment and instruments in accordance with operating procedures

5

Process and interpret data

5.1

Record test data noting atypical observations

5.2

Construct calibration graphs and compute results for all samples from these graphs

5.3

Ensure calculated values are consistent with expectations

5.4

Record and report results in accordance with workplace procedures

5.5

Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures

5.6

Interpret trends in data and/or results and report out-of-specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel

5.7

Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results

6

Maintain a safe work environment

6.1

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

6.2

Minimise the generation of wastes and environmental impacts

6.3

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

6.4

Care for and store equipment and reagents as required

7

Maintain laboratory records

7.1

Enter approved data into laboratory information management system (LIMS)

7.2

Maintain confidentiality and security of workplace information and laboratory data

7.3

Maintain equipment and calibration logs in accordance with workplace procedures

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

safely performing at least two (2) different chemical tests or procedures involving several measurement steps

safely conducting at least three (3) instrumental tests (the same or different)

interpreting chemical test methods and procedures accurately

preparing samples using at least three (3) different processes

maintaining and evaluating reagents

conducting pre-use and calibration checks on equipment, and quarantining out-of-calibration equipment and instruments

safely operating test equipment and instruments to workplace standards and manufacturer specifications

processing data, interpreting gross features of data/results and making relevant conclusions

preparing calibration graphs and calculating results using appropriate equations, units, uncertainties and precision

identifying atypical results as either out-of-normal range or an artefact

tracing and sourcing obvious causes of artefacts, tracking obvious test malfunctions for standardised procedures, and troubleshooting basic equipment and methods

communicating problems to a supervisor or outside service technician

recording and communicating results in accordance with workplace procedures

maintaining security, integrity and traceability of samples, sub-samples, test data, results and documentation

following workplace safety procedures.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

relevant chemical principles and concepts, such as:

ions, atoms, molecules, bonding and links to chemical properties

Atomic Mass

Moles and Molarity

chemical formulae and balancing equations

chemical reactions involving acid/base, redox, complex ion formation, solubility and equilibrium

energy levels and absorption/emission spectra

purpose of the tests and/or procedures conducted

concepts of metrology, principles and concepts related to equipment and instrument operation, tests and/or procedures

function of key components of the equipment and instrument and reagents and effects of modifying equipment and instrument variables

calibration and basic equipment and method troubleshooting procedures

sample preparation procedures for the tests and/or procedures conducted

workplace and/or legal traceability requirements

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

Interpret and schedule test requirements

1.1

Review test request to identify samples to be tested, test method and equipment and instruments involved

1.2

Identify hazards and workplace control measures associated with the sample, preparation and test methods, reagents and/or equipment

1.3

Plan work sequences to optimise throughput of multiple samples

2

Receive and prepare samples

2.1

Log samples using standard operating procedures (SOPs)

2.2

Record sample description, compare with specification and note and report discrepancies

2.3

Prepare samples and standards in accordance with chemical testing requirements

2.4

Ensure traceability of samples from receipt to reporting of results

3

Check equipment before use

3.1

Set up equipment and instruments in accordance with test method requirements

3.2

Perform pre-use and safety checks in accordance with relevant workplace and operating procedures

3.3

Identify faulty or unsafe components and equipment and report to appropriate personnel

3.4

Check equipment calibration using specified standards and procedures

3.5

Quarantine out-of-calibration equipment and instruments

3.6

Ensure reagents required for the test are available and meet quality requirements

4

Test samples to determine chemical species or properties

4.1

Operate equipment and instruments in accordance with test method requirements

4.2

Perform tests or procedures on all samples and standards in accordance with specified methods

4.3

Shut down equipment and instruments in accordance with operating procedures

5

Process and interpret data

5.1

Record test data noting atypical observations

5.2

Construct calibration graphs and compute results for all samples from these graphs

5.3

Ensure calculated values are consistent with expectations

5.4

Record and report results in accordance with workplace procedures

5.5

Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures

5.6

Interpret trends in data and/or results and report out-of-specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel

5.7

Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results

6

Maintain a safe work environment

6.1

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

6.2

Minimise the generation of wastes and environmental impacts

6.3

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

6.4

Care for and store equipment and reagents as required

7

Maintain laboratory records

7.1

Enter approved data into laboratory information management system (LIMS)

7.2

Maintain confidentiality and security of workplace information and laboratory data

7.3

Maintain equipment and calibration logs in accordance with workplace procedures

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 and quality management

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

standard methods for chemical analysis by gravimetric, titrimetric, spectrometric, chromatographic and electrochemical techniques

specific codes, guidelines, procedures and methods, such as:

Association of Analytical Communities International (AOAC International) Official Methods of Analysis, Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) and/or American Association of Cereal Chemists (AACC) methods for inorganic constituents

Australian code of good manufacturing practice for medicinal products (GMP), and principles of good laboratory practice (GLP)

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; workplace recording and reporting procedures; and waste minimisation and safe disposal procedures

Sample preparation processes

Sample preparation processes include one or more of:

grinding

preparation of discs

digestion, dissolving, refluxing and mulling

precipitation, filtration, flocculation, evaporation and centrifugation

washing, drying, tracting and ashing

Non-instrumental tests or procedures

Non-instrumental tests or procedures include one or more of:

gravimetric analysis

titrimetric analysis

filtration, separation and solvent extraction techniques

corrosion testing, cement content and accelerated weathering

Instrumental tests

Instrumental tests include:

spectrometry, chromatography and electrochemistry

Types of instrumentation and instrumental techniques

Types of instrumentation and instrumental techniques include one or more of:

colorimetric techniques, such as enzyme activity, chlorine in water, specific cations and anions

infrared and ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectrophotometry

other spectrometric techniques, such as fluorimetric analysis, flame atomic emission and flame atomic absorption spectrometry, and fourier transform infrared

chromatographic techniques, such as column and thin layer analytical and preparative chromatography, gas or liquid chromatography, ion chromatography and gel filtration chromatography

electrochemical techniques, such as pH, eH, conductivity and ion-selective electrodes

electrophoretic techniques, such as for DNA patterns and determination of protein purity

soil testing techniques, such as moisture content, organic matter content, specific anions and cations, auto-analysers for determination of total P, total Kjeldahl N, orthophosphate, nitrite/nitrate and ammonia

Chemical test methods

Chemical test methods include one or more of:

control of starting materials, in-process materials and finished products

environmental monitoring

basic troubleshooting and/or problem solving within the scope of SOPs and workplace processes

Safe work practices

Safe work practices include:

ensuring access to service shut-off points

recognising and observing hazard warnings and safety signs

labelling of samples and hazardous materials

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

identifying and reporting operating problems or equipment malfunctions

cleaning equipment and work areas regularly using workplace procedures

using PPE, such as hard hats, hearing protection, gloves, safety glasses, coveralls and safety boots

following established manual handling procedures

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:

· 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
Review test request to identify samples to be tested, test method and equipment and instruments involved 
Identify hazards and workplace control measures associated with the sample, preparation and test methods, reagents and/or equipment 
Plan work sequences to optimise throughput of multiple samples 
Log samples using standard operating procedures (SOPs) 
Record sample description, compare with specification and note and report discrepancies 
Prepare samples and standards in accordance with chemical testing requirements 
Ensure traceability of samples from receipt to reporting of results 
Set up equipment and instruments in accordance with test method requirements 
Perform pre-use and safety checks in accordance with relevant workplace and operating procedures 
Identify faulty or unsafe components and equipment and report to appropriate personnel 
Check equipment calibration using specified standards and procedures 
Quarantine out-of-calibration equipment and instruments 
Ensure reagents required for the test are available and meet quality requirements 
Operate equipment and instruments in accordance with test method requirements 
Perform tests or procedures on all samples and standards in accordance with specified methods 
Shut down equipment and instruments in accordance with operating procedures 
Record test data noting atypical observations 
Construct calibration graphs and compute results for all samples from these graphs 
Ensure calculated values are consistent with expectations 
Record and report results in accordance with workplace procedures 
Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures 
Interpret trends in data and/or results and report out-of-specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel 
Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results 
Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel 
Minimise the generation of wastes and environmental impacts 
Ensure the safe collection of laboratory and hazardous waste for subsequent disposal 
Care for and store equipment and reagents as required 
Enter approved data into laboratory information management system (LIMS) 
Maintain confidentiality and security of workplace information and laboratory data 
Maintain equipment and calibration logs in accordance with workplace procedures 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSL974003 - Perform chemical tests and procedures
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

MSL974003 - Perform chemical tests and procedures

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: