ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Prepare for testing

1.1 Testing requirements and methods are identified

1.2 Calibration of test equipment is managed to maintain accurate equipment

1.3 Standard graphs are prepared

1.4 Test chemicals and reagents are prepared and labelled as required for laboratory requirements

1.5 Samples are prepared as required by test method

1.6 Pre-test checks are conducted and recorded according to workplace recording requirements

2 Conduct test

2.1 Conduct test in accordance with test method and test schedule

2.2 Identify and report atypical test results

2.3 Record and communicate test results as required

2.4 Follow procedures to repeat or validate results

2.5 Clean, care for and store equipment as required

2.6 Dispose of waste materials according to workplace procedure

3 Record test data in laboratory information system

3.1 Results are entered into laboratory information systems according to workplace procedure

3.2 Correct data entry errors

3.3 Store and retrieve data in the laboratory information system

3.4 Produce standard and non-standard reports from laboratory information system

Required skills include:

Ability to:

access workplace information such as the test regime to identify test requirements and methods

select, fit and use personal protective clothing and/or equipment

prepare standard graphs and standard chemicals for laboratory use

manage calibration of test equipment

handle chemicals safely including following correct handling and preparation procedures and use of appropriate protective clothing and equipment

demonstrate test procedures according to test schedule and test method

identify and report any out-of-specification results

communicate test results to relevant personnel

maintain stocks of laboratory chemicals and materials

sort, collect, treat, recycle or dispose of tested materials

record information in the laboratory information system including ability to enter and edit data, generate standard reports and store information

maintain work area to meet housekeeping standards

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

purpose of the test procedure including a basic knowledge of chemistry and physics principles relating to the tests performed and operating principles of equipment used

mill operations for interpreting test results including identifying implications of results for mill performance

awareness of legislative requirements relating to cane payment tests

terminology relating to the types of tests and related methods used

safe work procedures including hazards associated with specific test procedures requirements such as working with chemicals and test equipment

specific test methods/procedures

typical causes of out-of-specification results and procedure for repeating the analysis

methods used to plot, analyse and present test data including production of both standard and non-standard reports

laboratory information system recording and reporting requirements that meet legislative record keeping requirements and workplace requirements

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Assessment must be carried out in a manner that recognises the cultural and literacy requirements of the assessee and is appropriate to the work performed.

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

Evidence of ability to:

identify test requirements and methods

prepare standard graphs and standard chemicals for laboratory use

manage calibration of test equipment

handle chemicals safely

demonstrate test procedures

identify and report any out-of-specification results

communicate test results to relevant personnel

record information in the laboratory information system

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to:

Test equipment, chemicals and reagents and related equipment

Materials to be tested

Test methods and procedures

Personal protective clothing and equipment

Communication systems and equipment

Housekeeping standards and procedures

Sample labelling and recording systems, requirements and procedures

Laboratory recording and reporting system

Method of assessment

Other units of competency relevant to the work role should be assessed in conjunction with this unit.

Guidance information for assessment

To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Policies and procedures

Work is carried out in accordance with company policies and procedures, licensing requirements, legislative requirements, codes of practice and industrial awards and agreements.

Codes of Practice

Codes of practice include the Sugar Milling Operations Industry Code of Practice and sugar industry codes of practice related to cane railway and transport operations.

Workplace information

Workplace information can include

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Specifications

test methods and

procedures.

Testing Equipment

Equipment is defined by test method and legislative requirements.

Confirming equipment condition may include:

conducting calibration procedures.

Calibration procedures are routine, documented procedures.

Factory control tests

The types of tests conducted depends on the test equipment and methods used and may include but are not limited to:

Sugar - ash, colour, dextran, filterability, reducing sugars, starch, phosphate, grist/grain size

Molasses/massecuite/syrup - true purity by dry substandard and sucrose, HPLC

Cane/bagasse - POC, pol and brix by disintegrator method, fibre by prepared cane method

Clarified juice or ESJ - phosphate, starch

Mud - fibre, insolubles

Boiler water - caustic alkalinity, phosphate, sulphate, hardness, total dissolved solids, sulphate

Effluent - sucrose, BOD, suspended solids

Caustic - concentration

EDTA - concentration and activity

Lime - sucrose soluble alkali

Teamwork

Work may require the ability to work within a team environment

Information systems

Information systems may be print or screen based