Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to clean laboratory work surfaces, clean and store laboratory equipment and monitor laboratory stocks under direct supervision.
This unit of competency applies to laboratory assistants and instrument operators working in all industry sectors. It forms a major part of the work of laboratory assistants, who work in accordance with work instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs) which incorporate all relevant aspects of work health and safety (WHS) legislation and the codes, guidelines, regulations and Australian Standards applying to environmental hazards and dangerous goods.
No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Clean work preparation areas | 1.1 | Clean preparation areas using appropriate cleaning agents and equipment according to workplace procedures |
1.2 | Remove spillages using appropriate agents, personal protective equipment (PPE) and workplace procedures | ||
1.3 | Collect and segregate wastes in accordance with workplace procedures, relevant codes and regulations | ||
2 | Clean and store equipment | 2.1 | Collect used equipment, inspect for faults and, where necessary, remove from service |
2.2 | Use appropriate agents, apparatus and techniques to clean equipment | ||
2.3 | Store clean equipment in the designated locations and manner | ||
3 | Monitor stocks of materials and equipment | 3.1 | Perform stock checks and maintain records of usage as directed |
3.2 | Store labelled stocks for safe and efficient retrieval | ||
3.3 | Inform appropriate personnel of impending stock shortages to maintain continuity of supply | ||
4 | Maintain a safe work environment | 4.1 | Use established safe work practices and PPE to ensure personal safety and that of other personnel |
4.2 | Report potential hazards and/or maintenance issues in own work area to designated personnel | ||
4.3 | Minimise the generation of waste and environmental impacts | ||
4.4 | Dispose of waste in accordance with workplace procedures, relevant codes and regulations | ||
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Competency Field
Quality