MSL973014
Prepare working solutions


Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to prepare working solutions and to check that existing stocks of solutions are suitable for use. Working solutions include those required to perform laboratory tests. Personnel are required to calculate quantities and make dilutions.

This unit of competency applies to laboratory assistants working in all industry sectors.

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

Make up working solutions

1.1

Identify the relevant standard methods for solution preparation

1.2

Assemble specified laboratory equipment

1.3

Select and prepare materials and solvent of specified purity

1.4

Measure appropriate quantities of reagents for solution preparation and record data

1.5

Prepare labels and log solution details in laboratory register

1.6

Transfer solutions to appropriately labelled containers

2

Check existing stock of solutions

2.1

Monitor shelf life of working solutions and identify those that are unfit for use according to laboratory procedures

2.2

Replace out-of-date or reject solutions according to laboratory procedures

3

Maintain a safe work environment

3.1

Use appropriate safety procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel

3.2

Store reagents and clean/store glassware and equipment in accordance with workplace procedures

3.3

Minimise generation of waste and environmental impacts

3.4

Clean up spills using appropriate techniques

3.5

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

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

Testing