Application
This unit of competency covers the ability to isolate analytes from complex matrices and perform multi-staged and multi-component analyses on them. The unit requires personnel to apply detailed knowledge of analytical chemistry to plan the analysis, prepare and measure samples, analyse and report results and make approved adjustments to procedures as required. Personnel are required to recognise atypical test data and results and troubleshoot common analytical procedure and equipment problems.
This unit of competency is applicable to technical working in all industry sectors. All operations must comply with relevant standards, appropriate procedures and workplace requirements. Although a supervisor may not always be present, the technician will follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) that clearly describe the scope of permitted practice, including varying workplace/test procedures and communicating results to people outside the laboratory.
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.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Develop an analysis plan with supervisor | 1.1 | Liaise with client or sample provider to determine test requirements and sample characteristics |
1.2 | Record sample description, compare with specification, record and report discrepancies | ||
1.3 | Confirm suitable sample preparation methods, quantification and analytical techniques with supervisor | ||
1.4 | Schedule analysis using workplace procedures | ||
2 | Reduce the complexity of the sample | 2.1 | Obtain a representative analytical portion of the laboratory sample |
2.2 | Prepare validation checks for analytical portions | ||
2.3 | Use workplace procedures to simplify the sample matrix | ||
2.4 | Conduct tests to ensure that sample preparation is complete | ||
3 | Apply quantification method | 3.1 | Add modifiers to remove/minimise interferences |
3.2 | Conduct preliminary analysis to estimate analyte concentration | ||
3.3 | Match the concentration of analyte in the sample with the working range of the instrument | ||
3.4 | Prepare calibration standards to suit quantification method | ||
4 | Perform analysis | 4.1 | Set up and optimise instruments to suit sample/test requirements |
4.2 | Measure analyte response for standards, validation checks and samples | ||
4.3 | Conduct sufficient measurements to obtain reliable data | ||
4.4 | Return instruments to standby or shutdown condition as required | ||
5 | Process and analyse data | 5.1 | Confirm data is the result of valid measurements |
5.2 | Perform required calculations and ensure results are consistent with estimations and expectations | ||
5.3 | Record results with the appropriate accuracy, precision units and uncertainty | ||
5.4 | Analyse trends in data and/or results and report out-of-specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel | ||
5.5 | Troubleshoot analytical procedure or equipment problems which have led to atypical data or results | ||
6 | Maintain a safe work environment | 6.1 | Identify risks/hazards, safety equipment and control measures associated with sample handling, preparation and test methods |
6.2 | Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety procedures as specified for test method and materials to be tested | ||
6.3 | Minimise the generation of waste and environmental impact | ||
6.4 | Ensure the safe disposal of laboratory waste | ||
6.5 | Clean, care for and store equipment and consumables in accordance with workplace procedures | ||
7 | Maintain laboratory records | 7.1 | Enter approved data and results into laboratory information management system (LIMS) |
7.2 | Maintain security, integrity and traceability of samples and documentation | ||
7.3 | Maintain equipment and logs in accordance with workplace procedures |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:
isolating analytes from complex matrices and performing multi-staged and/or multi-component analysis on them on at least three (3) different occasions
accurately interpreting client requests, test methods and procedures
applying detailed knowledge of analytical chemistry to develop an analysis plan for approval by a supervisor
maintaining close attention to measurement procedures, accuracy and precision during lengthy and complex tests
preparing samples and standards
safely setting up, starting up and shutting down equipment using workplace procedures
checking the calibration and qualification status of equipment
optimising procedures and equipment to suit sample and test requirements
making approved adjustments to procedures
preparing and using calibration charts and standards
analysing data, recognising atypical or anomalous results and troubleshooting common analytical procedure and equipment problems
calculating analyte concentrations with appropriate accuracy, precision, units and uncertainty
recording data and reporting results using workplace procedures
maintaining security, integrity and traceability of samples and documentation
following workplace safety procedures.
Evidence of Knowledge
Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:
principles and concepts underpinning the analysis, including:
nature of specific sample matrices
effects of interferents with analyte behaviour, such as ionisation, complexation, precipitation, masking and association
quantification methods, such as internal standards, standard additions, Gran's Plot and recovery checks
chemical and physical treatments to minimise interferences
fragile and labile nature of biological sample materials
sample preparation procedures used for analyses
special needs for sample treatment or pre-treatment
function of key components of equipment and effects of modifying instrumental variables on outputs and results
basic procedure and equipment troubleshooting techniques
common analytical procedure and equipment problems, including:
matrix interference
spectral interference
problems associated with the physical state of the analyte, such as blockages and viscosity changing flow rates to instruments
basic equipment maintenance procedures
calculation steps to give results in appropriate units, precision and uncertainty
workplace and legal traceability requirements
relevant hazards, work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.
Assessment Conditions
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:
MSL925001 Analyse data and report results
Holistic assessment methods include:
review of test data/results obtained by the candidate over time to ensure accuracy and consistency of results
inspection of test records and workplace documentation completed by the candidate
observation of candidate conducting a range of complex tests to measure chemical properties of materials
feedback from clients, peers and supervisors about the candidate’s ability to provide valid and reliable results within expected timeframes
oral or written questioning of relevant chemical principles, concepts, sample preparation, isolation of analytes, analytical techniques 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 with specialised analytical instruments, laboratory reagents and equipment, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and test methods.
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.
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.
Range Statement
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 design and construction, physical containment levels and facility types, laboratory safety, and quality and environmental management national work health and safety (WHS) standards and codes of practice, and national measurement regulations and guidelines Australian and international standards and guidelines covering chemical analysis, specialised spectrometric and chromatographic analysis, accuracy of measurement methods and results, expression of uncertainty and quantifying uncertainty specific codes, guidelines, procedures and methods, such as the Australian code of good manufacturing practice for medicinal products (GMP), principles of good laboratory practice (GLP), Association of Analytical Communities International (AOAC International) Official Methods of Analysis, and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) 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; data quality procedures; workplace recording and reporting procedures; waste minimisation and safe disposal procedures; cleaning, hygiene and personal hygiene requirements; and stock records and inventory sampling procedures (labelling, preparation, storage, transport and disposal) test procedures (validated and authorised) |
Test requirements | Test requirements include: specification of concentration and limits of analytes time and cost limitations |
Sample preparation | Sample preparation includes identification of any hazards associated with the samples and/or analytical chemicals and use of techniques, such as: grinding, mulling, preparation of disks, digestion, dissolving, ashing, refluxing, extraction, filtration, evaporation, flocculation, precipitation, washing, drying and centrifugation solid-phase micro-extraction determination of, and if appropriate, removal of any contaminants or impurities ultra-trace procedures requiring high purity solvents, clean rooms, ultra clean glassware and specialised glassware |
Quantification techniques | Quantification techniques include, but are not limited to, one or more of: matrix matched standards standard additions international standards |
Analytical techniques | Analytical techniques include, but are not limited to, one or more of: spectrometric techniques, such as inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) chromatographic techniques, such as gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and ion chromatography (IC) electrometric techniques, such as ion selective electrodes, voltammetry (polarography) and anodic stripping voltammetry electrophoretic techniques, such as capillary electrophoresis |
Typical analytes and samples requiring complex tests | Typical analytes and samples requiring complex tests include, but are not limited to, one or more of: contaminants in food, such as heavy metals and afflotoxins trace level (microgram and nanogram/litre) analytes forensic testing, and drug testing in body tissues and fluids multiple analytes, such as organochlorins and polyaromatic hydrocarbons environmental contaminants in water, soil and air (such as pesticides) sludge, wastewater and sewage samples with matrix interferences |
Validation checks | Validation checks include: recovery checks use of standard/certified samples |
Tests for completeness of sample preparation | Tests for completeness of sample preparation include, but are not limited to, one or more of: visual inspection for colour and solids odour pH and conductivity chemical tests for interferents, such as precipitation and colour forming basic screening instrumental tests, such as infrared, ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) and gas chromatography |
Modifiers | Modifiers include, but are not limited to, one or more of: ionisation suppressants, such as Caesium for calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), and potassium (K) in atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) ionic strength and pH buffers, such as total ionic strength adjustment buffer (TISAB) for fluoride in ion-selective electrode (ISE) releasing agents, such as Lanthanum and Strontium for Ca in AAS volatility suppressants, such as phosphate for lead (Pb) in electrothermal AAS |
Safety procedures | Safety procedures include, but are not limited to, one or more of: ensuring access to service shut-off points recognising and observing hazard warnings and safety signs labelling of samples, reagents, aliquoted samples and hazardous materials handling and storage of hazardous materials and equipment in accordance with labelling, MSDS and manufacturer instructions identifying and reporting operating problems or equipment malfunctions use of fumehoods and direct extraction of vapours and gases use of appropriate equipment, such as biohazard containers, laminar flow cabinets, Class I, II and III biohazard cabinets cleaning and decontaminating equipment and work areas regularly using workplace procedures using PPE, such as gloves, safety glasses, coveralls and gowns minimising exposure to radiation ionising, such as lasers, electromagnetic and UV radiation 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 include: · 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 |
Sectors
Competency Field
Testing