Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to work closely with production personnel to conduct a routine trial to adjust formulations or develop products and processes following preliminary laboratory work. The unit covers monitoring critical process parameters, collecting and testing of samples, and analysing results. The unit does not cover the planning and management of the trial, development of product briefs or the troubleshooting of equipment and production processes.
This unit applies to laboratory technicians and technical officers working in the manufacturing, biotechnology, construction materials, pharmaceutical and food processing industry sectors. All operations must comply with relevant standards, appropriate procedures and/or workplace requirements.
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 | Prepare for the trial | 1.1 | Clarify trial objectives, specifications, documentation and reporting requirements |
1.2 | Identify the environmental, health, safety, and/or food safety hazards associated with the trial and the recommended control procedures | ||
1.3 | Determine the availability of resources and the need for any clearances, special safety and storage requirements | ||
1.4 | Review the recommended trial schedule to identify potential barriers/constraints and develop alternatives, as necessary | ||
1.5 | Communicate and confirm all laboratory requirements with plant operators and personnel in related work areas and functions | ||
2 | Participate in the trial | 2.1 | Reconfirm trial details with all relevant personnel |
2.2 | Identify any last minute changes and delays and make appropriate adjustments | ||
2.3 | Liaise closely with production personnel to conduct the trial safely and efficiently | ||
2.4 | Collect required product samples for laboratory analysis and/or reference | ||
2.5 | Monitor critical process parameters and record required data | ||
2.6 | Monitor data to identify problems, significant process variations and/or unacceptable product | ||
2.7 | Recommend changes to production processes as required | ||
2.8 | Leave plant in condition suitable for routine production to recommence | ||
3 | Assess and report trial outcomes | 3.1 | Arrange for, or conduct, testing of product samples to check specifications |
3.2 | Analyse test results and relate properties of product samples to formulation details and processing methods | ||
3.3 | Identify and investigate out-of-specification or unacceptable outcomes, as required | ||
3.4 | Recommend possible modifications and/or opportunities for improvements within limits of role and responsibility | ||
3.5 | Document and report trial outcomes in accordance with workplace procedures | ||
4 | Maintain a safe work environment | 4.1 | Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other personnel |
4.2 | Minimise the generation of waste and environmental impacts | ||
4.3 | Ensure the safe collection of laboratory and hazardous waste for subsequent disposal | ||
4.4 | Care for and store equipment and reagents, as required | ||
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