Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to analyse the nutrient and ingredient composition of foods and the identification and quantification of both chemical and biological contaminants within raw and processed foods. These tests may involve complex sample preparation followed by multi-staged and/or multi-instrumental analysis, immunoassay and computer-based nutrient analysis.
This unit applies to laboratory technical officers and analysts working in the food and beverage processing industry sectors. All operations and analytical methods must comply with relevant standards, appropriate procedures and/or workplace requirements. The unit covers tests and procedures that are performed in a full or partially computerised and automated laboratory environment. Although a supervisor may not always be present, the technical worker 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.
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 | Establish client needs and schedule analysis | 1.1 | Liaise with client or sample provider to determine client needs and sample history |
1.2 | Record sample description, compare with specification and record and report discrepancies | ||
1.3 | Identify non-routine samples and the possible need to vary workplace procedures | ||
1.4 | Confirm any proposed variations and document approved changes | ||
1.5 | Schedule analysis using workplace procedures | ||
2 | Prepare samples and standards | 2.1 | Obtain a representative analytical portion of the laboratory sample |
2.2 | Prepare sample in accordance with testing requirements | ||
2.3 | Prepare validation checks and/or calibration standards for analytical portion | ||
2.4 | Use specialised procedures for ultra-trace sample and standard preparation | ||
3 | Set up and optimise instrument | 3.1 | Perform pre-use and safety checks using workplace procedures |
3.2 | Start up and condition the instrument using workplace procedures | ||
3.3 | Optimise instrumental parameters to suit sample and test requirements | ||
3.4 | Check calibration status of instrument and perform calibration using specified standards and procedures | ||
3.5 | Clean, care for and store equipment and consumables in accordance with workplace procedures | ||
4 | Perform analysis | 4.1 | Measure analyte response for standards, validation checks and samples |
4.2 | Conduct sufficient measurements to obtain reliable data | ||
4.3 | Return instruments to standby or shutdown condition | ||
4.4 | Store unused/prepared laboratory samples for future reference | ||
5 | Process and analyse data | 5.1 | Use controls and reference standards to confirm the integrity of biomolecular sample preparation and procedures |
5.2 | Troubleshoot basic procedure, reagent or equipment problems which have led to atypical data or results | ||
6 | Maintain laboratory records | 6.1 | Make entries on report forms or into a laboratory information management system accurately calculating, recording or transcribing data as required |
6.2 | Ensure traceability of sample from receipt to reporting of results | ||
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.
Numeracy skills to:
calculate potential sources of uncertainty
calculate analyte concentrations using appropriate equations, units, uncertainties and precision.
Other foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit.
Competency Field
Testing