Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to evaluate and select test methods and/or procedures that are relevant to the current and evolving scope of the laboratory's operations. Selection of test methods and/or procedures may involve the appraisal of new and emerging technologies and may inform decision making about possible extension of the laboratory's scope. Alternatively, it may relate to existing testing requirements, 'one-off' tests, client's special requirements or new tests required to satisfy new legislative, accreditation, licensing or regulatory requirements.
This unit applies to senior technical officers, technical specialists and laboratory supervisors working in all industry sectors. They are required to demonstrate wide ranging, highly specialised technical skills. They are expected to execute sound judgement in the selection of appropriate methodology under the broad guidance of scientists/medical staff/engineers. 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 | Determine sample characteristics and testing requirements | 1.1 | Confirm drivers for evaluation and selection of test methods and/or procedures |
1.2 | Examine sample documentation and/or consult with sample supplier to determine nature of samples | ||
1.3 | Identify sample characteristics which may affect testing requirements | ||
1.4 | Determine testing requirements and their compatibility with existing standard operating procedures (SOPs) | ||
2 | Evaluate possible test methods and/or procedures | 2.1 | Identify appropriate standards, reference materials, test methods and/or procedures which may be applicable |
2.2 | Assess suitability of available standards, reference materials, test methods and/or procedures against testing requirements | ||
2.3 | Identify environmental and work health and safety (WHS) risks | ||
2.4 | Identify the need for specific equipment, instrumentation and/or specialised facilities | ||
2.5 | Estimate materials, personnel and possible training requirements | ||
3 | Recommend appropriate test methods and/or procedures | 3.1 | Select appropriate test methodology consistent with testing requirements and resource availability |
3.2 | Identify any changes to SOPs required prior to implementation of selected method and/or procedure | ||
3.3 | Recommend selected method and/or procedure to appropriate personnel and seek authorisation to proceed | ||
4 | Confirm and document selected methods and/or procedures | 4.1 | Obtain standards and/or reference materials for the method and/or procedure |
4.2 | Conduct tests to verify the performance of the method and/or procedure, standards and reference materials | ||
4.3 | Analyse the measurements and estimate uncertainties | ||
4.4 | Determine if legal traceability is required and develop appropriate chain of custody procedures | ||
4.5 | Document all safety, sample preparation, testing, data handling and reporting procedures | ||
4.6 | Submit all documentation to appropriate personnel for review and approval | ||
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.
Learning skills to appraise new and emerging technologies relevant to scope of laboratory operations and/or job role
Numeracy skills to use method performance measures, such as accuracy, precision, uncertainty, linearity, selectivity, range, limit of detection and matrix characteristics in method selection.
Other foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit.
Competency Field
Testing