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Evidence Guide: MSL954002 - Prepare mineral samples for analysis

Student: __________________________________________________

Signature: _________________________________________________

Tips for gathering evidence to demonstrate your skills

The important thing to remember when gathering evidence is that the more evidence the better - that is, the more evidence you gather to demonstrate your skills, the more confident an assessor can be that you have learned the skills not just at one point in time, but are continuing to apply and develop those skills (as opposed to just learning for the test!). Furthermore, one piece of evidence that you collect will not usualy demonstrate all the required criteria for a unit of competency, whereas multiple overlapping pieces of evidence will usually do the trick!

From the Wiki University

 

MSL954002 - Prepare mineral samples for analysis

What evidence can you provide to prove your understanding of each of the following citeria?

Interpret and schedule client requirements

  1. Review client request to identify sample/analysis requirements, preparation methods and equipment involved
  2. Inspect samples, compare with specifications, record and report any discrepancies
  3. Liaise with client when samples and/or request forms do not comply with workplace procedures
  4. Identify hazards, safety equipment and safe work procedures specified for the sample, preparation methods, reagents and equipment
  5. Plan parallel work sequences to optimise throughput of multiple sets of samples
  6. Assemble all required equipment materials, reagents and check they are fit for purpose
Review client request to identify sample/analysis requirements, preparation methods and equipment involved

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inspect samples, compare with specifications, record and report any discrepancies

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liaise with client when samples and/or request forms do not comply with workplace procedures

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify hazards, safety equipment and safe work procedures specified for the sample, preparation methods, reagents and equipment

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plan parallel work sequences to optimise throughput of multiple sets of samples

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assemble all required equipment materials, reagents and check they are fit for purpose

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare client samples for analysis

  1. Estimate safe times for the preparation of required sample portions
  2. Split samples to obtain representative sub-samples as required
  3. Safely operate comminution equipment
  4. Monitor texture of the samples as an indicator of particle size and adjust milling times accordingly
  5. Monitor sample compaction and build up of residues on equipment and rectify as necessary
  6. Record preparation difficulties that may impact on quality or cause additional client costs
  7. Report any departure from preparation methods or client specifications
  8. Label client samples and record chain of custody information
  9. Store all client samples in accordance with workplace procedures
Estimate safe times for the preparation of required sample portions

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Split samples to obtain representative sub-samples as required

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Safely operate comminution equipment

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monitor texture of the samples as an indicator of particle size and adjust milling times accordingly

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monitor sample compaction and build up of residues on equipment and rectify as necessary

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Record preparation difficulties that may impact on quality or cause additional client costs

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report any departure from preparation methods or client specifications

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Label client samples and record chain of custody information

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Store all client samples in accordance with workplace procedures

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use non-destructive methods to prepare laboratory portions for analysis

  1. Examine the recommended preparation method to identify critical steps that will affect the quality of analytical results
  2. Closely follow each preparation step with particular attention to safety, precision and minimisation of cross-contamination of samples
  3. Monitor parameters that indicate completion or failure of each preparation step
  4. Analyse and record invalid preparation steps and take corrective action before repeating the procedure
  5. Present laboratory portions for analysis in appropriate containers with all required chain of custody documentation
Examine the recommended preparation method to identify critical steps that will affect the quality of analytical results

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closely follow each preparation step with particular attention to safety, precision and minimisation of cross-contamination of samples

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monitor parameters that indicate completion or failure of each preparation step

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Analyse and record invalid preparation steps and take corrective action before repeating the procedure

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Present laboratory portions for analysis in appropriate containers with all required chain of custody documentation

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintain a safe work environment

  1. Apply established safe work practices and use personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel
  2. Minimise the generation of waste and environmental impacts
  3. Ensure the safe disposal of all hazardous waste and spent/surplus samples
  4. Clean, care for and store equipment and reagents as required
Apply established safe work practices and use personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimise the generation of waste and environmental impacts

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ensure the safe disposal of all hazardous waste and spent/surplus samples

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clean, care for and store equipment and reagents as required

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessed

Teacher: ___________________________________ Date: _________

Signature: ________________________________________________

Comments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instructions to Assessors

Evidence Guide

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Interpret and schedule client requirements

1.1

Review client request to identify sample/analysis requirements, preparation methods and equipment involved

1.2

Inspect samples, compare with specifications, record and report any discrepancies

1.3

Liaise with client when samples and/or request forms do not comply with workplace procedures

1.4

Identify hazards, safety equipment and safe work procedures specified for the sample, preparation methods, reagents and equipment

1.5

Plan parallel work sequences to optimise throughput of multiple sets of samples

1.6

Assemble all required equipment materials, reagents and check they are fit for purpose

2

Prepare client samples for analysis

2.1

Estimate safe times for the preparation of required sample portions

2.2

Split samples to obtain representative sub-samples as required

2.3

Safely operate comminution equipment

2.4

Monitor texture of the samples as an indicator of particle size and adjust milling times accordingly

2.5

Monitor sample compaction and build up of residues on equipment and rectify as necessary

2.6

Record preparation difficulties that may impact on quality or cause additional client costs

2.7

Report any departure from preparation methods or client specifications

2.8

Label client samples and record chain of custody information

2.9

Store all client samples in accordance with workplace procedures

3

Use non-destructive methods to prepare laboratory portions for analysis

3.1

Examine the recommended preparation method to identify critical steps that will affect the quality of analytical results

3.2

Closely follow each preparation step with particular attention to safety, precision and minimisation of cross-contamination of samples

3.3

Monitor parameters that indicate completion or failure of each preparation step

3.4

Analyse and record invalid preparation steps and take corrective action before repeating the procedure

3.5

Present laboratory portions for analysis in appropriate containers with all required chain of custody documentation

4

Maintain a safe work environment

4.1

Apply established safe work practices and use personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel

4.2

Minimise the generation of waste and environmental impacts

4.3

Ensure the safe disposal of all hazardous waste and spent/surplus samples

4.4

Clean, care for and store equipment and reagents as required

Required Skills and Knowledge

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Interpret and schedule client requirements

1.1

Review client request to identify sample/analysis requirements, preparation methods and equipment involved

1.2

Inspect samples, compare with specifications, record and report any discrepancies

1.3

Liaise with client when samples and/or request forms do not comply with workplace procedures

1.4

Identify hazards, safety equipment and safe work procedures specified for the sample, preparation methods, reagents and equipment

1.5

Plan parallel work sequences to optimise throughput of multiple sets of samples

1.6

Assemble all required equipment materials, reagents and check they are fit for purpose

2

Prepare client samples for analysis

2.1

Estimate safe times for the preparation of required sample portions

2.2

Split samples to obtain representative sub-samples as required

2.3

Safely operate comminution equipment

2.4

Monitor texture of the samples as an indicator of particle size and adjust milling times accordingly

2.5

Monitor sample compaction and build up of residues on equipment and rectify as necessary

2.6

Record preparation difficulties that may impact on quality or cause additional client costs

2.7

Report any departure from preparation methods or client specifications

2.8

Label client samples and record chain of custody information

2.9

Store all client samples in accordance with workplace procedures

3

Use non-destructive methods to prepare laboratory portions for analysis

3.1

Examine the recommended preparation method to identify critical steps that will affect the quality of analytical results

3.2

Closely follow each preparation step with particular attention to safety, precision and minimisation of cross-contamination of samples

3.3

Monitor parameters that indicate completion or failure of each preparation step

3.4

Analyse and record invalid preparation steps and take corrective action before repeating the procedure

3.5

Present laboratory portions for analysis in appropriate containers with all required chain of custody documentation

4

Maintain a safe work environment

4.1

Apply established safe work practices and use personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel

4.2

Minimise the generation of waste and environmental impacts

4.3

Ensure the safe disposal of all hazardous waste and spent/surplus samples

4.4

Clean, care for and store equipment and reagents as required

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

safely reducing at least three (3) types of mineral samples to representative samples and preparing analytical portions of each that meet client requirements for analysis:

representative

free of contamination

of specified quantity and particle size

ready for analysis

interpreting and closely following preparation methods

achieving the required sample throughput

recognising problems and invalid preparation steps and taking appropriate corrective actions

recognising limitations and seeking timely advice

minimising rework, waste and environmental impact

completing preparation and production documentation accurately

maintaining equipment/reagents and disposing of all waste, surplus and spent samples according to workplace procedures

recognising hazards and using specified safety equipment and safe work procedures at all times.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

geological properties of samples used in job role, including sulphides, oxides and silicates

terminology, including homogeneous, heterogeneous, integrity and segregation

distribution of common analytes in a matrix

chemical reactions associated with common preparation methods used in job role

effects of reagents on the element of interest

reaction and recovery rates, solubility and equilibria

tracking analytes of interest during changes of state

critical preparation steps that determine analytical accuracy and precision, including:

monitoring drying (incipient and total)

mixing to ensure homogeneity before sub-sampling

suitability of reagents for purpose (e.g. dryness)

accurate operation of dispensers and balances

critical/non-critical volumes and critical reagent quantities

temperature control during digests

loss of solution prior to/after mixing

type and acid strength in final solutions

mechanical loss of digest (sputtering, residues on glassware/plastic ware and filtering)

function of key components and operating procedures for sample preparation equipment

calculation steps in preparation methods (e.g. serial dilution)

use of non-international system of units (SI) units (ppm, ppb) and SI units, and conversions

workplace and/or legal traceability requirements

relevant hazards, work health and safety (WHS) and environmental requirements, including use of material safety data sheets (MSDS) and antidotes for specific hazards, such as hydrofluoric acid and cyanide.

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 safety; quality and environmental management; sampling of specific ores and particulate materials; and labelling, storage, handling and transport of hazardous materials

national work health and safety (WHS) standards and codes of practice, national environmental protection measures, and national measurement regulations and guidelines

specific codes, guidelines and procedures, such as National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation requirements and principles of good laboratory practice (GLP)

workplace documents, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs); quality and equipment manuals; maintenance schedules; material safety data sheets (MSDS); safety procedures; material, production and product specifications; production and laboratory schedules; workplace recording and reporting procedures; and waste minimisation and safe disposal procedures

sampling procedures for specific samples, sites and clients (labelling, preparation, storage, transport and disposal), and published preparation methods

Materials sampled

Materials sampled include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

solids, such as rocks, minerals, soils, sands and stream sediments

pulverised core and other drill samples, such as rotary air blast (RAB), reverse circulation (RC) and aircore samples

powder concentrates

dump samples and grab samples

Sample preparation methods

Sample preparation methods include one or more of:

sorting, boxing and drying

sieving

primary crushing (e.g. 10 mm, 2 mm)

fine pulverising (e.g. 100 micron, 75 micron)

partial digestion requiring separation (e.g. aqua regia)

complete digestion (e.g. multi-acid digest)

non-destructive (e.g. LIF, Li2B4O7 disks)

solvent extraction (e.g. di isobutyl ketone dibK)

Hazards

Hazards include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

dust, silica and fibrous materials

asbestiform minerals

chemicals, such as hydrofluoric acid, bromine, perchloric acid, aqua regia and cyanide

lead-based compounds, free-mercury and nickel compounds

noise and vibration

crushing, entanglement and cuts associated with moving machinery

manual handling of heavy loads, such as sample bags, containers, racks and trolleys

heat exhaustion/stress and fatigue

Safe work procedures

Safe work practices 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 and hazardous materials

using direct extraction and fume hoods

using guards for moving machinery parts

providing noise insulation

following established manual handling procedures

regularly cleaning equipment and work areas using workplace procedures

reporting of abnormal emissions and airborne contaminants to appropriate personnel

using PPE, such as masks, gloves, boots, goggles, coats, ear muffs and safety boots

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