MSL953002

Operate a robotic sample preparation system

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Plan work for shift 

1.1

Review job requests to determine nature of samples, required parameters and any specific client instructions or preparation methods for each

1.2

Assess hazards associated with samples and identify the need for specific safety equipment and safe work procedures

1.3

Determine job sequence after consideration of the dryness of samples, need for further drying or pre-treatment and client/production priorities

1.4

Record job sequence and confirm details with operators

2

Oversee system set-up 

2.1

Check that data entry for samples is complete, accurate and matches accompanying documentation

2.2

Check that sample preparation parameters assigned to each sample are appropriate and adjust as necessary

2.3

Conduct pre-use system checks, make necessary system adjustments and authorise start-up

3

Monitor system performance and recover from errors and breakdowns 

3.1

Conduct regular system checks to determine whether system outputs are consistent with normal operation

3.2

Conduct regular visual checks to identify signs of malfunction, equipment wear or impending system failure

3.3

Interpret error codes and analyse system/equipment outputs to investigate the nature of problems

3.4

Shut down and/or isolate faulty system components to enable safe investigation and continuation of unaffected work tasks

3.5

Troubleshoot causes of common system problems and take appropriate corrective actions within scope of responsibility and technical competence

3.6

Seek advice when problems are beyond scope of responsibility or knowledge

3.7

Arrange for servicing and/or repairs in response to mechanical breakdowns

3.8

Prior to re-start, conduct pre-use checks, adjust job sequence and sample preparation parameters and re-synchronise system components as necessary

4

Maintain system safety 

4.1

Ensure operators know about sample and system hazards, required safe work procedures and use of safety/personal protective equipment (PPE)

4.2

Ensure that safety equipment and required PPE is available and fit for purpose

4.3

Conduct regular checks to ensure that operators work safely when handling hazardous samples, operating the system and performing authorised cleaning/maintenance of system components

5

Maintain system records 

5.1

Ensure that the data, results and comments entered by operators into system are complete and accurate for each shift

5.2

Maintain the security, integrity and traceability of samples and system documentation

5.3

Record and report system/equipment use, errors, breakdowns, maintenance and repairs in accordance with workplace procedures

6

Contribute to system improvements 

6.1

Identify and report opportunities to improve system safety to appropriate personnel

6.2

Examine system logs and outputs to identify instances or emerging trends of sub-standard performance

6.3

Recommend appropriate preventative/corrective actions for improving performance to relevant personnel

6.4

Implement authorised system improvements

6.5

Train operators to improve performance and minimise recurrence of preventable problems

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; industrial robot systems; 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)
• methods and procedures which may be written to meet workplace, client and/or regulatory/certifying body requirements

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
• milling
• primary crushing (e.g. 10 mm, 2 mm)
• fine pulverising (e.g. 100 micron, 75 micron)
• robotic system parameters, such as grind time, crushing time and cleaning cycles to prevent cross-contamination

Sample preparation equipment  

Sample preparation equipment includes one or more of:

• splitters (e.g. riffles and rotary dividers)
• mills (e.g. ball, ring and rod)
• bowls (e.g. chrome-steel, tungsten-carbide and zirconia) and tumblers
• crushers (e.g. cone, jaw and roll), grinders and disc pulverisers
• sieves
• ovens
• sample containers and labels

Hazards 

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

• dust, silica and fibrous materials
• asbestiform minerals
• naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM)
• samples containing nickel and lead-based compounds
• noise and vibration
• crushing, entanglement and cuts associated with moving machinery
• impact injuries from contact with robot arms
• failure of pneumatic hoses
• manual handling of heavy loads, such as sample bags/containers, racks and trolleys
• heat exhaustion/stress and fatigue

Safe work practices 

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
• extracting dust
• using cages and guards for moving machinery parts
• providing noise insulation
• following established manual handling procedures
• regularly cleaning equipment and work areas in accordance with workplace procedures
• reporting of abnormal emissions and airborne contaminants to appropriate personnel
• using PPE, such as masks, heat resistant mittens, boots, goggles, coats, ear muffs, safety boots and heat reflective clothing

Common system problems and appropriate corrective actions 

Common system problems and corrective actions include one or more of:

• sample losses:

• inspecting mill for mechanical problems and worn hoses
• inspecting balance/load cell, clean and check calibration
• checking sample for dryness and contamination

• collision of sample buckets, transport belt problem:

• clearing obstruction, cross-checking sample, worksheet, job sequence and synchronising belt

• loss of air pressure:

• checking pneumatic lines, compressor and solenoid values

• laboratory information management system (LIMS) network connections:

• checking all parameters are saved in system, if not, unloading and reloading data and cross-check samples with worksheets

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