Modification History
Not applicable.
Unit Descriptor
Unit descriptor |
This unit of competency covers the ability to identify appropriate instrumentation to meet specific analytical needs, determine the suitability of available instruments, commission instruments, develop maintenance schedules, maintain relevant records and train staff to operate instruments correctly. |
Application of the Unit
Application of the unit |
This unit of competency is applicable to experienced laboratory technical officers/technicians, laboratory supervisors and technical specialists who conduct instrumental analysis in laboratories providing consultancy, research and development and quality assurance services. These services may be provided for a wide range of industry sectors, such as forensic science, environmental monitoring, chemical, biomedical, mineral, food and manufacturing testing. Industry representatives have provided case studies to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and to show its relevance in a workplace setting, at the end of this unit of competency under the section 'This competency in practice'. |
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not applicable.
Pre-Requisites
Prerequisite units |
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Employability Skills Information
Employability skills |
This unit contains employability skills. |
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Recommend a suitable instrument |
1.1. Confirm the scope of analysis for which instrumentation is required 1.2. Research information about the specifications and features of instruments that may be suitable and their suppliers 1.3. Research information about the environmental operating conditions and services that instruments require 1.4. Liaise with suppliers and/or conduct tests to compare the stated performance of available instruments against enterprise specifications 1.5. Seek advice/assistance with evaluating instruments if beyond own technical competence 1.6. Assist senior staff to select the most suitable instrument 1.7. Develop a thorough understanding of the selected instrument's operation, installation requirements, routine instrument checks and maintenance requirements |
2. Establish a suitable operating environment for an instrument |
2.1. Select a suitable instrument location 2.2. Confirm required services for instrument using the supplier's specifications 2.3. Arrange for necessary connection of services |
3. Commission a new instrument |
3.1. Liaise with supplier to arrange delivery and installation as appropriate 3.2. Ensure that the supplier fully explains the instrument's operation and maintenance requirements during installation 3.3. Ensure that full qualification of the instrument's performance is completed prior to instrument handover 3.4. Conduct in-house checks of accessories and test measurements to confirm instrument performance for the full scope of intended use 3.5. Liaise with supplier to resolve any performance issues, clarify aspects of instrument operation or provide additional training 3.6. Enter all required information about the new instrument into the enterprise information management system 3.7. Assess any new risks to instrument operators, other laboratory personnel and the environment 3.8. Develop and document clear procedures for safely operating and maintaining the instrument and recording its use |
4. Train, or arrange training for, instrument operators |
4.1. Identify the knowledge and skills required to operate the instrument safely and reliably in the workplace and to evaluate the data obtained 4.2. Develop, or access, an appropriate training program for instrument operators 4.3. Ensure that each operator can use the instrument competently for the required analytical methods 4.4. Record all training outcomes in accordance with the enterprise procedures 4.5. Audit operator's use of instruments at regular intervals to ensure their ongoing competence |
Required Skills and Knowledge
Required skills |
Required skills include:
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Required knowledge |
Required knowledge includes:
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Evidence Guide
EVIDENCE GUIDE |
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The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package. |
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Overview of assessment |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Assessors should ensure that candidates can:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace environment. Resources may include:
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Method of assessment |
The following assessment methods are suggested:
In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly. Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability. Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. The language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a work like environment. |
This competency in practice |
Industry representatives have provided the case studies below to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and to show its relevance in a workplace setting. Laboratory operations A technician has been requested by the laboratory manager to help develop the laboratory's capability to conduct testing for trace metals in water samples. He/she searches for relevant Australian standards, technical publications and supplier's brochures on the Internet and identifies two techniques that appear to suit the laboratory's testing requirements and constraints. The two techniques involve inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV). The technician carefully assesses of the performance of each type of instrument, the services and operating environment required, the purchase price and operating costs and the level of support that each supplier is prepared to provide. The technician decides that the ASV instrument is probably the most appropriate choice. He/she then provides a boiler water sample to several suppliers for analysis by ASV and discusses the results obtained in each case with his/her manager. The manager agrees with the technician's recommendation and notes that the ASV instrument will provide a much more favourable return on investment that the ICP-MS. The technician then contacts the supplier to confirm the purchase and arranges for the utilities, services and accommodation arrangements to be completed prior to instrument delivery. |
Range Statement
RANGE STATEMENT |
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The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included. |
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Codes of practice |
Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used |
Standards , codes , procedures and /or enterprise requirements |
Standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements may include:
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Analytical instruments |
Analytical instruments may include:
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Specifications and features of instruments |
Specifications and features of instruments may include:
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Hazards |
Hazards may include:
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Addressing hazards |
Addressing hazards may include:
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Occupational health and safety (OHS ) and environmental management requirements |
OHS and environmental management requirements:
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Unit Sector(s)
Unit sector |
Testing |
Competency field
Competency field |
Co-requisite units
Co-requisite units |
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