Unit of competency
Modification History
Release 1. Supersedes and equivalent to MSL974020 Perform food tests. Element 7 integrated into Element 5. Minor changes to Performance Criteria. Microbiology and molecular tests added as options to Performance Evidence. Changes to Knowledge Evidence to remove or merge duplicating items.
Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to interpret food test requirements, prepare samples, conduct pre-use and calibration checks on equipment, and perform routine testing of raw food materials, in-process materials and final products. These tests will involve several measurement steps. The unit includes data processing and some interpretation of results and tracking of obvious test malfunctions where the procedure is standardised. However, personnel are not required to analyse data, optimise tests/procedures for specific samples or troubleshoot equipment problems where the solution is not apparent.
This unit applies to laboratory or technical assistants and instrument operators working in the food and beverage processing industry sectors.
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.
Pre-requisite Unit
Nil.
Competency Field
Testing
Elements and Performance Criteria
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Elements |
Performance Criteria |
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Elements describe the essential outcomes. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
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1. Interpret and schedule test requirements |
1.1 Review test request to identify samples to be tested, test method and equipment/instruments involved 1.2 Identify hazards and workplace controls associated with the sample, preparation/test methods, reagents and/or equipment 1.3 Plan parallel work sequences to optimise throughput of multiple sets of samples |
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2. Receive and prepare food samples |
2.1 Register samples in accordance with workplace procedures, recording details that allow accurate tracking and chain of custody traceable to employee 2.2 Match sample provided to accompanying documentation and report any discrepancies in accordance with workplace procedures 2.3 Prepare samples and standards in accordance with food testing requirements |
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3. Check equipment before use |
3.1 Set up equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements 3.2 Perform pre-use and safety checks in accordance with relevant workplace and operating procedures 3.3 Check equipment calibration using specified standards and procedures 3.4 Inspect reagents required for quality issues including visual checks and expiry |
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4. Test samples to determine food components and characteristics |
4.1 Operate equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements 4.2 Perform tests and/or procedures on samples and standards in accordance with specified methods 4.3 Shut down equipment in accordance with operating procedures |
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5. Process, analyse and record data |
5.1 Record test data noting atypical observations 5.2 Interpret graphs and compute results for all samples from these graphs 5.3 Ensure calculated values are consistent with reference standards and expectations 5.4 Record and report results in accordance with workplace procedures 5.5 Determine if basic procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results 5.6 Follow procedures to ensure traceability of sample from receipt to reporting of results |
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6. Maintain a safe work environment |
6.1 Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel 6.2 Minimise the generation of wastes and environmental impacts 6.3 Ensure the safe collection of laboratory and hazardous waste for subsequent disposal 6.4 Care for and store equipment and reagents in accordance with workplace procedures |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.
- Numeracy skills to:
- process data, interpret gross features of data/results and make relevant conclusions
- Problem-solving skills to:
- identify atypical results as either out-of-normal range or an artefact
- trace and source obvious causes of an artefact
- track obvious test malfunctions for standardised procedures and troubleshoot basic equipment and methods.
Other foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit.
Unit Mapping Information
Supersedes and is equivalent to MSL974020 Perform food tests.
Links
MSL Laboratory Operations Companion Volume Implementation Guide is available from VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=5c63a03b-4a6b-4ae5-9560-1e3c5f462baa
