Assessment Requirements for MSL954005 Prepare mineral samples for analysis

Release: 1

Assessment Requirements for MSL954005 Prepare mineral samples for analysis

Modification History

Release	Comments
Release 1	This version was released in MSL Laboratory Operations Training Package Release 2.0. Supersedes and equivalent to MSL954002 Prepare mineral samples for analysis. Range of conditions removed. Assessment requirements amended.

Performance Evidence

There must be evidence the candidate has completed the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit, and:

safely reduced at least 3 types of mineral samples to representative samples and prepared analytical portions of each that meet client requirements. Portions must be:

representative

free of contamination

of specified quantity and particle size

ready for analysis.

Knowledge Evidence

There must be evidence the candidate has knowledge of:

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

typical materials sampled include:

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:

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)

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)

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

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

relevant hazards, work health and safety (WHS) and environmental requirements, including use of safety data sheets (SDS) and antidotes for specific hazards, including hydrofluoric acid and cyanide

workplace and/or legal traceability requirements

awareness of environmental sustainability issues as they relate to the work task

legal and ethical requirements specific to the work task.

Assessment Conditions

Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions and contingencies. The following conditions must be met for this unit:

use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:

a variety of mineral samples, sample preparation methods, reagents, sample containers and labels

client requests/documentation

sample preparation equipment including splitters, mills, bowls and tumblers, crushers, grinders and disc pulverisers, sieves, ovens and muffle furnaces

laboratory equipment: ultrasonic baths, centrifuges and vacuum and pressure filtration, volumetric glassware/plastic ware and dispensers, analytical balances and auto-samplers

safety equipment and safe work procedures.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.

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