MSL954005 Prepare mineral samples for analysis

Release: 1

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.

Application

The unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to reduce given mineral samples to representative client samples and analytical portions that meet client requirements for analysis. Personnel are also required to recognise problems and invalid preparation steps and take appropriate corrective actions.

This unit applies to technical assistants working in the mineral assay and construction materials testing 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

Sampling

Elements and Performance Criteria

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 preparation 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 or surplus samples
4.4	Clean, care for and store equipment and reagents as required

Foundation Skills

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Unit Mapping Information

Equivalent to MSL954002 Prepare mineral samples for analysis, Release 1.

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