Unit of competency

Modification History

Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to analyse samples using routine chromatographic techniques. The unit also includes establishing client needs for routine and non-routine samples, optimising workplace procedures and instruments for specific samples, obtaining valid and reliable data and reporting test results. Personnel are required to recognise atypical test data/results and troubleshoot common analytical procedure and equipment problems.

This unit applies to laboratory technical officers working in all industry sectors. All operations and analytical methods must comply with relevant standards, appropriate procedures and/or workplace requirements. Although a supervisor may not always be present, the technician will follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) that clearly describe the scope of permitted practice including varying workplace/test procedures and communicating results to people outside the laboratory.

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

Competency Field

Testing

Elements and Performance Criteria

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 MSL975009 Apply routine chromatographic techniques, Release 1.

Links

Training Package Companion Volumes - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=5c63a03b-4a6b-4ae5-9560-1e3c5f462baa

Assessment requirements

Modification History

Performance Evidence

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

• prepared samples using at least 3 different processes
• analysed at least 3 different samples using chromatographic techniques to obtain valid and reliable data.

Knowledge Evidence

There must be evidence the candidate has knowledge of:

• chromatographic principles and concepts related to instrumentation operation, material preparation and testing
• use of different chromatographic methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis and preparation of specific samples relevant to job role
• handling of unstable or hazardous chemicals and samples
• functions of key components of the instruments and effects on outputs and results of modifying instrumental variables
• calculation steps to give results in appropriate accuracy, precision, uncertainty and units
• selection of appropriate separation technique, such as suitable substrate and support solvent, buffer, temperature, flow rate, column length and detection method
• routine chromatographic techniques for analytical and preparative procedures
• common test methods
• sample preparation
• principles and purpose of test methods implemented (why they are used and what they demonstrate)
• technological advances that include automation
• workplace procedures for:

• optimising separation through changing operation parameters
• equipment troubleshooting techniques
• basic equipment maintenance

• common procedure and equipment problems:

• problems with interfering substances
• poor resolution of peaks
• inappropriate selection of column or operating parameters (flow rate and temperature)
• unsuitable substrate or support solvent
• lack of suitable reference standards

• awareness of environmental sustainability issues as they relate to the work task
• legal, ethical and work health and safety (WHS) requirements specific to the work task including traceability, confidentiality and security requirements of all client information, and laboratory data and records.

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 standard laboratory equipped with routine chromatographic equipment, laboratory reagents and equipment
• standard operating procedures (SOPs) and test methods.

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

Links

Training Package Companion Volumes - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=5c63a03b-4a6b-4ae5-9560-1e3c5f462baa