Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:57 PM AWST

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Supervise a robotic sample preparation system

Supervise a robotic sample preparation system

Unit of competency
National Code
MSL955001
State Code
AWO31
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
01/03/2016
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
16/08/2016
Field of Education
019909 - Laboratory Technology
Original Release Date
16/08/2016
Nominal Hours
45
Description
This unit of competency covers the ability to ensure that a workplace's robotic sample preparation system operates safely and continuously to provide clients with samples that meet their specifications. This includes prioritising and planning job sequences, solving common system problems as they arise and working closely with system operators to ensure safety and achievement of production targets and quality standards. Personnel are not expected to undertake system repairs, servicing or non-routine cleaning and maintenance.This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory supervisors in charge of robotic sample preparation systems in the mining industry sector. Robotic sample preparation systems are used where there are high volumes of material and/or there is a need to minimise the operator's contact with potentially hazardous materials. Therefore, this unit of competency may also be relevant for some laboratories in the construction materials testing and manufacturing sectors.While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Plan work for shift
  • 1.1 Review job requests to determine nature of samples, required parameters and any specific client instructions or preparation methods for each
  • 1.2 Assess hazards associated with samples and identify the need for specific safety equipment and safe work procedures
  • 1.3 Determine job sequence after consideration of the dryness of samples, need for further drying or pre-treatment and client/production priorities
  • 1.4 Record job sequence and confirm details with operators
2 Oversee system set-up
  • 2.1 Check that data entry for samples is complete, accurate and matches accompanying documentation
  • 2.2 Check that sample preparation parameters assigned to each sample are appropriate and adjust as necessary
  • 2.3 Conduct pre-use system checks, make necessary system adjustments and authorise start-up
3 Monitor system performance and recover from errors and breakdowns
  • 3.1 Conduct regular system checks to determine whether system outputs are consistent with normal operation
  • 3.2 Conduct regular visual checks to identify signs of malfunction, equipment wear or impending system failure
  • 3.3 Interpret error codes and analyse system/equipment outputs to investigate the nature of problems
  • 3.4 Shut down and/or isolate faulty system components to enable safe investigation and continuation of unaffected work tasks
  • 3.5 Troubleshoot causes of common system problems and take appropriate corrective actions within scope of responsibility and technical competence
  • 3.6 Seek advice when problems are beyond scope of responsibility or knowledge
  • 3.7 Arrange for servicing and/or repairs in response to mechanical breakdowns
  • 3.8 Prior to re-start, conduct pre-use checks, adjust job sequence and sample preparation parameters and re-synchronise system components as necessary
4 Maintain system safety
  • 4.1 Ensure operators know about sample and system hazards, required safe work procedures and use of safety/personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • 4.2 Ensure that safety equipment and required PPE is available and fit for purpose
  • 4.3 Conduct regular checks to ensure that operators work safely when handling hazardous samples, operating the system and performing authorised cleaning/maintenance of system components
5 Maintain system records
  • 5.1 Ensure that the data, results and comments entered by operators into system are complete and accurate for each shift
  • 5.2 Maintain the security, integrity and traceability of samples and system documentation
  • 5.3 Record and report system/equipment use, errors, breakdowns, maintenance and repairs in accordance with workplace procedures
6 Contribute to system improvements
  • 6.1 Identify and report opportunities to improve system safety to appropriate personnel
  • 6.2 Examine system logs and outputs to identify instances or emerging trends of sub-standard performance
  • 6.3 Recommend appropriate preventative/corrective actions for improving performance to relevant personnel
  • 6.4 Implement authorised system improvements
  • 6.5 Train operators to improve performance and minimise recurrence of preventable problems
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WA698 MSL955001A Supervise a robotic sample preparation system Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OAC59 MSL955002 Supervise a robotic sample preparation system Unit of competency