This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to perform procedures associated with embedding tissue and performing microtomy on those tissues in preparation for staining for examination of tissue structure and abnormalities by pathologists and scientists to assist with disease diagnosis.This unit applies to laboratory technicians and technical officers in the biomedical sector. The unit principally refers to techniques performed on human tissues, but many aspects may be relevant to animal and plant tissues. This unit of competency assumes that the technical officer would perform tests and procedures under the close supervision of scientific and/or medical staff. Although a supervisor may not always be present, the technician will follow workplace procedures that will clearly describe the scope of permitted practice in modifying testing and quality control procedures. Technical workers may need to interrupt their routine work in order to assist with or perform procedures to facilitate rapid diagnosis of specimens. 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.