Carry out routine maintenance, cleaning and checking of scientific or technical equipment
Overview
This standard covers the competences you need to
demonstrate that you carry out routine maintenance,
cleaning and checking of scientific or technical equipment
in accordance with approved procedures and practices.
You will be required to demonstrate that you can undertake
the routine maintenance and cleaning of scientific or
technical equipment, identifying and reporting faults and
recording maintenance and cleaning procedures
undertaken in accordance with the relevant workplace
procedures.
The activity is likely to be undertaken by someone in a
science related work setting, including individuals working
in hospitals, scientific laboratories, schools and universities.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1 ensure that your work is carried out in accordance with
workplace procedures
P2 use safe practices and the appropriate personal
protection equipment (PPE) when doing scientific or
technical activities
P3 confirm that the scientific or technical equipment is in a
safe and usable condition, according to established
procedures
P4 identify and report any equipment faults accurately to
the team leader
P5 perform routine maintenance in accordance with
manufacturers' instructions and relevant health and safety
legislation
P6 confirm the correct operation and operating tolerances
of the scientific or technical equipment, in accordance with
established procedures
P7 record details of maintenance and operation checks,
according to departmental procedures
P8 test the equipment to confirm that it functions correctly,
and record the equipment status
P9 communicate the required information about the work
done, in accordance with departmental and organisational
procedures
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1 the health and safety requirements of the area in which
you are carrying out the scientific or technical activities
K2 the implications of not taking account of legislation,
regulations, standards and guidelines when conducting
scientific or technical activities
K3 the scientific or technical techniques and processes you
must use correctly in the workplace
K4 the importance of wearing protective clothing, gloves
and eye protection for scientific or technical activities
K5 the importance of correct identification, and any unique
workplace coding system
K6 the lines of communication and responsibilities in your
department, and their links with the rest of the organisation
K7 the limits of your own authority and to whom you should
report if you have problems that you cannot resolve
K8 the manufacturers' specifications and recommendations
for the maintenance and calibration of the scientific or
technical equipment
K9 the methods used for visually checking, and cleaning, of
scientific or technical equipment
K10 the different types, condition and quantities of
consumables required for the range of scientific or technical
equipment maintained
K11 the methods for maintaining personal health and safety
during the maintenance of equipment
K12 how to check that the scientific or technical equipment
is working correctly and in accordance with the
manufacturer's specifications
K13 the common types of equipment fault, and how these
must be dealt with
K14 the department or person to whom equipment faults
should be reported
K15 the methods used for keeping records of the
maintenance, cleaning and calibration of scientific or
technical equipment, and why this is important
K16 the procedures for disposal of any waste produced or
of any equipment beyond repair
Scope/range
- carry out all of the following operations:
1.1 adhere to procedures for compliance with risk
assessment, COSHH, use of personal protective equipment
and other relevant safety regulations
1.2 ensure the safe isolation of laboratory equipment (such
as electrical and fluids supply)
1.3 follow manufacturers' instructions, drawings and
procedures for routine maintenance
1.4 check that the scientific or technical tools and
equipment used are in a safe and usable condition
1.5 ensure that the equipment is kept free from foreign
objects, dirt or other contamination
1.6 carry out auditory and visual checks on the operation of
scientific or technical equipment
1.7 confirm that the scientific or technical equipment is
operating correctly and is ready for use
1.8 return all tools, equipment and waste to the correct
locations on completion of the maintenance activities
1.9 ensure that accurate, complete and legible records are
kept of the maintenance activities
2 carry out maintenance and cleaning on two of the
following scientific or technical categories:
2.1 biological equipment and/or instruments
2.2 chemical equipment and/or instruments
2.3 electronic equipment and/or instruments
2.4 weighing and measuring equipment and/or instruments
2.5 information technology equipment
2.6 engineering machines, equipment and/or instruments
2.7 other technical equipment or instruments - record and communicate details of work done, to the
appropriate people, using:
3.1 verbal report plus one method from the following:
3.2 written or typed report
3.3 computer-based record
3.4 specific workplace documentation
3.5 electronic mail