Carry out testing using manual or automated equipment in life sciences and related industries
Overview
This standard is about carrying out simple tests using manual or
automated equipment. You will be expected to follow laid down
procedures, to select and use relevant equipment and to record
all results correctly. All work will be carried out in accordance with
the relevant workplace procedures.
Accurate and reliable test results are essential in many companies. These
are often part of a quality assurance system, where failure to meet
requirements could result in major problems for the organisation. It is
therefore essential that you are familiar with the test(s) you are carrying out,
that you follow all procedures and record all resuts accurately.
You will be familiar with and follow the company procedures. Whilst you are not
expected to be responsible for developing test methods, you are expected to
conduct the tests to the required accuracy and to record all results in the
appropriate format. You will have a sound knowledge of any quality system you
are working to and the consequences of failing to comply with its requirements.
Who this standard is for
The standard is recommended for all staff, but particularly new recruits and
junior employees.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1 ensure that your work is carried out in accordance with workplace procedures
P2 obtain the appropriate equipment and materials for the manual or automated
tests to be carried out
P3 conduct manual or automated laboratory tests on samples in accordance with
the correct procedures and techniques
P4 record the results of manual or automated tests in accordance with workplace
procedures
P5 dispose of waste items from manual or automated laboratory tests in
accordance with workplace procedures
P6 return equipment and materials that can be used for future testing to the
correct storage location
P7 communicate the required information laboratory activities to authorised people
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 activities
K2 the techniques and processes you must use correctly in the workplace
K3 the limits of your own authority and to whom you should report if you
have problems that you cannot resolve
K4 the correct procedures for storing, handling and transporting the samples to be
tested
K5 the correct procedures for dealing with any broken, leaking or faulty sample
K6 how to assess if a sample is suitable for analysis
K7 how to use and take a reading from manual test kits or automated equipment
used in the workplace
K8 the procedure to be followed when samples do not match up with the test
output specification or accompanying documentation
K9 the factors which might adversely affect the integrity of the sample during
storage, handling or transport