Analysis of samples using spectroscopy in life sciences and related industries
Overview
This standard is about analysing samples using spectroscopy. You will be
expected to be able to set up the system for the analysis, ensure that
the samples are prepared for analysis, load and run all samples,
obtaining all necessary results. You will be expected to initiate and
complete tasks and procedures exercising a degree of autonomy and
judgement within specified parameters. You will also be aware of the
limits of your authority and the procedures to follow if you need help or
advice.
Spectroscopy techniques are routinely used for qualitative or quantitative
analysis in many organisations. As with many scientific techniques a
competent technician can ensure that high quality analytical results are
consistently obtained.
You will comply with organisational policy and procedures for the scientific
or technical activities undertaken. You will be expected to run at least one
spectroscopy instrument using methods that have already been developed. You
are not expected to be developing new methods
Who this standard is for
The standard is recommended for more experienced laboratory staff possibly
who are about to complete an apprenticeship.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1 ensure that your work is carried out in accordance with workplace procedures
P2 ensure that you follow the recommended operating procedures for the
instrument you are using
P3 confirm the instrument is calibrated and ready for use
P4 start up and prepare the instrument ready for use
P5 prepare all samples for analysis, using the appropriate containers/holders for
the instrument being used
P6 deal promptly and effectively with any error messages or equipment faults that
you can resolve, reporting any that cannot
P7 obtain all results, ensuring that they are to the required standard
P8 shut down the instrument, ensuring that is ready for further work
P9 communicate the required information about the work done, 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 legal and regulatory frameworks within which you are working and the
implications of failing to comply with either
K3 the limits of your own authority and to whom you should report if you
have problems that you cannot resolve
K4 the main of components of the spectrometer you are using
K5 the process for starting and programming the spectrometer
K6 the range of samples analysed, the preparation required and the appropriate
containers for introducing them into the instrument
K7 the sample handling procedures used with the organization and what to do with
a faulty sample
K8 the key features of the instrument that you can change to improve and analysis
K9 the maintenance procedures for the instrument
K10 the common error messages and how to deal with them
K11 how to interpret the spectra
K12 how to interrupt and restart the programme if required
K13 the document control and reporting procedures that should be used