Analysis of samples using gas chromatography in life sciences and related industries
Overview
This standard is about analysing samples using a Gas Chromatography (GC)
system. You will be expected to be able to set up the system for the analysis,
ensure that the samples are ready 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.
Gas Chromatography (GC) systems are routinely used in many organisations. As with
many scientific instruments a competent technician can ensure that high quality
analytical results are consistently obtained.
You will to comply with organisational policy and procedures for the scientific or
technical activities undertaken. You will be expected to run the GC system using
methods that have already been developed. You will also be expected to carry out
routine maintenance. You are not expected to be developing new methods.
Who this standard is for
The standard is recommended for more experienced laboratory staff possibly staff
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 load all samples for analysis, running all sequences correctly
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 Carry out routine maintenance on the instrument
P9 Shut down the instrument, ensuring that is ready for further work
P10 Communicate the required information about the work done to the appropriate
people
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 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 an GC system and the range of options available
K5 the range of samples analysed, the volume required and the appropriate
containers for introducing them into the instrument
K6 the sample handling procedures used with the organization and what to do with
a faulty sample
K7 the key features of the instrument that you can change to improve and analysis
K8 the maintenance procedures for the GC system
K9 the common error messages and how to deal with them
K10 how to interpret the output from the system
K11 how to determine key data such as column efficiency, response factor,
symmetry of a peak
K12 how to interrupt and restart the programme if required
K13 the document control and reporting procedures that should be used