Measuring and Defining Competency

In an analytical laboratory, consistency is key.  Each step of a particular process must be carried out in the same way every time so as not to influence the final outcome of an analysis.  In most processes, this will include the following steps:

• Sample collection

• Sample preparation

• Instrument set up

• Sample analysis

• Result processing and reporting

Within the context of a refinery, each of these steps may be performed by a different person, and there may be multiple people who carry out each particular step over the course of a week.  For example, a process operator may collect the sample in the plant.  He or she then hands this sample onto a laboratory technician, who performs the sample preparation (which can often be a multi-step process).  A different technician or scientist may be responsible for instrument set-up and sample analysis, with the results processed and reported by the supervising scientist.  Each group of people may be on different shifts (four-on-four-off, days-and-nights, day work only), meaning that the combination of people who carry out these tasks may change on a daily (or shift) basis. 

Each step must be carried out the same way every time by the individual operator to ensure that the final results are valid. Modifications in any of these steps can impact the results achieved.  For this reason, consistent and clear training is vital.  In addition, training sign-off should have clearly identified items that are used to determine a person’s competency.  These items will vary between processes, but could include considerations such as:

• Appropriate use of sampling vessels (are they held in the correct manner; lowered to the same point each time sampling is done; properly cleaned between samples)

• Using appropriate aids to ensure consistency of sampling (for example, a stopwatch to ensure that sample is taken after a pipe is purged for the required time; a sampling system that takes the sample from the same location in a tank each time)

• Storing and transporting samples in the same manner (samples may be kept warm in an insulated box, or chilled immediately by storing in cold water)

• Time between sampling, sample preparation and analysis

• Use of appropriate labware for sample preparation (for example, pipettes, automatic diluters, volumetric flasks or sample vials)

• Consistent validation of instrument performance using control charts and reviewing ongoing instrument performance

In addition to considering and reviewing points like these during training sign-off, it is also important to proactively review ongoing compliance with all procedures for all trained personnel.  This may be as simple as pairs of similarly trained staff members periodically observing each other during particular steps of a process, or it may be a more formal process, such as a laboratory audit, where one or more method (or one or more trained personnel) are reviewed on a planned basis.