Practical Laboratory Training

Training laboratory staff to carry out laboratory processes (such as experiments or analytical instrument operation) covers two separate aspects – the theory and the practice.  Understanding the theory (the chemistry behind the process, what is being measured and how it is being measured) can help improve a scientist’s understanding of the work that they are carrying out, but it does not make them competent to operate the instrument or to complete a particular experiment. 

Practical training allows a scientist to physically carry out the analysis or experiment under qualified supervision so that he or she can develop the appropriate physical skills to achieve reliable, robust results.  Depending on the complexity of the analysis or experiment, this training can include many different aspects, and a significant amount of time may be required for a scientist to be certified as competent.

An important part of practical training involves sample preparation.  This process may require the use of several different pieces of small equipment (sample splitters, balances, auto titrators, volumetric glassware, fume cupboards, ultrasonic baths, heating or stirring plates, pH probes) to ensure that samples are suitably prepared for analysis.  It can also involve handling multiple chemicals, each with their own associated hazards and storage requirements.  Incorrect or inconsistent sample preparation will impact sample analysis, potentially wasting any work done after this step.

Training may also cover the set-up of laboratory equipment.  For example, an experiment may require glassware to be connected in series, or for other equipment, such as autoclaves, water baths or ultrasonic systems, to be utilised. Each of these processes will require practice, and the way equipment is used may vary from its “standard” procedure and be specific to a particular experimental process.

Any analytical equipment used to monitor the experimental process or analyse samples will have to be thoroughly understood as part of the practical training.  This includes steps such as instrument set-up, preparation and analysis of calibration standards or check samples, running samples (with or without an automatic sampler) and retrieving and/or processing results.  Some steps may involve physical manipulations (putting samples into an instrument or sample changer; preparing calibration standards), while others concern the operation of the instrument and its software (how to start analyses; setting up the software to analyse samples and then retrieving data).  Training will also be required to ensure that any required documentation, such as calibration plots or control charts, is completed.

Overarching all of these aspects is the consideration of health and safety requirements for all of the work being carried out.  The scientist must be trained to consider these aspects both in regard to carrying out the experiment themselves and also considering the potential implications of other work going on in the same laboratory. 

Appropriate documentation (such as laboratory methods, risk assessments and checklists) must be used to facilitate this training, to ensure consistency between all trained staff.  There also must be clear evidence of training and certification of such training prior to the scientist carrying out the experiment or analysis on their own.