LABORATORY STAFF AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

EXPERIMENTAL METHODS AND LABORATORY MANAGEMENT CHM 818 ASSIGNMENT Question: list chemical laboratory staff and explain the functions of each of them. 1. Laboratory manager 2. Laboratory assistants 3. Quality control officer 4. Technologist 5. Laboratory safety officer 1. LABORATORY MANAGER A laboratory m manager performs a variety of general and laboratory-specific administrative duties. He usually evaluates and hires job applicants, and organises or administers training and laboratory orientation. He arranges work schedules, reviews staff performance and handles disciplinary actions, promotions, bonuses and firings. He establishes lab procedures, creates and manages lab-related documentation and organizes laboratory activities. Additionally, he often serves as the primary point of contact with clients to provide information and make requests for services. 2. LABORATORY ASSISTANTS Position code title- laboratory assistant A This is the advanced level. The employee serves either as a lead worker, coordinating, assigning and reviewing the work of lower-level laboratory assistants; or as a senior worker, responsible for the most complex laboratory assistant assignments beyond those expected at the experienced level that have been approved by civil service. LABORATORY ASSISTANT 1 This is the experienced level. The employee performs a full range of laboratory assistant assignments and uses judgement in making decisions and applying methods and procedures. Guidance and direction are generally available as needed. LABORATORY ASSISTANT 2 This is the intermediate level. The employee works in a developing capacity with increased responsibility for performing a range of laboratory assistant assignments. LABORATORY ASSISTANT 2 This is the entry level. The employee works in a learning capacity, receiving on-the-job training and close supervision. 3. QUALITY CONTROL OFFICER The laboratory manager also ensures that staff members comply with all laboratory rules and regulations, including health and safety policies, to guarantee the highest quality of results. The laboratory manager establishes quality standards. Supervises quality control, inspects staff work and adjust lab policies and procedures as needed when standards aren’t met. Additionally he keeps up-to-date on new federal, state industry or employer standards and investigates ways to improve procedures such as acquiring new equipment. 4. TECHNOLOGIST A laboratory technologist is a person who performs the practical work in laboratories. The main duties of laboratory technicians normally include: • Receiving; processing and analysing samples. Depending on the work wetting, the samples may consist of blood and tissue (health care); air, water, and soil (environment and public health); chemical products (chemical and pharmaceutical industry), etc. • Conducting tests on new products or experimental processes. • Using, cleaning and maintaining various types of equipment. • Handling and storing chemicals and other materials. 5. LABORATORY SAFETY OFFICER • Oversees the safety of the laboratory • Performs annual safety audit  Maintains current and archived MSDS o Maintains records of exposures, medical examination follow up and employee return to work requirements. o Reviews all laboratory safety policies and creates or modifies policies and procedures as necessary. o Documents all safety related activities. • Coordinate s new employee and annual safety training o Enforces daily safety practices. o Develops on annual safety competency for each lab employee. o Serves a laboratory safety committee chair o Conducts laboratory safety committee meetings at least quarterly. o Represents the laboratory at the facility’s safety meetings. o Serves as the chemical hygiene officer. o Coordinates fire drills to attain 100% participation of lab staff throughout the year.