Chemical analysis laboratory assistant: duties and job description

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-09 14:06

There are many professions, the result of activity in which is practically not noticeable to the layman. Scientists are among the people of such labor. At the same time, it is they who largely contribute to technological progress, which, in turn, changes the world in the most radical way. Entire groups of specialists involved in various aspects of studying the surrounding world, properties and characteristics of objects take part in this work. A significant contribution to the common cause of the development of human knowledge is also made by a chemical analysis laboratory assistant, whose duties involve the performance of research on various metals, ores, oil products, as well as other materials and substances. The data obtained is required to ensure the control of the characteristics of the products for their admission to further technological and production processes.

General information about the position

The main task of a laboratory assistant in this field is to obtain chemical information. In this case, the studied objects can be any. In addition to the already mentioned metals and petroleum products, a chemical analysis laboratory assistant can work with gases and vaporouscomponents. Further use of the results may be different. The simplest example is when a certain production needs to achieve specific product properties. To do this, technologists use chemical laboratories, which determine the compliance of a substance with the requirements of the prescribed standard.

Recently, environmental issues have been on the rise, which is reflected in the tightening of regulations for the automotive industry and fertilizer manufacturers. In the first case, a chemical analysis laboratory assistant can work on studying the characteristics of the properties of materials used in the construction of a car, and in the second case, to identify the properties of a fertilizer that are dangerous for the soil layer.

Requirements for candidates for the position

Despite the seemingly high share of responsibility that falls on laboratory assistants, in this case, the requirements for applicants for such vacancies are quite light. For example, higher education is not mandatory. It will be enough to present a diploma from a technical school or college. Nevertheless, the job description of a chemical analysis laboratory assistant requires very specific knowledge, without which it is impossible to perform duties in this profession. In particular, the laboratory assistant should know the following:

• Fundamentals of chemistry, at least its general course, as well as physical and analytical areas.
• Chemical-physical methods.
• Design and operating rules for the devices and devices used in the process.
• Characteristics of radioactive substances and the nuances of handling them.
• Basic selection of methods for performing analysis.
• Methods for determining metals from the noble group.
• Fire safety, labor protection and sanitary regulations.

Responsibilities

Representatives of this profession still belong to the support staff. Nevertheless, the job description of a chemical analysis laboratory assistant provides for a rather wide list of duties, including:

• Carrying out analyzes of rare metals, including rare earth and precious.
• Perform complex analysis of alloys according to established methods. For example, it can be nickel, cob alt, titanium and other alloys.
• Conducting arbitrage analysis.
• Perform analyzes of explosive substances using chromatographs using methods based on complex chromatogram calculation schemes.
• Analysis by atomic absorption method.
• Performing tests that require the use of radioactive substances.
• Participation in the development of new methods of analysis.
• Testing methods that are recommendedfor hosting.
• Performing service equipment setup.
• Acceptance of material submitted for examination.

Rights of laboratory assistants

It is worth noting again that the profession is quite modest in terms ofmanagement function, and in most cases, its representatives perform auxiliary tasks. Therefore, the rights are very limited. First of all, the laboratory assistant can submit proposals to his immediate supervisor that relate to his activities or the work of the laboratory. Also, the profession "Laboratory assistant of chemical analysis" provides for the possibility of obtaining data and information of a methodological nature from specialists in order to fulfill their duties. In order to achieve the highest quality results of the analysis, the laboratory assistant may require additional assistance in organizing research and experiments.

Responsibility

In case of non-performance or dishonest performance of their direct functions, the laboratory assistant is liable in accordance with the standards established by the Labor Code of the Russian Federation. Such cases may include the following:

• Failure to observe safety precautions, which, by the way, is especially important in chemical analysis.
• Fire safety violation.
• Failure to comply with the work schedule in force at the enterprise.

Responsibility is also assumed for other violations caused by a chemical analysis laboratory assistant during the performance of his duties.

Ranks in the profession

There are 7 categories of this profession, each of which implies a different level of complexity of operations that a laboratory assistant can perform. The first two ranks, for example, allow him to take onthe simplest homogeneous analyzes without the initial separation of the components used. The third and fourth categories of chemical analysis laboratory assistants increase the complexity of procedures by expanding the range of substances and characteristics under study. For example, those with these qualifications can determine properties such as solubility, viscosity, and specific gravity. The next step allows laboratory technicians to perform complex analyzes that involve the same metal alloys based on nickel, cob alt and titanium. The difference between laboratory assistants of the 7th category is the increase in the technological level of the methods used, as well as the use of specialized equipment.

Labor safety regulations

In addition to the general requirements that are aimed at ensuring the safety of employees at enterprises, the labor protection of a chemical analysis laboratory assistant requires compliance with a number of special rules.

First of all, special attention is paid to working with harmful elements and substances. Such analyzes can only be performed in rooms where a forced ventilation system is provided. At the same time, a specific suction speed of air flows is also set: not lower than 0.5 m/s. Also, a chemical analysis laboratory assistant who works at the enterprise should receive personal protective equipment free of charge. For example, a bathrobe and boots are issued for a year, an apron is calculated for six months, and gloves for a month.

What is the salary?

Lab technicians can't boastgenerous pay. By the way, novice employees receive 10-15 thousand rubles. As their work experience and, accordingly, their rank increase, they can already claim 20-30 thousand rubles. However, higher wage levels are rare and occur only in large cities. The most promising direction for this profession can be considered the petrochemical industry. In such industries, there is a rather intensive improvement in the qualifications of chemical analysis laboratory assistants from the 1st or 2nd up to the 4th category. As the top point of a career in this case, one can consider the position of the head of the laboratory.

Conclusion

The profession of a laboratory assistant in recent years is gaining its once-lost relevance and prestige. Of course, in itself this place is not so attractive when compared with the work of specialists in different fields. However, a chemical analysis laboratory assistant, whose duties at the first stages are within the power of a wide range of graduates, has good opportunities for gaining experience. It is precisely as the initial stage of career formation that this profession is considered not only by scientists, but also by technologists, teachers and specialists in related fields. Of course, there are serious disadvantages in such work, due to close contact with chemicals. Suffice it to name the risk of burns, allergic reactions and poisoning.