Laboratory assistant for chemical analysis: duties and job description

There are a lot of professions, the result of activity in which is practically not noticeable to the average person. People of such labor are scientists. At the same time, they contribute in many respects to technological progress, which, in turn, changes the world in the most radical way. In this work involved whole groups of specialists engaged in various aspects of the study of the surrounding world, properties and characteristics of objects. A considerable contribution to the common cause of the development of human knowledge is also made by the laboratory assistant of chemical analysis, whose duties assume the performance of studies of various metals, ores, oil products, as well as other materials and substances. The data obtained is required to ensure control of the characteristics of products for their admission to further technological and production processes.

General information about the position

The main task of the laboratory assistant in this field is obtaining information of a chemical nature. In this case, the objects under study can be arbitrary. In addition to the already mentioned metals and petroleum products, the chemical laboratory assistant can work with gases and vapor components. The further use of the results can be different. The simplest example, when a certain production requires the achievement of specific properties of the product. To do this, the technology involves chemical laboratories, which determine the compliance of a substance with the requirements of the prescribed standard.

Recently, the issues of environmental protection are topical, which is reflected in the tightening of regulations for the automotive industry and fertilizer producers. In the first case, the laboratory assistant of chemical analysis can work on studying the characteristics of the properties of the materials used in the construction of the car, and in the second - to reveal the properties of fertilizer, dangerous for the soil layer.

Requirements for candidates for the post

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

• Fundamentals of chemistry, at least its general course, as well as physical and analytical direction.
• Chemical and physical methods.
• The device and the operating rules of apparatuses and instruments used during operation.
• Characteristics of radioactive substances and the nuances of handling them.
• Basics of selecting methods for performing the analysis.
• Methods for determining metals from the noble group.
• Standards of fire safety, labor protection and sanitary rules.

Duties

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

• Conducting analyzes of rare metals, including rare-earth and noble metals.
• Performing complex analyzes of alloys using established methods. For example, it can be nickel, cobalt, titanium and other alloys.
• Arbitration analysis.
• Execution of analyzes of explosive substances using chromatographs using methods based on complex chromatogram calculation schemes.
• Analysis by atomic absorption method.
• Performing analyzes that require the use of radioactive substances.
• Participation in the development of new methods of analysis.
• Conducting approbation of methods that are recommended
  To the guest.
• Perform the adjustment of the serviced equipment.
• Acceptance of material that enters the survey.

Rights of laboratory technicians

Again, it should be noted that the profession is rather modest in terms of leadership, and in most cases its representatives perform auxiliary tasks. Therefore, the rights are very narrowed. First of all, the laboratory assistant can submit to his immediate supervisor proposals that relate to his activities or the work of the laboratory. Also, the profession of "Laboratory Assistant of Chemical Analysis" provides for the possibility of obtaining from the specialists data and information of a methodical nature for the performance of their duties. In order to achieve the most qualitative results of the analysis, the laboratory assistant may require additional assistance in the organization of research and experiments.

A responsibility

In the event of non-performance or unfair performance of its direct functions, the laboratory technician is responsible in accordance with the standards established by the Labor Code of the Russian Federation. Such cases may include the following:

• Non-compliance with safety regulations, which, incidentally, is particularly important in chemical analyzes.
• Violation of fire safety.
• Failure to comply with the labor regulations in force at the enterprise.

It is also assumed, and responsibility for other violations, which caused the laboratory assistant of chemical analysis during the performance of their work duties.

Ranks in the profession

There are 7 categories of this profession, each of which assumes its level of complexity of operations that a lab technician can perform. The first two digits, for example, allow him to take on the simplest homogeneous analyzes without the initial separation of the components used. The third and fourth categories of laboratory assistants in chemical analysis increase the complexity of procedures due to the expansion of the spectrum of test substances and characteristics. For example, specialists in these qualifications can determine properties such as solubility, viscosity and specific gravity. The next step allows lab technicians to perform complex analyzes, which involve the same metal alloys based on nickel, cobalt and titanium. Difference of laboratory assistants of the 7th category is an increase in the technological level of the methods used, as well as the use of specialized equipment.

Rules of labor protection

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

First of all, special attention is paid to work with harmful elements and substances. Such analyzes can be performed only in rooms where a ventilation system with a forced-type hood is provided. In this case, a specific air suction speed is set: not lower than 0.5 m / s. Also, the laboratory assistant of chemical analysis, which works at the enterprise, should receive free of charge the means to provide individual protection. For example, a robe and boots are given for a year, the apron is calculated for six months, and gloves - for a month.

What is the salary?

Laboratory assistants can not boast of a generous salary. By the way, beginners receive 10-15 thousand rubles. As the work experience increases and, accordingly, the category, they can already claim 20-30 thousand rubles. However, higher levels of wages are rare and occur only in large cities. The most promising direction for this profession is the petrochemical industry. At such enterprises, there is a fairly intensive increase in the qualification of laboratory technicians in chemical analysis from the 1st-2nd to the 4th level. As the top point of career in this case it is possible to consider a place of the head of laboratory.

Conclusion

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