Lab Assistant

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform routine analytical techniques related to the established Laboratory procedures.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform the (weighing, fluxing, fusion, cupelling and dissolution of prills) exactly as per relevant Competence Modules set (Weighing in Geochem Fire Assay, Fluxing in Geochem Fire Assay, Fusion, Cupellation, Digestion of Ag and Pd prills)
• Punctuality at all times.
• Ensure customer requirements are achieved with regard to the turnaround time commitments. Report daily production figures to Team Leader/Supervisor, and also bona fide explanations for targets not met.
• Assist in the investigation of any irregularities/non conformances within the Fire Assay process including the Improvement Requests and Client’s Complaints.
• Follow Team Leaders/Supervisors clear detailed instructions and demonstrate flexibility in executing the duties.
• Must have the basic understanding of the LIMS system.
• Must comply and conform to the Quality Management System (ISO17025 and SANAS).
• Assist with the profiling of jobs scheduled for the day, night & weekend shifts.
• Assist with the maintenance of the laboratory instruments and apparatus.
• Must be willing to work overtime/flexible hours when necessary.
• Assist in the co-ordination and supervising of the production team.
• Assist in the completion of Production report.
• Assist in ensuring that required stock levels for Laboratory are maintained.
• Assist in the monthly stock counts within the department.
• Standing in for Team Leader during his absence when required due to meetings, trainings, sick leave & annual leave.
• Adhere to all quality requirements of the SGS management system.
• Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct line manager.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Initiate a formal improvement request when a deviation of the system occurs, possible improvements are identified or when nonconformity is identified.
• Report any faulty and/or nonfunctioning apparatus or equipment to the Team Leader/Supervisor.
• Observe, log and report any anomalies and or deviations from process/protocols/procedures/work instructions, during analysis activities, to the Team Leader/Supervisor.
• Ensure that proper procedures are followed quality results are reported.
• Assist with training of new employees where required
• SGS Barberton does not report opinions and interpretations.
• The task of method selection, validation and modification will be designated to employees with the relevant technical abilities.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS – HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT

• Shall adhere to all Health, Safety and Environmental requirements of the SGS OI Management System, country legislation, Rules for Life, local legal requirements and laws.
• Shall comply and conform to the QHSE, Global and country policies of SGS.
• Participate and form part of Operational Integrity projects and campaigns.
• Shall report Health, Safety and Environmental hazards, incidents/accidents and near misses to the Supervisor/SHE Representative/Location Manager/OI Site Coordinator.
• Apply Check status process and use the Stop Work Authority whenever the control of risks is not clearly established and understood.
• Observe and report any faulty/nonfunctioning apparatus or equipment and or deviations from process/protocols/procedures/work instructions, to the Supervisor/Location Manager.
• Assist in investigations.
• Ensure that all proper procedures/Working instructions, etc. are followed.
• Assist with training of employee/s where required.
• Perform and ensure good housekeeping practices are maintained in all work areas at all times.
• Participate and adhere to all HSE Procedures/Working instructions, Integrity, Safe Talks, Toolbox talks, etc. training.
• Assist in the monthly stock counts within the department
• Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct line manager.

Education

• Matric

Experience

• Experience in Fire Assay laboratory will be an advantage.
• Knowledge of Laboratory Quality Management system will be an advantage

Competencies

• Ability to strictly follow and understand instructions
• Ability to communicate (both written and verbal) fluently in the English language
• Knowledge of Laboratory Quality Management system
• Matric literacy and numeracy skills
• Ability to work well in a team situation towards achieving common departmental goals
• Ability to work 24/7 shift patterns
• Ability to work at multiple work stations when required
• Ability to work systematically at all and maintain work and workflow traceability at all times.