There are many professions, the result of which is almost invisible to the average man. Scientists also belong to people of such labor. At the same time, it is they who greatly contribute to technological progress, which, in turn, is changing 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 considerable contribution to the common cause of the development of human knowledge is also made by the laboratory assistant of chemical analysis, whose responsibilities include the research of various metals, ores, petroleum products, as well as other materials and substances. The data obtained is required to ensure control of the characteristics of the products for their admission to further technological and production processes.
Job Overview
The main task of the laboratory assistant in this area is to obtain information of a chemical nature. In this case, the studied objects can be any. In addition to the already mentioned metals and petroleum products, a laboratory assistant for chemical analysis can work with gases and vaporous components. Further use of the results may vary. The simplest example is when a certain production needs to achieve specific product properties. For this, technologists use chemical laboratories, with the help of which the compliance of a substance with the requirements of the prescribed standard is determined.
Recently, environmental issues have been relevant, which is expressed in tightening standards for the automotive industry and fertilizer producers. In the first case, the laboratory assistant of chemical analysis can work on the study of the characteristics of the properties of the materials used in the design of the car, and in the second case, it can identify the properties of fertilizers that are dangerous for the soil layer.
Requirements for job candidates
Despite the seemingly high proportion of responsibility that falls on laboratory assistants, in this case, the requirements for applicants for such vacancies are rather lightweight. For example, higher education is optional. It will be enough to present a college or college diploma. Nevertheless, the job description of a laboratory assistant in chemical analysis requires very specific knowledge, without which it is impossible to fulfill duties in this profession. In particular, the laboratory assistant must know the following:
- Fundamentals of chemistry, at least its general course, as well as physical and analytical directions.
- Chemical and physical methods.
- The device and operating rules used in the process of operation of apparatuses and devices.
- Characteristics of radioactive substances and the nuances of handling them.
- The basics of choosing methods to perform the analysis.
- Methods for determination of metals from the noble group.
- Fire safety, labor protection and sanitary regulations.
Responsibilities
Representatives of this profession are still related to support staff. Nevertheless, the job description of the laboratory assistant for chemical analysis provides a fairly wide list of responsibilities, including:
- Analysis of rare metals, including rare earth and noble.
- Performing complex analyzes of alloys using established methods. For example, it can be nickel, cobalt, titanium and other alloys.
- Arbitration analysis.
- Analysis of explosive substances using chromatographs using methods based on complex chromatogram calculation schemes.
- Analyzes by atomic absorption method.
- Perform tests requiring the use of radioactive substances.
- Participation in the development of new methods of analysis.
- Testing recommended methods
to the guesthouse. - Carrying out the adjustment of serviced equipment.
- Acceptance of material that is submitted for examination.
Lab Rights
Once again, it is worth noting that the profession is quite modest in terms of leadership functions, and in most cases its representatives perform auxiliary tasks. Therefore, the rights are very narrowed. 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” also provides for the possibility of obtaining data and methodological information from specialists for the performance of their duties. In order to achieve the highest quality analysis results, the laboratory assistant may require additional assistance in organizing research and experiments.
Responsibility
In case of non-fulfillment or unfair performance of its direct functions, the laboratory assistant is responsible in accordance with the standards established by the labor code of the Russian Federation. Such cases may include the following:
- Non-observance of safety measures, which, by the way, is especially important in chemical analyzes.
- Violation of fire safety.
- Failure to comply with the labor schedule in force at the enterprise.
Responsibility for other violations that the laboratory assistant in the chemical analysis caused during the performance of his job duties is also assumed.
Ranks in the profession
There are 7 categories of this profession, each of which assumes its own level of complexity of operations that the laboratory assistant can perform. The first two discharges, for example, allow him to take on the simplest homogeneous analyzes without first separating the components used. The third and fourth categories of chemical analysis laboratory assistants increase the complexity of the procedures by expanding the spectrum of the studied substances and characteristics. For example, specialists in these qualifications can determine properties such as solubility, viscosity, and specific gravity. The next step allows laboratory assistants to perform complex analyzes that use the same metal alloys based on nickel, cobalt and titanium. The difference between laboratory assistants of the 7th category is to increase the technological level of the methods used, as well as the use of specialized equipment.
Labor Protection Rules
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 ventilation system with a forced draft is provided. At the same time, a specific suction speed of air flows is established: not lower than 0.5 m / s. Also, a chemical analysis laboratory assistant who works at the enterprise should receive funds free of charge to ensure personal protection. For example, a robe and boots are issued for a year, an apron is calculated for six months, and gloves for a month.
What is the salary?
Laboratory assistants cannot boast generous remuneration. By the way, novice employees get 10-15 thousand rubles. With an increase in work experience and, accordingly, discharge, they can already claim 20-30 thousand rubles. However, higher salary levels are rare and occur only in large cities. The most promising area for this profession can be considered the petrochemical industry. In such industries, there is a rather intensive increase in the qualification of laboratory assistants in chemical analysis from the 1-2nd up to the 4th category. In this case, the place of the head of the laboratory can be considered as the top point of a career.
Conclusion
The profession of a laboratory assistant in recent years has been gaining once-lost relevance and prestige. Of course, this place in itself is not so attractive when compared with the work of specialists in different fields. However, the laboratory assistant of chemical analysis, whose responsibilities at the first stages are beyond the reach of a wide circle of graduates, has good opportunities for gaining experience. It is precisely as the initial stage of the formation of a career that this profession is considered not only by scientists, but also by technologists, teachers and specialists from related fields. Of course, there are serious drawbacks in such work, due to close contact with chemicals. Suffice it to say the risk of burns, allergic reactions and poisoning.