Grain

Question 1

How would you operate a weighbridge?

Answer 1

Description - A weighbridge is a large scale used weigh the lorries carrying the grain.
1. Calibrate the weighbridge - Place a known weight on it and check its recording the accurate weight.
2. Direct the lorry onto the bridge.
3. Make sure the lorry is stationary to take measurements.
4. Weigh the lorry when it is empty (tare weight).
5. Weigh the lorry when it is filled with grain (gross weight).
6. Calculate the difference between the two weights to calculate how much all the grain weighs (net weight).
7. Record the vehicle information, the load details, and the weights measured from the lorries.
8. Communicate with the lorry drivers to check the information is correct.

Question 2

How have you used Ultra Violet spectroscopy?

Answer 2

Calculated the amount of aspirin in a pharmaceutical tablet.
1. Dissolved aspirin into sodium hydroxide to make a aspirin stock solution.
2. Took aliquots of the stock solution to make up 5 separate solutions of different concentrations (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 mL).
3. Transferred the solutions into 5 UV cuvettes.
4. Used distilled water as a blank.
5. Measured the absorbance of each solution at 297 nm.
6. Used the absorbances to create a graph.
7. Used graph to calculate the amount of aspirin in the tablet.

Question 3

How have you used HPLC?

Answer 3

High performance liquid chromatography.
Calculated the amount of diazepam in a tablet.
1. Dissolved diazepam tablet into methanol.
2. Took a aliquot and diluted it.
3. Filtered solution using a syringe with a nylon filter into a HPLC vial.
4. Added vial to HPLC with a blank and record value.
5. Use calibration curve from previous experiment and input value from the HPLC into a line equation.
6. Use line equation to calculate the amount of diazepam in tablet.

Question 4

How have you used GLC?

Answer 4

Gas liquid chromatography.
1. Prepared a series of standards of ethanol.
2. Pipetted standards into vials.
3. Added vials to GLC.
4. Recorded the peak area for each standard.
5. Used peak area values to plot calibration graph.
6. Prepared samples of wine and vodka and pipetted into vials.
7. Added vials to GLC.
8. Recorded the peak area for wine and vodka samples.
9. Used the calibration graph to calculate the ethanol content of the beverages.

Question 5

How have you used Ninhydrin?

Answer 5

To develop ninhydrin.
1. Applied fingermarks into paper.
2. Used tweezers to submerge paper into ninhydrin solution.
3. Added paper to oven for development.
4. Removed paper and photographed prints and saw the purple colour change.

Question 6

How have you used presumptive tests such as Amylase?

Answer 6

Tested for amylase using phadebas paper.
1. Applied saliva to paper.
2. Added weights onto the paper.
3. Removed weights after 30 minutes and observed the blue colour change.

Question 7

How have you used Microscopy in my dissertation?

Answer 7

Used a microscope to analyse pollen samples.
1. Scraped pollen from different types of flower.
2. Applied to a microscope slide with glycerine.
3. Looked at under the microscope and recorded the colour, shape and structure of the pollen grains.

Question 8

How have I used FTIR?

Answer 8

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
Used FTIR to compare the spectra of different car paint flakes to match different samples together.

Question 9

How have I used PCR?

Answer 9

Polymerase chain reaction.
1. Took DNA sample from swab of saliva.
2. Added solution of DNA into a spin column, and washed with buffer solutions to break open the DNA.
3. Freeze solution.
4. Added solution to PCR to amplify DNA.
5. Added amplified DNA solution to PCR product gel by pipetting into well using a Gilson pipette.

Question 10

How do you use an analytical balance?

Answer 10

1. Switch on.
2. Close all the doors of the balance and press zero to tare it.
3. Weigh the weighing boat then remove it.
4. Add material into weighing boat.
5. Place back onto balance and weigh with the door closed.
6. Record the reading.
7. Remove the boat and use brush to clean up any spillages.

Question 11

What laboratory techniques are used for grain samples?

Answer 11

Germination test - Calculate the percentage of seeds that have germinated in a tray.
Near infrared spectroscopy - Measures light absorbance to calculate the protein content inside the grain.
Mycotoxin test - Assay or HPLC to test for toxins caused by fungi in the samples.
Microscopy - Visually checking for impurities.
Over drying - For removing and testing the moisture content in samples.

Question 12

How would you take a grain sample?

Answer 12

1. Use a grain probe to take samples from multiple points throughout the grain pile.
2. Sample from top, middle, and bottom, left to right, and front, middle back.
3. Make sure to wear gloves to avoid contamination.
4. Combine samples from the probe into one composite sample.
5. Place in a labelled container and seal. Label with date, time and batch number.
6. Store container in a cool, dry area until the samples were going to be analysed.

Question 13

What are standard operating procedure used for?

Answer 13

A set of instructions which describes how to perform a task safely and correctly.
Ensures all staff are completing a task the same way.
Ensuring consistency, safety, and compliance across tasks.
Reduces the likelihood of errors.

Question 14

What are general steps you should take to maintain health and safety in a laboratory?

Answer 14

1. Read standard operating procedures, risk assessments and COSHH forms.
2. Wear PPE like gloves, lab coat, goggles.
3. Label and store chemicals correctly.
4. Dispose of waste properly in sharps bins or chemical waste containers.
5. Report hazards.
6. Tie hair up.
7. Wear appropriate clothing like covered shoes and long trousers so there is no exposed ski.
8. Remove jewellery.
9. Handle chemicals inside fume cupboards.
10. Wash hands before entering and leaving the lab.
11. Know where the fire equipment and washing stations are.

Question 15

How do you ensure accurate and reliable results?

Answer 15

1. Follow standard operating procedures.
2. Calibrate equipment.
3. Use internal controls for quality.
4. Take contemporaneous notes.
5. Clean equipment.
6. Check equipment is working.

Question 16

How would you deal with a sample that appeared to be contaminated or inaccurate?

Answer 16

1. Isolate the sample.
2. Record what appears to be wrong with the sample.
3. Report to laboratory manager.
4. Identify where the contamination could have appeared from - Sample collection, handling, or equipment.
5. Possibly retake the sample.

Question 17

How would you prevent contamination between samples?

Answer 17

1. Make sure equipment is clean.
2. Label sample containers clearly.
3. Change tools between samples like gloves, pipette tips.
4. Handle one sample at a time.

Question 18

How would you handle and store grain samples?

Answer 18

Store in separate containers. Store in dry, sealed, and sterile containers.
Label with the date and time the sample was collected, where it was collected from, and what the sample was.

Question 19

What is quality control?

Answer 19

Quality control is the process of making sure that products meet certain standards by regularly testing and inspecting them.
Quality control helps prevent errors, ensures safety, makes sure products comply with regulations, and maintains customer satisfaction by delivering reliable and high-quality results and products.

Question 20

How would you ensure quality control?

Answer 20

1. Follow standard operating procedures.
2. Calibrate equipment.
3. Prevent contamination.
4. Keep documentation accurate and up to date.
5. Conduct tests.

Question 21

What is Good Laboratory Practice?

Answer 21

Maintains quality, integrity, and reliability of lab testing and results.
Follow SOP’s consistently to reduce errors.
Calibration and maintenance of lab equipment.
Accurate and precise sample handling and preparation.
Thorough documentation of all procedures and results.
Maintain a clean and safe working environment.
Use PPE.
Adhere to health and safety regulations, including COSHH and risk assessments.
Trace all lab activities.
Produces trustworthy results that meet regulatory standards.

Question 22

Why would you like this role?

Answer 22

I’m interested in applying my laboratory skills in a practical setting and learning about the processes involved in collecting and testing grain samples.

Question 23

What is good customer service?

Answer 23

Communicating with others in a polite and respectful manner.
Treating others fairly and with respect.
Listening to others in order to provide a suitable solution.

Question 24

Give an example of how you worked within a team?

Answer 24

In my previous role I worked within a small team to prepare food and serve customers.
During peak times I helped my colleagues by…
Jumping on the tills when there was a queue to reduce wait times.
Preparing food in advance of peak times so my colleagues could serve customers food quickly
Washed dishes and sprayed surfaces so the area was kept clean and tidy for everyone.
I also helped train new staff members by communicating the procedures at the till area.

Question 25

Give an example of good customer service?

Answer 25

A customer entered the store. They informed me they had accidently purchased a mouldy product earlier in the day. I checked the item and agreed that the customer was correct. I apologised to the customer. I asked them if they would prefer a refund or if they would like me to check the back of the store for a replacement. They wanted a replacement which I went and got. I informed a colleague that the product was mouldy and asked them to check the shelf in case there were any more products which were also spoiled so they could be removed. I apologised to the customer again and gave them the replacement. I informed the manager that the product was mouldy so they could inform the manufacturer. My colleague also removed two other spoiled products from the shelves. The customer left the store satisfied and no more customers received mouldy products.