Laboratory Assistant- FTE- 3 years at Anglo American

Job Description:

• As Laboratory Assistantyou will provide services as required and your responsibilities will include but not limited to:

Safety, Health, and Environment

• Adhere to all health and safety practices requirements and promote good housekeeping to ensure compliance and an environment where team members can deliver their outputs within a controlled risk environment.
• Active participation in safety initiatives, i.e. SLAM, HPH
• Conduct the required safety interventions before undertaking any tasks.
• Maintain a clear working area, ensure legibility and visibility of safety signs, attend to spillage, and record actions.

Performance and Delivery

• Collect samples from various areas in the plant, including raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products, to ensure quality control and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Receive samples sent by clients and ensure proper labelling and storage to prevent cross-contamination and maintain sample integrity.
• Operate the LDV (laser diffraction particle size analyser) to measure particle size distribution and provide accurate analysis results.
• Dry samples in the drying oven to remove moisture and prevent microbial growth, which could affect the accuracy of the analysis.
• Weigh samples using a balance to determine the exact weight and ensure consistency in the analysis process.
• Split samples using a rotary divider to obtain representative sub-samples for further analysis.
• Sieve samples for PSD (particle size distribution) analysis to determine the size distribution of particles in the sample.
• Crush samples to reduce the particle size and ensure uniformity in the analysis process.
• Mill samples to create a homogenous powder for analysis, beneficial for chemical and elemental analysis.
• Press samples were required to create pellets for X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, a non-destructive method for elemental analysis.
• Lift and handle samples and equipment carefully to prevent accidents and ensure safety in the workplace.
• Monitor the QC (quality control) process to identify deviations or abnormalities and take corrective actions to maintain product quality and safety.
• Capture data accurately and timely to ensure traceability and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Manage waste properly to prevent environmental pollution and comply with disposal regulations.
• Build, manage, and maintain healthy relationships with stakeholders, including supervisors and engineering teams, to achieve sectional goals and ensure smooth operations.
• Report defective equipment to the Plant Call Centre and supervisor immediately to prevent accidents and ensure equipment reliability.
• Avoid performing maintenance tasks that are not authorised to prevent damage to the equipment and maintain safety in the workplace.
• This role is in the Processing (PRO) at a Grade P5 level reporting to the Supervisor Laboratory.

Qualifications:

• Grade 12/ N3
• SA Drivers Licence Code B- Mandatory
• Overhead crane licence- Advantageous

Experience

• Previous Sishen experience will be beneficial
• Knowledge of laboratory protocols and expertise in operating overhead cranes