Assessor Resource

MSL975025A
Perform complex laboratory testing of forensic samples

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit of competency is applicable to technical officers working in all industry sectors and government agency laboratories, for example, in food, forensic, medical and environmental laboratories. The term forensic is used to describe tests which may have legal implications, for example, testing to verify claims for insurance companies.

Complex forensic laboratory tests are non-routine and may require the development of new or modified methods. They require a high degree of analytical skill and knowledge, or practical experience required to perform the analysis and interpret the results. Complex forensic tests include all forms of comparative, evaluative, analytical and optical (visual) methods and techniques. They can be performed on specialised analytical instruments and include tests such as DNA profiling, gunshot residue analysis using scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), identification of accelerant residue samples from arson attacks using gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), and explosive residue analysis.

All operations and analytical methods must comply with relevant standards, appropriate procedures and/or enterprise requirements. Although a supervisor may not always be present, the technical officer will follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) that clearly describe the scope of permitted practice including modifying enterprise/test procedures and communicating results to people outside the laboratory.

This unit of competency covers the ability to perform complex laboratory testing of samples that may be used as forensic evidence. Competency includes the ability to establish client needs for routine and non-routine forensic samples, select suitable techniques and methods and modify them if required, obtain valid and reliable data, and report test results. Personnel are required to recognise atypical test data/results, troubleshoot common analytical procedure and equipment problems and ensure all testing and reporting meets judicial requirements.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors should ensure that candidates can:

interpret client request, and select and perform test methods to the standard required in judicial procedures

sequence and select forensic sample techniques and methods to maximise recovery of sample materials

interpret and draw conclusions from complex forensic testing results

communicate any problems to a supervisor or industry professional using current and appropriate terminology

maintain security, integrity and traceability of forensic samples/evidence, sub-samples, test data/results and documentation

report results of forensic examinations and tests according to judicial and enterprise protocols.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace environment.

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSL977003A Contribute to the validation of test methods

MSL975024A Locate, record and collect forensic samples

Resources may include:

standard laboratory with analytical instruments

laboratory reagents and equipment

enterprise procedures and standard methods.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

review of test data/results/reports obtained by the candidate over a period of time to check accuracy, consistency and timeliness of results

review of workplace documentation and reports completed by the candidate

observation of candidate testing a range of forensic samples/evidence

feedback from clients, peers, supervisors and industry professionals

oral or written questioning of required knowledge.

In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess required knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly.

Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

The language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a work place environment.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills include:

establishing client needs for routine and non-routine samples

completing chain of custody forms according to judicial and enterprise requirements

prioritising the evaluation of items of evidence to ensure sample integrity is maintained

communicating with supervisors and industry professionals using current and appropriate terminology

maintaining integrity and security of all items of evidence/samples

using problem solving/research skills, for example, in troubleshooting equipment problems

applying theoretical knowledge and deductive processes to draw conclusions from test results

Required knowledge includes:

legal, regulatory, policy, procedural and quality system requirements for the collection, preservation, security, continuity and disposal of forensic samples and evidence (exhibits)

terminology and principles of locating, recording, collecting, storing, transporting testing and reporting forensic samples/evidence

principles and concepts related to testing techniques and methods

potential limitations of own specialist knowledge and when to seek advice from other services

peer services available to assist laboratory examination, testing and interpretation of forensic samples

review processes for examination of test findings

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Codes of practice

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected that the latest version be used

Standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements

Standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements may include:

Australian and international standards, such as:

AS ISO 1000-1998 The international system of units (SI) and its application

AS ISO 17025-2005 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories

AS/NZS 2243 Set:2006 Safety in laboratories set

AS/NZS ISO 9000 Set:2008 Quality management systems set

AS 2830.1-1985 Good laboratory practice – Chemical analysis

AS 2162.1-1996 Verification and use of volumetric apparatus – General – Volumetric glassware

AS 2134.1-1999 Recommended practice for chemical analysis by atomic absorption spectrometry – Flame atomic absorption spectrometry

ISO/IEC Guide 98-3:2008 Uncertainty of measurement – Part 3 Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement (GUM)

Eurachem/CITAC Guide CG4 Quantifying uncertainty in analytical measurement

calibration and maintenance schedules

cleaning, hygiene and personal hygiene requirements

data quality procedures

enterprise procedures, SOPs and operating manuals

enterprise recording and reporting procedures

equipment startup, operation and shutdown procedures

forensic sampling procedures (labelling, preparation, storage, transport, storage and disposal)

incident and accident/injury reports

judicial and enterprise protocols

material safety data sheets (MSDS)

national measurement regulations and guidelines

principles of good laboratory practice (GLP)

production and laboratory schedules

quality manuals, equipment and procedure manuals

quality system and continued improvement processes

safety requirements for equipment, materials or products

schematics, work flows and laboratory layouts

statutory and enterprise work health and safety (WHS) requirements

stock records and inventory

test procedures (validated and authorised)

training program contents

waste minimisation, containment, processing and disposal procedures

Complex testing on forensic samples

Complex testing may include techniques and methods such as:

infra-red and ultraviolet/visible (UV/Vis) spectrometric techniques, such as inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS), X-ray fluorescence and (XRF) neutron activation analysis (NAA)

chromatographic techniques, such as gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), ion chromatography (IC) and high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC)

electrometric techniques, such as ion selective electrodes, voltammetry (polarography) and anodic stripping voltammetry

electrophoretic techniques, such as capillary electrophoresis

electrometric methods, such as anodic stripping voltammetry

molecular techniques, such as DNA profiling and polymerase chain reaction

scanning electron microscopy

Validation checks and/or calibration standards

Validation checks and/or calibration standards may include:

positive and known positive controls

negative controls, such as substrate blanks

recovery check controls

certified reference materials

Reviewing laboratory methodology and test results

Reviewing laboratory methodology and test results may include:

assessing the methodology for appropriate application to evidence

assessing the chain of custody and sample handling to ensure integrity

assessing testing procedures for compliance with quality system and judicial requirements

evaluating interpretation of test results for validity

Hazards

Hazards may include:

electric shock

biohazards:

microbiological organisms and agents associated with soil, air, water, blood and blood products, and human or animal tissue and fluids

mycotoxins

chemicals:

acids (e.g. sulphuric, perchloric and hydrofluoric)

heavy metals and pesticides

anions (e.g. fluoride)

hydrocarbons (e.g. mono-aromatics)

radiation (alpha, beta, gamma, X-ray and neutron)

sharps and broken glassware

aerosols from broken centrifuge tubes and pipetting

flammable liquids and gases

cryogenics, such as dry ice and liquid nitrogen

fluids under pressure, such as hydrogen in gas liquid chromatography and acetylene in atomic absorption spectrometry

sources of ignition

high temperature ashing processes

disturbance or interruption of services

Hazard control measures

Hazard control measures may include:

use of MSDS

labelling of samples, reagents, aliquoted samples and hazardous materials

personal protective equipment, such as gloves, safety glasses, and coveralls

use of fumehoods, direct extraction of vapours and gases

use of appropriate equipment, such as biohazard containers, laminar flow cabinets, Class I, II and III biohazard cabinets

handling and storage of all hazardous materials and equipment in accordance with labelling, MSDS and manufacturer instructions

minimising exposure to radiation ionising such as lasers, electromagnetic and UV radiation

WHS and environmental management requirements

WHS and environmental management requirements:

all operations must comply with enterprise WHS and environmental management requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation – these requirements must not be compromised at any time

all operations assume the potentially hazardous nature of samples and require standard precautions to be applied

where relevant, users should access and apply current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Obtain evidential material/samples following accepted chain of custody procedures 
Record sample description, compare with specification and record and report discrepancies 
Evaluate samples and select appropriate laboratory procedure from accepted standard forensic techniques and validated scientific methods 
Identify the possible need to modify enterprise techniques or methods, for example, to ensure recovery of sample materials 
Seek advice from supervisor about any proposed variations and document all approved changes according to enterprise quality system and judicial requirements 
Schedule analysis using enterprise procedures 
 
 
Prepare sample in accordance with testing requirements 
 
 
Perform laboratory examination in accordance with validated technique or method on standards, validation checks and samples 
Conduct sufficient testing to obtain reliable data 
Perform tests according to enterprise requirements for timeframe and cost 
Troubleshoot technique or method problems which have led to atypical data or results 
Confirm data is the result of valid measurements 
 
Record results with the appropriate accuracy, precision, uncertainty and units 
Draw conclusions from examination of results according to accepted forensic practices and documented requirements 
Review laboratory methodology and test results 
Identify risks, hazards, safety equipment and control measures associated with sample handling, preparation and analytical method 
Use personal protective equipment and safety procedures specified for test method and materials to be tested 
Minimise the generation of wastes and environmental impacts 
 
Clean, care for and store equipment and consumables in accordance with enterprise procedures 
Enter approved data and results into laboratory information management system (LIMS) according to enterprise quality system and judicial requirements 
Maintain equipment logs in accordance with enterprise procedures 
Maintain security, integrity and traceability of samples and documentation 
Prepare reports for presentation of evidence and communicate results to appropriate personnel 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSL975025A - Perform complex laboratory testing of forensic samples
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Assessment Record Sheet

MSL975025A - Perform complex laboratory testing of forensic samples

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