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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Prepare for evidence/sample collection
  2. Record locations and details of evidence/samples
  3. Collect evidence/samples
  4. Package evidence/samples
  5. Maintain a safe work environment

Range Statement

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements include the latest version of one or more of:

Australian and international standards covering the requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories; laboratory safety; quality and environmental management; sampling of materials; and labelling, storage, handling and transport of hazardous materials

national work health and safety (WHS) standards and codes of practice, national environmental protection measures, and national measurement regulations and guidelines

specific codes, guidelines and procedures, such as National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation requirements, principles of good laboratory practice (GLP), Australian Dangerous Goods Code, Australia Post Guides, and International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations

workplace documents, such as judicial protocols, SOPs, quality manuals, equipment and procedures manuals, material safety data sheets (MSDS) and safety procedures, workplace recording and reporting procedures, maps and site plans

Location of evidence/samples

Evidence and sample locations include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

industrial accidents, fire and explosion, and disasters

criminal investigations

searches and evidence collection

contaminated sites

vehicle collisions and motor vehicles

Sample collection methods

Sample collection methods include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

hand picking (including use of forceps and gloves)

tape lifting

sweeping and vacuuming

swabbing

liquid and solid sampling procedures

Methods for recording location of evidence

Methods for recording the position of located evidence include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

photographs

video

diagrams and sketches, hand written notes/documentation

computer data

global positioning system (GPS)

Evidence and samples

Evidence and samples include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

any and all objects:

gross or microscopic

living or inanimate

solid, liquid or gas

relationships between all such objects

development/enhancement/examination (e.g. use of poly light)

trace evidence examinations

biological samples, such as organs, hair, blood, semen and saliva

blood splatter patterns

clothing

documents

drugs

explosives

fibres

fingerprint development/enhancement/examination

fire debris

firearm and ammunition examinations

impressions

paint

petroleum products

powder residues

serial numbers

shoeprint and tyre marks

soils and minerals

toolmark examination

Packaging samples

Packaging samples takes into account, but is not limited to, one or more of:

physical nature of the evidence/sample

packaging medium

tamper evident seals

exhibit labels

drying of wet exhibits

storage temperature

Maintaining integrity of samples

Maintaining the integrity of samples includes, but is not limited to, one or more of:

use of appropriate sample containers (glass, plastic and opaque)

use of appropriate preservatives

wrapping container in foil to exclude light

temperature control, which may involve prevention of direct contact between the sample and coolant

use of appropriate equipment boxes (insulated, shockproof and waterproof)

restraint of containers to prevent movement

checking sample viability during transport while avoiding unnecessary handling

Safety equipment and procedures

Safety procedures include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

use of equipment to address dangers at sites (e.g. propping up unstable walls or climbing gear to go down cliffs)

ensuring access to service shut-off points

recognising and observing hazard warnings and safety signs

using biohazard containers

labelling of samples and hazardous materials

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

identifying and reporting operating problems or equipment malfunctions

cleaning equipment and work areas regularly using workplace procedures

using PPE, such as gloves, safety glasses, coveralls and safety boots

following established manual handling procedures

reporting abnormal emissions, discharges and airborne contaminants, such as noise, light, solids, liquids, water/wastewater, gases, smoke, vapour, fumes, odour and particulates, to appropriate personnel

WHS and environmental management requirements

WHS and environmental management requirements include:

· complying with WHS and environmental management requirements at all times, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation. These requirements must not be compromised at any time

· applying standard precautions relating to the potentially hazardous nature of samples

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

Performance Evidence

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

safely locating, recording, collecting, packaging, transporting and storing forensic samples and evidence on at least three (3) different occasions

using close observation skills to locate samples and evidence

using chemical, optical and physical evidence and sample detection methods

accurately interpreting and applying evidence and sample collection methods

keeping accurate records

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

maintaining security, integrity and traceability of samples, evidence, sub-samples and documentation

completing chain of custody forms according to judicial and workplace requirements

storing and transporting samples according to judicial and workplace protocols

following workplace safety precautions and hazard control measures.

Knowledge Evidence

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

terminology and principles of locating, recording, collecting, storing and transporting samples and evidence

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

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

services available to assist in the documenting, collection, preservation and continuity of forensic evidence and samples

relevant hazards, and work health and safety (WHS) requirements.