Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

MSL975026 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Perform physical examination of forensic samples

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency MSL975026 - Perform physical examination of forensic samples
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency covers the ability to perform physical examination and 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. This unit of competency is applicable to technical officers working in all industry sectors and government agencies, such as chemical, food, forensic, medical and environmental laboratories. The term forensic is used to describe tests which may have legal implications, such as testing paint scrapings to verify claims for insurance companies or examining passports for forgery and tampering.Examination of forensic physical samples is non-routine and may require the development of new or modified methods. The testing requires a high degree of analytical skill and knowledge and practical experience to perform the analysis and interpret the results. Physical forensic samples (i.e. of non-living origin) include fingerprints, tyre marks, footprints, building materials, soil samples, glass particles, paint scrapings, documents and textile fibres. All operations and analytical methods must comply with relevant standards, appropriate procedures and/or workplace 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 varying workplace/test procedures and communicating results to people outside the laboratory.While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

Judgment of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSL977003 Contribute to the validation of test methods

MSL975024 Locate, record and collect forensic samples

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of test data produced 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

feedback from clients, peers, supervisors and/or industry professionals about the candidate’s ability to conduct physical examination of forensic samples to produce valid and reliable results

observation of candidate examining and physically testing a range of forensic samples and evidence

oral or written questioning of relevant physical examination techniques, test methods, forensic protocols and workplace procedures.

Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:

a standard laboratory with relevant equipment and instruments for the physical examination of forensic samples, laboratory reagents and equipment, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and test methods.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

The assessor must demonstrate both technical competence and currency.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR

relevant workplace experience.

Currency can be demonstrated through:

performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR

having consulted with a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field Testing
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Establish client needs and schedule analysis
  • Obtain evidential material/samples following accepted chain of custody procedures
  • Record sample description, compare with specification and record and report discrepancies and evaluate to determine if further samples are required
  • Evaluate samples and select appropriate laboratory procedure from accepted standard forensic techniques and validated scientific methods
  • Identify the possible need to modify workplace 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 the workplace quality system and judicial requirements
  • Schedule analysis using workplace procedures
       
Element: Prepare samples and standards
  • Obtain a representative analytical portion of the sample to examine or test
  • Prepare sample and store remaining sample in accordance with testing requirements
  • Prepare validation checks and/or calibration standards for analytical portions
       
Element: Perform analysis
  • 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 in appropriate timeframes and at appropriate cost
  • Troubleshoot technique or method problems which have led to atypical data or results
       
Element: Process and analyse data
  • Confirm data is the result of valid measurements
  • Perform any required calculations and ensure results are consistent with standards or estimations and expectations
  • 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
       
Element: Maintain a safe work environment
  • Identify risks, hazards, safety equipment and control measures associated with sample handling, preparation and analytical method
  • Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety procedures specified for test method and materials to be tested
  • Minimise the generation of waste and environmental impacts
  • Ensure the safe disposal of laboratory waste
  • Clean, care for and store equipment and consumables in accordance with workplace procedures
       
Element: Maintain laboratory records and report results
  • Enter approved data and results into laboratory information management system (LIMS) according to workplace quality system and judicial requirements
  • Maintain equipment logs in accordance with workplace procedures
  • Maintain security, integrity and traceability of samples and documentation
  • Prepare reports for presentation of evidence and communicate results to appropriate personnel
       


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.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Establish client needs and schedule analysis

1.1

Obtain evidential material/samples following accepted chain of custody procedures

1.2

Record sample description, compare with specification and record and report discrepancies and evaluate to determine if further samples are required

1.3

Evaluate samples and select appropriate laboratory procedure from accepted standard forensic techniques and validated scientific methods

1.4

Identify the possible need to modify workplace techniques or methods, for example, to ensure recovery of sample materials

1.5

Seek advice from supervisor about any proposed variations and document all approved changes according to the workplace quality system and judicial requirements

1.6

Schedule analysis using workplace procedures

2

Prepare samples and standards

2.1

Obtain a representative analytical portion of the sample to examine or test

2.2

Prepare sample and store remaining sample in accordance with testing requirements

2.3

Prepare validation checks and/or calibration standards for analytical portions

3

Perform analysis

3.1

Perform laboratory examination in accordance with validated technique or method on standards, validation checks and samples

3.2

Conduct sufficient testing to obtain reliable data

3.3

Perform tests in appropriate timeframes and at appropriate cost

3.4

Troubleshoot technique or method problems which have led to atypical data or results

4

Process and analyse data

4.1

Confirm data is the result of valid measurements

4.2

Perform any required calculations and ensure results are consistent with standards or estimations and expectations

4.3

Record results with the appropriate accuracy, precision, uncertainty and units

4.4

Draw conclusions from examination of results according to accepted forensic practices and documented requirements

4.5

Review laboratory methodology and test results

5

Maintain a safe work environment

5.1

Identify risks, hazards, safety equipment and control measures associated with sample handling, preparation and analytical method

5.2

Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety procedures specified for test method and materials to be tested

5.3

Minimise the generation of waste and environmental impacts

5.4

Ensure the safe disposal of laboratory waste

5.5

Clean, care for and store equipment and consumables in accordance with workplace procedures

6

Maintain laboratory records and report results

6.1

Enter approved data and results into laboratory information management system (LIMS) according to workplace quality system and judicial requirements

6.2

Maintain equipment logs in accordance with workplace procedures

6.3

Maintain security, integrity and traceability of samples and documentation

6.4

Prepare reports for presentation of evidence and communicate results to appropriate personnel

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

safely performing physical examination and testing of forensic samples to produce valid and reliable results on at least three (3) occasions

establishing client needs for routine and non-routine forensic samples

completing chain of custody forms according to judicial and workplace requirements

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

selecting suitable examination techniques and test methods and modifying them if required

sequencing and selecting forensic sample preparation techniques and methods to maximise recovery of sample materials

performing physical examinations and tests in accordance with judicial requirements

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

recognising atypical test data and results

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

troubleshooting common analytical procedure and equipment problems

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

reporting results of forensic examinations and tests in accordance with judicial and workplace protocols

following workplace safety procedures.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

terminology, concepts and principles related to preparation, physical examination and testing of forensic samples/evidence

physical examination techniques and test methods

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

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

services available to assist laboratory examination and interpretation of physical evidence

peer review processes for examination of test findings

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

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, 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.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Establish client needs and schedule analysis

1.1

Obtain evidential material/samples following accepted chain of custody procedures

1.2

Record sample description, compare with specification and record and report discrepancies and evaluate to determine if further samples are required

1.3

Evaluate samples and select appropriate laboratory procedure from accepted standard forensic techniques and validated scientific methods

1.4

Identify the possible need to modify workplace techniques or methods, for example, to ensure recovery of sample materials

1.5

Seek advice from supervisor about any proposed variations and document all approved changes according to the workplace quality system and judicial requirements

1.6

Schedule analysis using workplace procedures

2

Prepare samples and standards

2.1

Obtain a representative analytical portion of the sample to examine or test

2.2

Prepare sample and store remaining sample in accordance with testing requirements

2.3

Prepare validation checks and/or calibration standards for analytical portions

3

Perform analysis

3.1

Perform laboratory examination in accordance with validated technique or method on standards, validation checks and samples

3.2

Conduct sufficient testing to obtain reliable data

3.3

Perform tests in appropriate timeframes and at appropriate cost

3.4

Troubleshoot technique or method problems which have led to atypical data or results

4

Process and analyse data

4.1

Confirm data is the result of valid measurements

4.2

Perform any required calculations and ensure results are consistent with standards or estimations and expectations

4.3

Record results with the appropriate accuracy, precision, uncertainty and units

4.4

Draw conclusions from examination of results according to accepted forensic practices and documented requirements

4.5

Review laboratory methodology and test results

5

Maintain a safe work environment

5.1

Identify risks, hazards, safety equipment and control measures associated with sample handling, preparation and analytical method

5.2

Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety procedures specified for test method and materials to be tested

5.3

Minimise the generation of waste and environmental impacts

5.4

Ensure the safe disposal of laboratory waste

5.5

Clean, care for and store equipment and consumables in accordance with workplace procedures

6

Maintain laboratory records and report results

6.1

Enter approved data and results into laboratory information management system (LIMS) according to workplace quality system and judicial requirements

6.2

Maintain equipment logs in accordance with workplace procedures

6.3

Maintain security, integrity and traceability of samples and documentation

6.4

Prepare reports for presentation of evidence and communicate results to appropriate personnel

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 design and construction, physical containment levels and facility types, laboratory safety, and quality and environmental management

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

Australian and international standards and guidelines covering specialised forensic tests, accuracy of measurement methods and results, expression of uncertainty and quantifying uncertainty

specific codes, guidelines, procedures and methods, such as the Australian code of good manufacturing practice for medicinal products (GMP), and principles of good laboratory practice (GLP)

workplace documents, such as judicial protocols; SOPs; quality and equipment manuals; data quality procedures; calibration and maintenance schedules; material safety data sheets (MSDS) and safety procedures; material and product specifications; laboratory schedules; workplace recording and reporting procedures; waste minimisation and safe disposal procedures; cleaning, hygiene and personal hygiene requirements; stock records and inventory

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

physical examination techniques and test procedures (validated and authorised)

Samples

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

fingerprints

firearms and tool marks

ammunition

ballistics

vehicles

documents and handwriting

Physical tests and examination

Physical tests and examinations include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

precise measurement of position, orientation and dimensions (e.g. particle size)

mass, density and specific gravity (e.g. compaction)

thermal tests (e.g. combustion properties)

optical tests (e.g. colour matching)

acoustic tests (e.g. loudness)

electrical tests (e.g. insulation)

magnetic tests (e.g. intrinsic induction)

Validation checks and/or calibration standards

Validation checks and/or calibration standards include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

positive and known positive controls

negative controls (e.g. substrate blanks)

recovery check controls

certified reference materials

Selecting appropriate testing procedures

Selecting appropriate testing procedures includes, but is not limited to, consideration of one or more of:

range, reliability and validity of available techniques and methods

physical characteristics of the evidence

availability of further samples

available resources

time and cost constraints

selection of non-destructive techniques where possible or appropriate

minimisation of sample size for destructive techniques

sequence of forensic techniques

need for possible further analysis by other forensic disciplines

Reviewing laboratory methodology and test results

Reviewing laboratory methodology and test results includes, but is not limited to, one or more of:

assessing the methodology for appropriate application to evidence

assessing 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

Safety procedures

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

ensuring access to service shut-off points

recognising and observing hazard warnings and safety signs

labelling of samples and hazardous materials

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

following established manual handling procedures

identifying and reporting operating problems or equipment malfunctions

cleaning and decontaminating equipment and work areas regularly using workplace procedures

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

use of fume hoods, direct extraction of vapours and gases

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

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

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 and evaluate to determine if further samples are required 
Evaluate samples and select appropriate laboratory procedure from accepted standard forensic techniques and validated scientific methods 
Identify the possible need to modify workplace 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 the workplace quality system and judicial requirements 
Schedule analysis using workplace procedures 
Obtain a representative analytical portion of the sample to examine or test 
Prepare sample and store remaining sample in accordance with testing requirements 
Prepare validation checks and/or calibration standards for analytical portions 
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 in appropriate timeframes and at appropriate cost 
Troubleshoot technique or method problems which have led to atypical data or results 
Confirm data is the result of valid measurements 
Perform any required calculations and ensure results are consistent with standards or estimations and expectations 
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 (PPE) and safety procedures specified for test method and materials to be tested 
Minimise the generation of waste and environmental impacts 
Ensure the safe disposal of laboratory waste 
Clean, care for and store equipment and consumables in accordance with workplace procedures 
Enter approved data and results into laboratory information management system (LIMS) according to workplace quality system and judicial requirements 
Maintain equipment logs in accordance with workplace 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

MSL975026 - Perform physical examination of forensic samples
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

MSL975026 - Perform physical examination of forensic samples

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: