This unit describes the skills required to detect, record and collect physical evidence resulting from an explosive incident. These activities can be conducted under a variety of conditions, including wartime, peacekeeping, training, in support of the civilian community/authority, as part of a joint services and/or coalition operation. The explosive incident may be an act of aggression or an accident.

This unit was developed for personnel who are required to detect, record and collect physical evidence resulting from an explosive incident.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.

Those undertaking this unit would work individually and/or as part of a team, under indirect supervision. They would use discretion and judgement and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs, performing routine tasks in a range of contexts.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Detect and record physical evidence

1.1

Detect physical evidence using observation techniques and appropriate technological methods

1.2

Detect latent evidence by physical or chemical means

1.3

Record evidence prior to examination

1.4

Document evidence using recording methods within resource limitations

2

Collect and package physical evidence

2.1

Collect evidence to prevent contamination or loss

2.2

Collect sufficient samples to allow for further examination/analysis, where possible

2.3

Collect sufficient samples to represent the natural variation that occurs in the evidence

2.4

Collect control reference samples where available and appropriate

2.5

Package and store evidence to maintain custody of evidence and prevent degradation or contamination

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and includes:

applying resource management

applying time management

handling exhibits and preserving continuity of evidence

making decisions and solving problems in relation to items of evidence

using specialised evidence recording equipment

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and includes:

basic knowledge of:

application and limitations of forensic investigative techniques

legislative, policy, and quality system context in which forensic examinations are conducted

legislative, policy, and quality system requirements for the collection, preservation, continuity and disposal of evidence

role and functions of other forensic discipline specialists in recording, collecting, preserving and continuity of physical evidence

Operational knowledge of:

legislative, policy and quality system requirements for the security, protection and preservation of the evidence

legislative, policy, and quality system requirements for search and the seizure of evidence

range of techniques available for recording, collecting, packaging and preserving evidence

required documentation for recording and collecting of evidence

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations. Where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that reflect workplace conditions.

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.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations

acceptable means of simulation assessment

applicable documentation, including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

relevant materials, tools, equipment and PPE currently used in industry.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Not applicable.

Explosive Ordnance