This unit applies to workers within a forensic mortuary who are required to receive and track evidence for coroner or police enquiries

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Collect evidence

1.1 Collect physical evidence using appropriate methods

1.2 Use appropriate mechanisms to prevent contamination or loss of evidence

1.3 Ensure sufficient samples are collected where available and appropriate

2. Record evidence

2.1 Document evidence prior to examination

2.2 Record collection of evidence in line with organisation policies and procedures

3. Store evidence

3.1 Evidence is packaged and stored to prevent degradation and/or contamination in accordance with organisation policies and procedures

3.2 Document details in relation to storage

3.3 Refer evidence to relevant authority

4. Retrieve/track evidence

4.1 Locate stored evidence

4.2 Track and record when evidence is used, stored or transported

4.3 Establish and maintain documentation in line with organisation policies and procedures

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes knowledge of:

Anatomy and physiology of the human body

Appropriate methods for collection and storage of evidence

Australian Code of Good Manufacturing Practice For Therapeutic Goods - Blood and Blood Components, Human bloods and tissues

Chain of custody including:

documentation requirements

tracing evidence

Histopathology, microbiology and haematology

International Travel and Health Vaccination Requirements and health Advice, World Health Organisation, Geneva, Current edition

MIMS Index of Therapeutic Agents (Drugs)

Organisation procedures and policies

Regulations, standards and guidelines, including

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to:

Remove and store tissue in accordance with organisation policies and procedures and good manufacturing practice guidelines

Document accurately

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

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

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace

Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Method of assessment

Observation in the work place (if possible)

Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice

Access and equity considerations:

All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any 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.

Physical evidence may include:

Clothing

Tissues samples including

blood

small pieces of tissue

whole organs

Photographs

X rays

Appropriate methods may include:

Collection and storage as directed by the pathologist

Storage of evidence may include:

Blood and tissue samples

Documentary evidence including

deceased medical records

photographs

X rays

Evidence may include:

Whole organs

Clothing, including:

personal items

This unit contains Employability Skills