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Evidence Guide: MSL975025A - Perform complex laboratory testing of forensic samples

Student: __________________________________________________

Signature: _________________________________________________

Tips for gathering evidence to demonstrate your skills

The important thing to remember when gathering evidence is that the more evidence the better - that is, the more evidence you gather to demonstrate your skills, the more confident an assessor can be that you have learned the skills not just at one point in time, but are continuing to apply and develop those skills (as opposed to just learning for the test!). Furthermore, one piece of evidence that you collect will not usualy demonstrate all the required criteria for a unit of competency, whereas multiple overlapping pieces of evidence will usually do the trick!

From the Wiki University

 

MSL975025A - Perform complex laboratory testing of forensic samples

What evidence can you provide to prove your understanding of each of the following citeria?

Establish client needs and schedule analysis

  1. Obtain evidential material/samples following accepted chain of custody procedures
  2. Record sample description, compare with specification and record and report discrepancies
  3. Evaluate samples and select appropriate laboratory procedure from accepted standard forensic techniques and validated scientific methods
  4. Identify the possible need to modify enterprise techniques or methods, for example, to ensure recovery of sample materials
  5. Seek advice from supervisor about any proposed variations and document all approved changes according to enterprise quality system and judicial requirements
  6. Schedule analysis using enterprise procedures
Obtain evidential material/samples following accepted chain of custody procedures

Completed
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Record sample description, compare with specification and record and report discrepancies

Completed
Date:

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

Completed
Date:

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

Completed
Date:

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Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Completed
Date:

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Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schedule analysis using enterprise procedures

Completed
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Completed
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Prepare samples and standards

Completed
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Obtain a representative analytical portion of the sample

  1. Prepare sample in accordance with testing requirements
Prepare sample in accordance with testing requirements

Completed
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Prepare validation checks and/or calibration standards for analytical portions

Completed
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Perform analysis

  1. Perform laboratory examination in accordance with validated technique or method on standards, validation checks and samples
  2. Conduct sufficient testing to obtain reliable data
  3. Perform tests according to enterprise requirements for timeframe and cost
  4. Troubleshoot technique or method problems which have led to atypical data or results
Perform laboratory examination in accordance with validated technique or method on standards, validation checks and samples

Completed
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Conduct sufficient testing to obtain reliable data

Completed
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Perform tests according to enterprise requirements for timeframe and cost

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

Completed
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Process and analyse data

  1. Confirm data is the result of valid measurements
Confirm data is the result of valid measurements

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

  1. Record results with the appropriate accuracy, precision, uncertainty and units
  2. Draw conclusions from examination of results according to accepted forensic practices and documented requirements
  3. Review laboratory methodology and test results
Record results with the appropriate accuracy, precision, uncertainty and units

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

Completed
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Review laboratory methodology and test results

Completed
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Maintain a safe work environment

  1. Identify risks, hazards, safety equipment and control measures associated with sample handling, preparation and analytical method
  2. Use personal protective equipment and safety procedures specified for test method and materials to be tested
  3. Minimise the generation of wastes and environmental impacts
Identify risks, hazards, safety equipment and control measures associated with sample handling, preparation and analytical method

Completed
Date:

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

Completed
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Minimise the generation of wastes and environmental impacts

Completed
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Completed
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Ensure the safe disposal of laboratory wastes

  1. Clean, care for and store equipment and consumables in accordance with enterprise procedures
Clean, care for and store equipment and consumables in accordance with enterprise procedures

Completed
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Maintain laboratory records and report results

  1. Enter approved data and results into laboratory information management system (LIMS) according to enterprise quality system and judicial requirements
  2. Maintain equipment logs in accordance with enterprise procedures
  3. Maintain security, integrity and traceability of samples and documentation
  4. Prepare reports for presentation of evidence and communicate results to appropriate personnel
Enter approved data and results into laboratory information management system (LIMS) according to enterprise quality system and judicial requirements

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintain equipment logs in accordance with enterprise procedures

Completed
Date:

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Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintain security, integrity and traceability of samples and documentation

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

Completed
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Assessed

Teacher: ___________________________________ Date: _________

Signature: ________________________________________________

Comments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instructions to Assessors

Evidence Guide

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.

Required Skills and Knowledge

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

Range Statement

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