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Evidence Guide: MSL975026 - Perform physical examination 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

 

MSL975026 - Perform physical examination 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 and evaluate to determine if further samples are required
  3. Evaluate samples and select appropriate laboratory procedure from accepted standard forensic techniques and validated scientific methods
  4. Identify the possible need to modify workplace 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 the workplace quality system and judicial requirements
  6. Schedule analysis using workplace procedures
Obtain evidential material/samples following accepted chain of custody procedures

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schedule analysis using workplace procedures

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare samples and standards

  1. Obtain a representative analytical portion of the sample to examine or test
  2. Prepare sample and store remaining sample in accordance with testing requirements
  3. Prepare validation checks and/or calibration standards for analytical portions
Obtain a representative analytical portion of the sample to examine or test

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare sample and store remaining sample in accordance with testing requirements

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare validation checks and/or calibration standards for analytical portions

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 in appropriate timeframes and at appropriate 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
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conduct sufficient testing to obtain reliable data

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perform tests in appropriate timeframes and at appropriate cost

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Process and analyse data

  1. Confirm data is the result of valid measurements
  2. Perform any required calculations and ensure results are consistent with standards or estimations and expectations
  3. Record results with the appropriate accuracy, precision, uncertainty and units
  4. Draw conclusions from examination of results according to accepted forensic practices and documented requirements
  5. Review laboratory methodology and test results
Confirm data is the result of valid measurements

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review laboratory methodology and test results

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 (PPE) and safety procedures specified for test method and materials to be tested
  3. Minimise the generation of waste and environmental impacts
  4. Ensure the safe disposal of laboratory waste
  5. Clean, care for and store equipment and consumables in accordance with workplace procedures
Identify risks, hazards, safety equipment and control measures associated with sample handling, preparation and analytical method

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimise the generation of waste and environmental impacts

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ensure the safe disposal of laboratory waste

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintain laboratory records and report results

  1. Enter approved data and results into laboratory information management system (LIMS) according to workplace quality system and judicial requirements
  2. Maintain equipment logs in accordance with workplace 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 workplace quality system and judicial requirements

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintain equipment logs in accordance with workplace procedures

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintain security, integrity and traceability of samples and documentation

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessed

Teacher: ___________________________________ Date: _________

Signature: ________________________________________________

Comments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instructions to Assessors

Evidence Guide

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

Required Skills and Knowledge

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.

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 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