Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 7:48 AM AWST

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Perform physical examination of forensic samples

Perform physical examination of forensic samples

Unit of competency
National Code
MSL975026
State Code
AWN70
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
01/03/2016
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
16/08/2016
Field of Education
019903 - Forensic Science
Original Release Date
16/08/2016
Nominal Hours
90
Description
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.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
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
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WE875 MSL975026A Perform physical examination of forensic samples Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OAC55 MSL975054 Perform physical examination of forensic samples Unit of competency