Unit of competency Outline
Information current as of
21/10/2026 2:05 AM AWST
21/10/2026 2:05 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Maintain a safe forensic working environment
Maintain a safe forensic working environment
Unit of competency
National Code
POLFOR023
POLFOR023
State Code
AVN75
AVN75
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
30/03/2016
Original Release Date
19/10/2015
Nominal Hours
0
Field of Education
061301 - Occupational Health And Safety
Description
This unit describes the skills required to maintain a safe working environment while working in a forensic role. This includes the assessment of situational risks and hazards, the safe use of equipment and consumables, and the development of risk mitigation strategies. It may be applied in the field at incident/crime scenes or in a laboratory.This unit applies to those working as police staff involved in forensic examination. 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, particularly those related to work health and safety (WHS). Those undertaking this role would work independently while remaining responsible for reporting to senior staff. They would demonstrate adaptability across a broad range of contexts. while performing a range of complex tasks.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
General notes
N/A
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify potential health/safety risks
- 1.1 Identify potential physical, chemical and biological hazards to develop risk management strategies.
- 1.2 Apply WHS guidelines to contain/control exposure levels.
- 1.3 Identify personnel and members of the public at risk of exposure to communicate potential hazard.
- 1.4 Control hazards to minimise exposure.
- 1.5 Report WHS hazards, incidents or near misses to notify stakeholders.
- 1.6 Assess forensic situation to identify considerations for potential referrals.
2. Identify specialist/external agency requirements
- 2.1 Assess need for specialist and/or external agency assistance.
- 2.2 Access specialist/external agencies and other relevant personnel in order to respond to hazards.
3. Use protective clothing and safety equipment
- 3.1 Identify protective clothing and safety equipment required to minimise exposure to hazards.
- 3.2 Maintain protective clothing and safety equipment to facilitate accessibility and usability.
- 3.3 Replace protective clothing and safety equipment in accordance with jurisdictional replacement programs.
4. Apply collection/packaging procedures safely
- 4.1 Identify safe collection and packaging procedures to contain health and safety risks and maintain integrity of exhibits.
- 4.2 Assess packaging procedures for relevance to the type and scope of hazard and potential periods of storage.
5. Use equipment and substances
- 5.1 Identify potential hazards relating to equipment, consumables and substances.
- 5.2 Document potential hazards identified during the use/operation of equipment.
- 5.3 Cease use/operation of faulty equipment pending inspection/repair.
- 5.4 Secure operational equipment, consumables and substances to ensure only restricted/authorised access at all times.
- 5.5 Maintain operational equipment, consumables and substances in accordance with maintenance regimes.
- 5.6 Ensure requisite warning labels/notices along with relevant HAZCHEM/safety symbols are made clearly visible.
- 5.7 Adhere to material safety data information as appropriate to tasks undertaken.
- 5.8 Dispose of operational equipment, consumables and substances to minimise risks.
- 5.9 Decontaminate workspace and equipment in accordance with quality systems and requirements.
No information
No information
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OFE06 | POLFOR053 | Maintain a safe forensic working environment | Unit of competency |