Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Maintain equipment 

1.1 Maintenance  routines are performed on equipment  and where required, documented, to comply with established maintenance schedules 

1.2 Equipment is stored to maintain its security and handled in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations

2. Use equipment 

2.1 Task requirements are analysed and strategies are implemented to successfully examine and record forensic evidence

2.2 Equipment is used in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, documented procedures and organisational policies and procedures

2.3 Safety equipment  is used at accident, crime, incident or other situations as necessary

2.4 Equipment fault or failure  is reported  in accordance with documented procedures and alternative equipment or methods are employed

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

Required Skills 

• accurately use recording equipment and processes to produce evidence that is acceptable in courts
• apply occupational health and safety (OH&S) principles, which includes OH&S legislation, laboratory safety manuals, relevant Australian Standards
• select and use appropriate laboratory and field equipment
• take forensic photographs
• undertake routine equipment maintenance of applicable equipment

Required Knowledge 

• disciplines such as Crime Scenes, Fingerprints, Documents, Firearms and Toolmarks, Fire and Explosion scenes
• jurisdictional laws, policies and procedures covering the use of laboratory and field equipment
• maintenance requirements for equipment
• operating procedures for equipment
• organisational procedures for cleaning and discarding equipment in terms of environmental management and sustainability
• requirements of the quality system
• safety practices that must be followed when using equipment
• various types of equipment maintenance logs/damage reports required and when they must be completed

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 competency in this unit 

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

• use properly maintained equipment to maximise the evidentiary value of physical evidence.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over time and across a range of workplace or simulated situations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed on-the-job or in a simulated work environment.

This unit must be assessed against the relevant discipline such as Crime Scenes, Fingerprints, Documents, Firearms, Toolmarks, Fire and Explosion, Criminalistics or Biology.

Competency in this unit in one particular discipline does not imply competence in any other forensic discipline in this same unit.

Specific resources for assessment 

There are no specific resource requirements for this unit.

Method of assessment 

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

• direct observation
• interviewing the candidate
• journals and workplace documentation
• third party reports from supervisors
• written or oral questions.

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Maintenance  would include:

• Cleaning
• Repairing faults and breakages
• Replenishing consumables
• Warranty and routine services
• Waste disposal

Equipment  may include:

• Crime scene investigation - recording and capture devices, light sources, casting and restoration equipment and electrostatic lifters
• Fingerprint identification - recording and capture devices, fuming cabinets, fume hoods, light sources and IT equipment (e.g. NAFIS system)
• Firearms and toolmark examination - microscopes, recording and capture devices, and measurement devices
• Document examination - recording and capture devices, light sources and electrostatic detection apparatus
• Fire and explosion scene investigation - recording and capture devices and light sources

Maintenance schedules  would include:

• Calibration routines, which are applied where measurements are required to be verified against a reference standard according to documented procedures
• Calibration schedules from quality manuals and maintenance contracts
• Manufacturer's guidelines

Safety equipment  includes:

• Boots
• Chemical spill kits
• Coveralls
• Emergency eye wash and showers
• Eye protection
• First aid kits
• Fume hoods
• Gloves
• Masks
• Overalls
• Protective clothing
• Respirators
• Splash suits

Fault or failure  includes:

• System or item failure or physical damage

Reporting of a fault or failure  may include:

• Verbal communication
• Written communication