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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Establish client needs and schedule analysis
  2. Prepare samples and standards
  3. Perform analysis
  4. Process and analyse data
  5. Maintain a safe work environment
  6. Maintain laboratory records and report results

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 chemical analysis, 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)

test procedures (validated and authorised)

Complex testing on forensic samples

Complex testing includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following techniques and methods:

infrared 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 (XRF) and 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 include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

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 includes, but is not limited to, one or more of:

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

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, reagents, aliquoted samples and hazardous materials

handling and storage of hazardous materials and equipment in accordance with labelling, MSDS and manufacturer instructions

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

use of appropriate equipment, such as biohazard containers, laminar flow cabinets, Class I, II and III biohazard cabinets

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

Performance Evidence

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

safely performing complex laboratory 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 techniques and methods and modifying them if required

sequencing and selecting forensic sample techniques and methods to maximise recovery of sample materials

performing complex laboratory examinations in accordance with validated technique or method on standards, validation checks and samples

applying theoretical knowledge and deductive processes to draw 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

ensuring all testing and reporting meets judicial requirements

maintaining security, integrity and traceability of forensic samples, evidence, sub-samples, test data, results and documentation

reporting results of forensic examinations and tests according to judicial and workplace protocols

following workplace safety procedures.

Knowledge Evidence

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

terminology and principles of locating, recording, collecting, storing, transporting, testing and reporting forensic samples and evidence

legal, regulatory, policy, procedural and quality system requirements for the collection, preservation, security, continuity and disposal of forensic samples and evidence (exhibits)

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

relevant hazards, work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.