Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:34 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.

Collect, record and coordinate the analysis of physical evidence

Collect, record and coordinate the analysis of physical evidence

Unit of competency
National Code
PUAFIR609A
State Code
WG161
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
3.00
Current Release Date
02/05/2013
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
21/03/2013
Field of Education
019903 - Forensic Science
Original Release Date
21/03/2013
Nominal Hours
35
Description
This unit covers the competency required to record and document physical evidence collected at a fire scene and to coordinate the analysis process in line with agency requirements.This unit does not address the technical and forensic analysis of evidence. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Evaluate scene and determine investigative regime
  • 1.1 Authority to search is obtained or verified, as necessary, through required channels
  • 1.2 Occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements are met
  • 1.3 Incident scene security is confirmed, according to agency requirements
  • 1.4 Fire scene is systematically observed
  • 1.5 Physical evidence is detected using appropriate observationtechniques and technological methods
2. Collect and record physical evidence
  • 2.1 Evidence collection plan and evidence recording process are established, in accordance with organisational guidelines and legislative requirements
  • 2.2 Items of physical evidence are recorded prior to collection
  • 2.3 Liaison with technical specialists is initiated regarding appropriateness, collection, preservation, handling and transportation of evidential samples to be collected, as required
  • 2.4 Latent evidence is collected/detected by physical or chemical means
  • 2.5 Quality and quantity of samples are collected to ensure accuracy and sufficiency
  • 2.6 Evidence is labelled and documented in accordance with agency requirements to ensure continuity of evidence
3. Store, process and transport evidence
  • 3.1 Physical evidence is packaged and stored to maintain continuity and to prevent degradation, contamination and spoliation
  • 3.2 Appropriate documentation is completed by all persons handling or in possession of evidence, in accordance with evidentiary requirements and organisational guidelines
  • 3.3 Details of evidence collected are entered in case notes, evidence/data management systems, and where appropriate, in the exhibit register
  • 3.4 Movement of exhibits for examination occurs according to organisational procedures to ensure continuity, security and integrity of the evidence
  • 3.5 Verbal and written summaries/reports are made in accordance with agency requirements
4. Coordinate the analysis process
  • 4.1 Team approach to an examination is used to ensure all parties conduct examination prior to any damage occurring
  • 4.2 Appropriate sequencing of evidence examination is followed
  • 4.3 Technical specialists are appropriately briefed regarding range of tests/examinations of the evidence sought to be undertaken
  • 4.4 Feedback and advice is received from technical specialists regarding range of tests/examination outcomes of the evidence as relevant, suitable or practicable
  • 4.5 Results are interpreted in consultation with technical specialists
  • 4.6 Data is documented and report is finalised in accordance with agency and legal requirements
  • 4.7 Retention/disposal of evidence is completed according to agency requirements
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.
Physical evidence may include:
Accelerant containers
Any and all objects, gross or microscopic in size
Biological material
Blood spatter pattern analysis
Clothing
Documents
Fibres
Fire debris
Impression evidence e.g. tyre marks, shoe marks, tool marks, fingerprints
Liquid or gas including the relationship between all such objects
Living, inanimate, solid objects
Paint
Photography (digital, multimedia, closed circuit television [CCTV], other media images)
Real, oral, computer data or documentary
Vehicle examinations
Observation techniques and technological methods may include:
Detection methods (electronic, chemical, optical, physical, canine)
Hand picking (including use of forceps, gloves)
Physical removal of section of samples (accelerant samples on wood, carpet, furniture etc.)
Specialist equipment
Swabbing
Sweeping
Tape lifting
Use of equipment for access above or below ground
Vacuuming
Recording physical evidence may include:
Audio recording
CCTV or other media images
Computer generated data
Digital images
Electronic visual information
Global positioning system
Hand written notes
Multimedia graphics
Photographs
Physical capture
Sketches/plans
Video recording
Technical specialists may include:
Emergency services personnel
Forensic scientists
Industry specialists
Insurance industry
Police
Statutory authorities
Quality and quantity of samples includes:
Control reference sample, where available and appropriate (control/reference samples which represent background contaminants; control/reference samples collected from a known source e.g. elimination fingerprints, hairs from the victim and suspect)
Laboratory examinations and analysis
Labelling of evidence may include:
Continuity details
Date/time
Incident number
Item description
Item/sample number
Location
Person/s collecting the evidence
Packaging and storing physical evidence may include consideration of:
Chemical composition of sample
Disposal
Drying of wet exhibits
Exhibit labels
OHS considerations
Packaging medium
Physical nature of exhibit
Safe storage and handling procedures
Storage temperature
Tamper evident seals
Transportation of evidence to storage and/or examination facility
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to maximise the evidentiary value of physical evidence according to agency requirements by:
collecting, documenting, labelling and packaging evidence
referring to relevant discipline for analysis
safely storing evidence
correctly disposing of evidence.
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated over time and across a range of workplace and/or simulated situations.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed in the workplace and/or in a simulated workplace environment.
Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to gathering and managing evidence
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of incidents likely to occur for which evidence needs to be gathered and managed.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this unit may include a combination of:
case studies
demonstration
observation
questioning
scenarios
authenticatedevidence from the workplace.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OAY34 PUAFIR609 Collect, record and coordinate the analysis of physical evidence Unit of competency
No information