Safety Procedures in Field Investigations

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2 Safety Procedures in Field Investigations For forensic personnel should include: collecting evidence carefully and precisely be observant of hazardous materials such as needles, blood, weapons and explosives following protocols and standards when transporting evidence and hazardous materials should be stored in the correct hazardous materials container and disposed of in a hazardous materials safe environment determining the dimensions of the crime scene inhibit unauthorized personnel from entering to reduce the risk of contamination of evidence 2

3 Apparatuses in the Field Are very important when collecting evidence correctly and safely Should only be used for intended purposes Should be sanitized and stored in correct location after every use Should only be used in preapproved circumstances within the field of study 3

4 Apparatuses in the Field Examples include: fingerprint kit blood collection kit excavation kit trajectory kit biohazard bags first aid kit camera notecards 4

5 Safety Procedures in the Laboratory For scientist should include: respecting all standard laboratory procedures wash hands before and after handling evidence use gloves, protective eyewear and other personal protective equipment never tampering with evidence or results always being aware of surroundings using apparatuses correctly and for their intended purpose 5

6 Apparatuses in the Laboratory Are very important when collecting evidence correctly and safely Should only be used for intended purposes Should be sanitized and stored in correct location after every use Should only be used in preapproved circumstances within the field of study 6

7 Apparatuses in the Laboratory Examples include: microscopes petri dishes lab incubators dissection equipment spreadsheet software timing devices standard laboratory glassware 7

8 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Is essential for upholding safety both in the field and in the laboratory Is used to protect personnel from serious injury and to protect the evidence from contamination 8

9 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Includes but is not limited to: close-toed shoes gowns and coveralls respirator latex gloves safety goggles bullet proof vests gas masks 9

10 Personal Protective Equipment Should be donned in the following manner have a trained individual observe the process remove personal clothing items inspect PPE put on boot covers, inner gloves, gown or coveralls, outer gloves and respirator verify PPE has been applied correctly Donned: the act of putting on 10

11 Personal Protective Equipment Should be doffed in the following manner have a trained individual observe the process inspect PPE for holes, cuts and tears disinfect and remove outer gloves inspect and disinfect inner gloves remove respirator and gown or coveralls dispose of recyclable PPE disinfect inner gloves again perform hand hygiene Doffed: the act of taking off 11

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13 Hazardous Materials May be collected as evidence by crime scene investigators May be used by forensic scientists in the laboratory to conduct analysis on evidence Include: bio-hazards chemical hazards physical hazards 13

14 Bio-Hazards Include: bodily fluid bodily remains bones any object with has come into contact with the above materials Can spread infectious diseases 14

15 Chemical Hazards Include: cleaning agents disinfectants drugs solvents paints compressed gases Can be corrosive or toxic to skin or lungs, can have negative side effects from inhalation 15

16 Physical Hazards Include: weapons violent individuals slips falls Present risk of minor to fatal injuries 16

17 Hazardous Materials Are regulated by governmental organizations transportation of hazardous materials the disposal of hazardous materials 17

18 Hazardous Materials in Transportation Must comply with the U.S. Department of Transportation and International Air Transportation Association regulations personnel must receive specialized training in order to ship hazardous materials bio-hazards and chemical hazards must be packaged appropriately before transportation and handled with appropriate personal protective equipment 18

19 Hazardous Waste Regulations Are put in effect by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cradle to grave tracks chemicals from generation to disposal hazardous waste is sometimes found as evidence on crime scenes once evidence is documented and collected as necessary, hazardous waste must immediately be disposed of by qualified personnel 19

20 Safety Risks in the Workplace Result when bio-hazards, chemical hazards or physical hazards are not properly handled, transported or disposed of Should be reported to the appropriate agency if not resolved immediately 20

21 Reporting Unsafe Conditions Is required most law enforcement agencies have protocol for reporting unsafe or unethical conditions individuals can also file a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) can be anonymous employers may not fire or otherwise discriminate against an employee who files a complaint 21

22 OSHA Reporting Recordkeeping requirements for more than 10 employees, employers are required to keep a record of serious workrelated injuries and illnesses this helps employers track and reduce hazards in the workplace 22

23 OSHA Reporting Requires maintaining and posting records employers must keep records of work-related injuries and illnesses for five years employers must post a summary of the previous year s injuries each February through April 23

24 OSHA Reporting Requires electronic submission of records in 2017, employers will be required to submit summaries of injuries and illnesses electronically 24

25 OSHA Reporting For severe injuries include worker fatality must be reported within eight hours amputation, loss of an eye or hospitalization must be reported within 24 hours 25

26 OSHA Reporting Should be done when there is potential unsafe or unhealthy working conditions Can be made from the employee to OSHA does not have to go through the employer first 26

27 Resources Bernstein, Mary. (2009, May 27). Scientific Method Applied to Forensic Science. Retrieved from Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2013). Handbook of Forensic Services: Crime Scene Safety. Quantico, Virginia: FBI Laboratory. Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Secureity. (2011). Ethical Standards in Forensic Science. Retrieved from history/2-02-ethical-responsibilities-in-forensics/2.02-fsciethics.pdf 27

28 Resources National Forensic Science Technology Center. (2013). A Simplified Guide to Crime Scene Investigation. Retrieved from National Institute of Justice. (2009, June 1). Equipment Needed for Crime Scene Investigation. Retrieved from Refuge, Jeshayah. (2011, June 24). Ethics and Training in Forensic Science. Retrieved from Whitmarsh, Andrew. Crime Scene Safety. Retrieved from ntent&task=view&id=

29 Acknowledgements Production Coordinator Jayde Farbo Assistant Brand Manager Whitney Orth Graphic Designer Melody Rowell V.P. of Brand Management Clayton Franklin Quality Control Director Angela Dehls MMXVII CEV Multimedia, Ltd. Executive Producer Gordon W. Davis, Ph.D. 29