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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Perform imaging techniques 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243636  Perform imaging techniques 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Forensic Science 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Safety in Society 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The purpose of this unit standard is to provide learners with the knowledge and skills to be able to perform forensic procedures through photographs and images. This unit standard is intended to provide the learner with elementary knowledge of surface and regional anatomy to support the application of imaging techniques used in the field of forensic science. Aspects such as radiation, physics and protection during the application of imaging techniques will be dealt with in this unit standard thereby ensuring that learners have the elementary knowledge to support the practical skills required by imaging techniques in forensic investigations.

Persons credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Perform radiography on bodies and specimens in a forensic support environment.
  • Perform photography in a forensic investigation. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Mathematical Literacy NQF 4.
  • Communication NQF 4. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • "Given situation" refers to forensic case studies, structured scenarios, particular contexts.
  • In this unit standard, when anatomy is referred to it means orientation of body parts and organs.
  • When performing imaging techniques, it is generally given that this will be done under supervision. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Perform radiography on bodies and specimens in a forensic support environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Principles of radiation physics are explained in terms of their impact on personal safety. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Principles include but are not limited to safety during exposure (long-term and short-term) to radiation, risks associated with exposure to radiation.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The use of radiograph imaging equipment is explained in terms of its operating principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The role of radiograph imaging equipment in forensic investigations is explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Role may refer to foreign object identification and location, age determination, human identification etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The hazards of radiation are described to identify potential risks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Current legislation relating to radiation is described to ensure compliance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    A given situation is assessed to determine whether there is a need for multiple views of the body and/or specimen. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Views may refer to anterior, posterior, lateral, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Images are taken using knowledge of surface and regional anatomy in a given situtaion. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The positioning of bodies and specimens is determined in accordance with forensic investigation requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Position here refers to supine, prone, lateral.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Imaging techniques are described in terms of their advantages and disadvantages in given situations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Techniques: Include but are not limited to film, digital, ultrasound.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Storage methods of images are explained in terms of protecting the forensic evidentiary value. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Perform photography in a forensic investigation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Photographic equipment is assessed to determine readiness for use during a forensic investigation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Preparations must include the selection of equipment and determining serviceability.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Principles of taking photographs for forensic purposes are applied in order to record the context of the given situation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Principles may include photographic angles and distances, lighting, measuring scales.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Techniques of taking photographs for forensic purposes are demonstrated in order to record the context of the given situation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Techniques may include video vs still photography, wide angle vs narrow, black and white vs colour, macro vs micro, quality of image.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Photographic images are taken in a given situation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Photographic images for forensic purposes are evaluated to reflect on the qualitative value and to improve the capturing process. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this unit standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or assessing this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the ETQA's discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Apply principles of radiography and photography including:

    > Regional anatomy: head, neck, chest, pelvis, limbs.
    > Surface anatomy.
    > Radiation physics and protection legislation requirements.
    > Personal Protective Clothing and equipment.
    > Imaging techniques and procedures.
    > Photography skills: quality imaging.
    > Photography equipment: tripods, lighting, film, cameras, labelling.
    > Correct personalised anatomical markers to be used on all radiographs.
  • Current Legislation, as amended:

    > Applicable sections of the Atomic Energy Act of 1967.
    > Hazardous Substances Act 15 of 1973 and 15 of 1992.
    > Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993.
    > Compensation fore Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act 130 of 1993.
    > Human Tissues Act Section 65 of 1983.
    > National Health Act 61 of 2003.
    > Criminal Procedures Act 51 of 1977. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work in a team in that the learner will be able to recognise his/her responsibilities in carrying out imaging activities. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Manage oneself in organizing and managing the process of producing the images requested. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Learners are required to collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information relating to producing images of bodies and specimens. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Learners are required to communicate using a variety of communication methods when producing images, reporting and recording results. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Learners are required to use science and technology in the implementation of imaging processes and use of equipment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Learners are required to see the world as a set of related systems in that, when they are using X-ray equipment in a potentially hazardous manner it may impact on self and others. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    It is recommended that the competencies are performed under supervision in line with accepted best practice. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58183   National Diploma: Forensic Pathology Support  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.