ASTM E3284-23
(Practice)Standard Practice for Training in the Forensic Examination of Primer Gunshot Residue (pGSR) Using Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry (SEM/EDS)
Standard Practice for Training in the Forensic Examination of Primer Gunshot Residue (pGSR) Using Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry (SEM/EDS)
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This practice is intended to be used by subject matter experts in the field of forensic pGSR analysis who have met their laboratory’s technical requirements to be assigned to the role of trainer in the category of testing that deals with the detection, analysis, and classification of pGSR particles.
5.2 This practice is intended to be used in conjunction with Practice E2917, as well as the laboratory’s existing generalized training protocols, standard operating procedures, and quality practices, to develop a complete training-to-competency program in pGSR analysis by SEM/EDS. This practice provides the required additional, discipline-specific elements for pGSR analysis by SEM/EDS, in accordance with 5.3.2 of Practice E2917; it does not include the core specific elements covered in 5.3.1 of Practice E2917.
5.3 The topics and procedures outlined in this practice are grounded in the body of scientific literature that exists in the field of pGSR examination.
5.3.1 Additional sources of information on pGSR examination, not specifically mentioned in this document, should be considered, added, or substituted. A review of new sources of information on general forensic methods and pGSR examinations should be carried out on a regular basis (e.g. annually or biannually) to incorporate well-established current findings and methods into the training program and to replace any outdated methods.
5.3.2 When possible, make additional training available to the trainee. Such training might include off-site short courses, short internships, and specialized training by experienced examiners.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes the minimum requirements of a training program in primer gunshot residue (pGSR) analysis by scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). It describes lessons, practical exercises, and progress monitoring and evaluation that should be part of a laboratory’s training program.
1.2 The primary purpose of this practice is to facilitate the development and implementation of training programs in crime laboratories or other such analytical entities that participate in the detection, analysis, and classification of pGSR particles.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E3284 − 23
Standard Practice for
Training in the Forensic Examination of Primer Gunshot
Residue (pGSR) Using Scanning Electron Microscopy/
1
Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry (SEM/EDS)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3284; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Continuing Education, and Professional Development
Programs
1.1 This practice describes the minimum requirements of a
E3309 Guide for Reporting of Forensic Primer Gunshot
training program in primer gunshot residue (pGSR) analysis by
Residue (pGSR) Analysis by Scanning Electron
scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spec-
Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry
troscopy (SEM/EDS). It describes lessons, practical exercises,
(SEM/EDS)
and progress monitoring and evaluation that should be part of
2.2 Other Documents:
a laboratory’s training program.
SWGGSR Guide for Primer Gunshot Residue Analysis by
1.2 The primary purpose of this practice is to facilitate the
Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray
development and implementation of training programs in crime
3
Spectrometry
laboratories or other such analytical entities that participate in
the detection, analysis, and classification of pGSR particles.
3. Terminology
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1 Refer to Practice E1588, Terminology E1732, and
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Practice E2917 for terms relative to this practice.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4. Summary of Practice
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.1 This practice provides a summary of the knowledge and
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
skills required to establish competency as an independent
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
pGSR analyst.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 4.2 The following topics related to the forensic examination
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical of pGSR using SEM/EDS are included:
4.2.1 Occurrence, transfer, and persistence of pGSR;
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.2.2 Contamination minimization and the prevention of
2. Referenced Documents
loss of trace evidence;
2
4.2.3 Other forms of trace evidence [such as deoxyribo-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
nucleic acid (DNA) and fibers] that could be associated with
E620 Practice for Reporting Opinions of Scientific or Tech-
persons or exhibits that require sampling for pGSR;
nical Experts
4.2.4 Evidence recovery methods;
E1588 Practice for Gunshot Residue Analysis by Scanning
4.2.5 Evidence handling procedures;
Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrom-
4.2.6 Evidence packaging and documentation;
etry
4.2.7 Use and maintenance of SEM/EDS and auxiliary
E1732 Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
equipment;
E2917 Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training,
4.2.8 Quality assurance procedures;
4.2.9 The analysis of pGSR using SEM/EDS and other
1
techniques that have been/can be used to analyze GSR;
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic
Sciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.01 on Criminalistics.
4.2.10 The formation of pGSR and other forms of GSR,
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2023. Published October 2023. DOI: 10.1520/
such as organic GSR;
E3284-23.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
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Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from Scientific Working Group for Gunshot Residue (SWGGSR),
the ASTM website. https://www.swggsr.org/.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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E3284 − 23
4.2.11 Identification and classification of pGSR; 6.1.3.1 Practical exercises; and
4.2.12 The demonstrated ability to differentiate between 6.1.3.2 Assisting in and performing supervised casework.
pGSR and non-firearm, pGSR-like particles;
6.1.4 Examinations and tests:
4.2.13 Interpretation of results of pGSR analysis and limi-
6.1.4.1 Written and oral t
...
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