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| By: Howard Silverwater Avi
Koffman, Firearms Examiners, Firearms Identification Lab, Ashira Zamir,
Forensic Biology Lab, Division of Identification and Forensic Science (DIFS),
Israel Police National HQ. Jerusalem, Israel Key Words: Cross-infection, infectious diseases, sterilization, disinfect ABSTRACT The goal of this report is to train forensic firearm examiners (and others employees linked in the chain of evidence) in proper work procedures, in regards to occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) from physical evidence, such as bullets, cartridge cases and firearms. This report discusses the basic principles of disease transmission, microbial cross-contamination and the sterilization system from the time the evidence enters the laboratory, the examination, post examination storage and exhibit presentation in the judicial court. Special consideration is given to the proper use of diluted bleach, sodium hypochlorite, 1:10 as a disinfectant. The authors hope to reduce the number of incidents of employees that contract blood borne and body fluid containing pathogens, such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). |