5.1 By following the procedures specified in this practice, each item of physical evidence will have a traceable audit trail documented and maintained in a chain of custody.

1.1 This practice covers the labeling of physical evidence collected during field investigations; received by a forensic service provider (FSP); or isolated, generated, or prepared from items submitted to the FSP for examination.

1.2 Many types of physical evidence are hazardous. It is assumed that personnel assigned to the collection, packaging, storing, or analysis of physical evidence will take precautions as appropriate to the evidence.

1.3 This practice is intended for use by competent forensic science practitioners with the requisite formal education, discipline-specific training (see Practice E2917), and demonstrated proficiency to perform forensic casework.

1.4 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.

1.5 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.