Station 6 — Identification of Irritant, Metallic, Non-Metallic, Vegetable and Animal Poisons
🎯 Candidate Task
Examine the specimen, model or spotter provided. Identify the poison and state whether it belongs to the irritant, metallic, non-metallic, vegetable or animal poison category.
⚡ Model Station Answer
Identification: I would identify the specimen from its characteristic appearance or supplied label.
Classification: I would then classify it into the appropriate major group: metallic, non-metallic, vegetable or animal poison.
Examples: Arsenic and mercury are metallic poisons; phosphorus is a non-metallic poison; castor and Abrus are vegetable poisons; snake venom represents an animal poison.
Conclusion: I would state the exact poison first, followed by its correct poison category.
🔎 How to Perform / Approach
- Step 1 — Observe: Inspect the specimen, container, plant material, model or image carefully without assuming the diagnosis.
- Step 2 — Look for identifying features: Note characteristic colour, shape, seed or plant morphology, physical state or recognizable animal source.
- Step 3 — Identify the poison: State the specific poison or specimen shown.
- Step 4 — Classify it: Place it into the appropriate metallic, non-metallic, vegetable or animal poison category.
- Step 5 — Differentiate similar spotters: Use the dominant visible feature rather than relying only on colour or container appearance.
- Step 6 — Present clearly: Give one concise examination response: “This is ___; it is classified as a ___ poison.”
🖼️ Visual Learning
Recognition of Major Poison Categories

📝 Important Viva Questions
1. Give two examples of metallic poisons.
Answer: Arsenic and mercury are common examples of metallic poisons.
2. Give one example of a non-metallic poison.
Answer: Phosphorus is a commonly recognized non-metallic poison in forensic toxicology.
3. How can Abrus precatorius seeds be recognized in a spotter?
Answer: They are characteristically small, bright red seeds with a distinct black marking at one end.
4. Which toxic substance is associated with castor seeds?
Answer: Castor seeds contain ricin, a highly toxic plant protein.
5. What should your final response be in a poison identification spotter?
Answer: State the specific poison or specimen and immediately classify it into the appropriate major poison category.
