Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1

Prepare for a frisk search

1.1

Legal powers to frisk search persons and associated workplace procedures are understood and applied

1.2

A frisk search is only conducted on persons of the same sex and with another appropriate person of the same sex present

1.3

The person to be searched is informed that frisk searches can be intrusive and may cover any part of the body, including but not limited to, the chest and groin

1.4

The permission of the person is obtained prior to conducting a frisk search, including the identification of a private area where the frisk search is to be conducted

1.5

Consent is recorded as per regulatory requirements and the organisation’s procedures

1.6

Organisational procedures are followed when a person refuses to be frisk searched

1.7

The person being searched is asked to remove any bulky over garments and any other items in their possession capable of being divested and these are separately checked by primary screening processes

2

Conduct a frisk search of a person

2.1

A frisk search of a person is carried out using the methods and techniques detailed in the organisation’s procedures and taking into account social or cultural differences

2.2

The frisk search is conducted by gently running open hands over the outer garments covering the relevant part of the person, to an extent sufficient to enable the screening officer to be satisfied that no prohibited items are located on the relevant part of the person

2.3

A hand-held metal detector is used to assist in identifying the area to be searched. This may include the sensitive areas of the person’s body

2.4

If the source of an alarm cannot be resolved due to it being in a sensitive area on the person, a more thorough and private search is conducted as per the organisation’s procedures including escorting the person to a private area (such as a search room) to identify and remove the source of the alarm

2.5

Correct occupational health and safety (OHS) principles as per the organisation’s procedures are followed during the conduct of a frisk search of persons

2.6

Customer service principles as per the procedures and standards are applied throughout a frisk search of a person during the screening process

2.7

If cleared, the person is allowed to proceed to the sterile area

3

Apply special frisk search methods

3.1

Special screening methods and requirements are applied when conducting a frisk search of infants and children as per the organisation’s procedures

3.2

Special screening methods and requirements are applied when conducting a frisk search of disabled persons or other persons with special needs as per the organisation’s procedures

4

Respond to detection of weapons or prohibited items during the frisk search

4.1

In the event of discovery of weapons, and/or prohibited items during the frisk search, response occurs as per the organisation’s procedures

4.2

If detected, a prohibited item or weapon is handled and stored as per the organisation’s procedures

5

Maintain records of a frisk search

5.1

All records of the frisk search including written consents are maintained as per the organisation’s procedures

This describes the essential knowledge and skills and their level required for this unit.

Required knowledge: 

• Sections of the Regulations relevant to the conduct of frisk searches of persons in an aviation environment including the Notice made under the Aviation Screening Notices
• Workplace aviation transport security standard operating procedures and policies applicable to the conduct of frisk searches of persons in an aviation environment.
• Typical issues that may occur when conducting frisk searches of persons in an aviation environment and appropriate action that can be taken to resolve and avoid the issues
• Customer service standards and techniques to be applied when carrying out frisk searches of persons in an aviation environment
• Reporting and recording requirements as detailed in the organisation’s transport security program and reflected in screening standard operating procedures for the conduct of frisk searches of persons in an aviation environment
• Methods, techniques and equipment involved when conducting frisk searches of persons in an aviation environment including procedures for conducting frisk searches of children and persons with special needs
• Understanding of types of weapons and prohibited items that may be detected during a frisk search and distinguishing characteristics of such weapons and prohibited items as outlined in the Regulations
• The components, operating principles and characteristics of typical weapons (especially potential explosive devices) that may be potentially carried on a person
• Contingency procedures, as detailed in the organisation’s transport security program and reflected in screening standard operating procedures, to be undertaken in the event of any weapons and/or prohibited items being detected during a frisk search of persons in an aviation environment
• Site layout, organisational structure and standard operating procedures for the aviation transport security screening concerned and in particular private rooms or a search room that can be used for frisk searches of persons
• Law enforcement officers and other government officers, their roles and responsibilities within the aviation workplace
• Contact details for airline and airport staff and relevant law enforcement agencies

Required skills: 

• Communicate effectively with others when conducting frisk searches of persons in an aviation environment
• Read, interpret and apply the Regulations and standard operating procedures applicable to the conduct of frisk searches of persons in an aviation environment
• Respond to and report any security issues that may arise when conducting frisk search of persons in an aviation environment
• Complete required documentation relevant to the conduct of frisk searches of persons in an aviation environment
• Work collaboratively with others when conducting frisk searches of persons in an aviation environment
• Use appropriate customer service skills when conducting frisk searches of persons in an aviation environment
• Take appropriate initiatives concerning security issues when conducting frisk searches of persons in an aviation environment, including contingency procedures in the event of the detection of weapons or prohibited items as per requirements of the aviation organisation’s transport security program and the associated standard operating procedures
• Modify activities dependent on differing workplace contingencies, risk situations and environments
• Identify, select, use and routinely check relevant equipment, processes and procedures

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

• The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of applying:

• demonstrate the ability to prepare a person for a frisk search, including obtaining permission of the person being searched and informing the person of the frisk search processes and procedures
• conduct a frisk search of a person following correct techniques and procedures and in accordance with OHS principles
• demonstrate the ability to apply special frisk search methods to infants or children and persons with special needs
• demonstrate the ability to respond correctly to detection of weapons or prohibited items during the frisk search
• maintain records of frisk searches in accordance with the organisation’s standard operating procedures

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

• Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts
• Resources for assessment include:

• a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or
• access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace

• In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:

• relevant and appropriate materials and equipment, and
• applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

Method of assessment 

• As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests
• Practical assessment must occur:

• through activities in an appropriately simulated environment at the registered training organisation, and/or
• in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.

Applicable legislative requirements, regulations and codes may relate to:

• the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 (and amendments)
• the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005
• the organisation’s transport security program as approved under the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004
• Notices made under the Act and the Regulations
• other Regulations relating to security screening at an airport

Organisational procedures or requirements may relate to:

• applicable legislative requirements and aviation screening notices
• access and equity policies, principles and practices
• client service standards
• code of conduct or ethics
• communication and reporting procedures
• complaint and dispute resolution procedures
• emergency and evacuation procedures
• employer and employee rights and responsibilities
• equipment use and maintenance
• OHS policies and procedures
• own role, responsibility and authority
• privacy and confidentiality
• standard operating procedures for screening

The frisk searching of persons consists of:

• the methods and techniques as described in the Aviation Screening Notices

Types of persons with special needs who may be being frisk searched include:

• a person in a wheelchair who may or may not be able to stand unassisted
• a person not in a wheelchair but who requires a walking aid
• a person who is hearing impaired
• a person with a prosthetic device, body brace or other medical device
• a person who is vision impaired
• a person who requires the assistance of a carer
• a person who is accompanied by an assistance or companion animal (e.g. a guide dog)
• a person who is vision impaired who needs to carry unusual electronic devices in their personal effects (for example Braille note taker).

A prohibited item is:

• as described under the Regulation

A weapon is:

• as described under the Regulation

Social and cultural differences may relate to:

• dress and personal presentation
• gender and gender identity
• food preferences
• language
• religion
• social conventions
• traditional practices
• values and beliefs