Unit of competency details

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DEF12V2

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DEF12V1

Primary release.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the Required Skills and Knowledge and/or the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Collect epidemiologic data relevant to quick assessment 

1.1 Tasks to support quick assessment are received from person/s leading quick assessment and are clarified as required.

1.2 Person/s leading quick assessment are accompanied and provided with relevant information and assistance as required.

1.3 Information regarding events leading up to, during or after a disease outbreak  occurring is obtained from those involved using appropriate data collection methods .

1.4 Environmental measurements and testing  to support quick assessment are performed.

1.5 Environmental measurements outside of normal reference intervals are repeated to validate measurement information and to enable accurate data on which to base analysis.

2. Participate in epidemiologic quick assessment 

2.1 Epidemiologic data is analysed to identify factors relating to disease outbreak .

2.2 Factors relating to disease outbreak are compared to treatment information and to organisation’s response to disease outbreak.

2.3 Specialist authorities  are contacted as required to seek expert advice or opinion to aid assessment of disease.

3. Identify immediate disease control measures 

3.1 Range of control measures  are identified which specifically address factors of disease outbreak.

3.2 Control measures are communicated to person/s leading quick assessment for review.

3.3 Disease control measures are integrated with the environmental health support plan to apply lessons learned to other operating areas and groups.

3.4 Control measures outside own limits of authority are referred to commander for resolution.

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

Required Skills 

• communicate appropriately about, consult on and impart knowledge of:

• causes of disease transmission
• control measures of disease transmission
• food storage and distribution standards
• risk management principles
• water quality assurance measures

• establish and maintain administrative systems
• manage workplace issues and problems
• prioritise tasking

Required Knowledge 

• administrative systems
• best use of available resources
• causes of disease transmission
• causes of manpower wastage
• control measures of disease transmission
• documentation processes relevant to own workplace
• food storage and distribution standards including the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) approach to food control
• health surveillance system
• legal rights and responsibilities
• organisational policies and procedures
• pathophysiology of common communicable diseases
• planning and control systems
• process of disease
• risk management principles
• role and capabilities of other health care providers including environmental health team
• team leadership management principles
• time management strategies to set priorities
• water quality assurance measures

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

• gather relevant information to the outbreak of disease
• analyse information and make accurate assessments about the factors of disease
• communicate and work effectively with person/s leading the quick assessment

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over a minimum of two quick assessment scenarios.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in a simulated situation or scenario.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• actual or scenario of outbreak of disease with all supporting information
• equipment required to perform environmental measurement and testing
• person who is or who is notionally leading quick assessment

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised  wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Information regarding events leading up to, during or after a disease outbreak  may include:

• Action on first reported case
• Environmental protection activities
• Duration of illness
• Epidemiology of the presenting disease
• Food sources
• Group activities
• Hygiene procedures
• Number of personnel affected
• Operating environment
• Referral action
• Response to treatment by health personnel
• Secondary infections
• Subsequent environmental protection activities
• Water sources

Appropriate data collection methods  may include:

• Document search
• Inspection
• Interview
• Requests for information
• Survey

Environmental measurements and testing  may include:

• Chemical and biological testing
• Environmental measurement
• Food sampling
• Water quality testing

Factors relating to disease outbreak  may include:

• Path of disease transmission
• Proportions of disease spread and infection
• Time/date of onset
• Type of disease

Specialist authorities  may include:

• Environmental health officer
• Health planning personnel
• Medical personnel
• Pathology specialist

Control measures  may include:

• Controlling dust and aerial contamination
• Controlling/isolating field waste
• Educating personnel (prevention/early detection)
• Immunisation
• Improving personal hygiene
• Isolating carriers of disease
• Preventing overcrowding
• Providing adequate hygiene facilities
• Reviewing food handlers hygiene practices
• Reviewing food handling and storage practices