Unit of competency details

Release 

TP Version  

Comments 

2

PUA12 V2.1

Editorial changes.

1

PUA12 V2

New unit.

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 Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Gather field-based weather observations 

1.1 Weather instruments  that can be used for taking weather observations are identified.

1.2 Area specific information is accessed.

1.3 Meteorological observations  are collected from the field using handheld weather instruments.

2. Assess the influence of topography on local weather conditions 

2.1 Local topographical influences  most likely to affect weather conditions are identified.

2.2 Most likely affect that local topographical influences will have on weather conditions is determined.

3. Assess local weather signs to identify likely changes 

3.1 Weather signs  that may be used to interpret and predict local conditions are identified.

3.2 Weather signs for monitoring and interpreting current and future conditions are evaluated.

3.3 Trends  in the weather recordings are identified.

3.4 Short- and long-term implications of weather signs are assessed.

4. Record and report weather observations 

4.1 Meteorological observations are recorded in accordance with agency procedures.

4.2 Meteorological observations are reported to relevant personnel  in accordance with organisational requirements.

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

Required Skills 

• communicate effectively orally and in writing
• interpret and convert measurements between different scales of measurement
• solve problems and make decisions to determine the impact of meteorological observations

Required Knowledge 

• basic weather factors affecting local climatic conditions
• access and using Bureau of Meteorology information related to local area weather forecasts
• maritime influence on weather and climate
• meteorological terms
• topographical influences on weather
• weather signs

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

• take representative weather observations in two different locations
• take weather observations using handheld weather instruments
• take basic visual weather observations
• record observations and pass these on to relevant authorities
• make basic interpretations of current weather effects in localised areas for an emergency management incident

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over time in an agency approved simulated and/or workplace environment.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in an agency approved simulated and/or workplace environment.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• agency procedures
• weather instruments

Method of assessment 

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an agency-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

• direct observation
• interviewing the candidate
• journals and workplace documentation
• third party reports from supervisors
• written or oral questions

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.

Weather instruments  must include:

• electronic handheld weather meter
• sling psychrometer

and may also include:

• anemometer
• Beaufort scale
• portable automatic weather station (PAWS)
• rain gauge

Meteorological observations  may include:

• air temperature
• atmospheric stability
• cloud (amount and type)
• dewpoint
• inversions
• precipitation
• relative humidity
• wind (speed, direction and gusts)
• wind changes (cold fronts, sea and land breezes, thunderstorms)

Local topographical influences  may include:

• altitude
• bodies of water
• distance from coast
• local air masses
• local land masses
• maritime influences
• slope and aspect
• vegetation

Weather signs  may include:

• air temperature
• barometric pressure changes
• cloud formation and patters (fronts, inversions)
• columns
• convections
• firewhirls
• lightning
• rainfall
• wind direction and velocity

Trends  may include:

• anticipated changes
• deteriorating conditions
• improving conditions

Relevant personnel  may include:

• incident management teams
• supervisors