Unit of competency details

Release 

TP version 

Comments 

3

PUA12 V2.1

Editorial changes.

2

PUA12 V1

Layout adjusted.

1

PUA00 V8.1

First release in TGA.

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. Prepare for structural collapse rescue  

1.1 Operation and task information  is obtained and communicated to supervisor.

1.2 Based on incident information received, rescue resources  are identified, selected and checked to ensure they are ready for use.

1.3 Personal protective clothing and equipment  is selected based on the nature of the structural collapse operation.

1.4 Systematic approach  to identifying potential hazards and associated risks is discussed with team members en route and on approach to the incident.

2. Participate in assessing structural collapse rescue 

2.1 Rescue scene reconnaissance and size up  is conducted and identified hazards and results are reported to supervisor.

2.2 Situational  and environmental hazards  are identified, analysed, evaluated and treated , marked and monitored.

2.3 Physical features  of structural collapse are assessed  before rescue operations are deployed by supervisor.

2.4 Need for additional personnel and/or specialist equipment is reported to supervisor.

2.5 Liaison with primary response team and other relevant personnel is maintained.

2.6 Communication  with other team members on site is established and maintained using appropriate techniques and terminology.

2.7 Structural collapse sectors  and boundaries  are confirmed with rescue team.

2.8 Structural collapse marking system  is implemented.

2.9 Personal capabilities and limitations are recognised and referred to supervisor.

2.10 Incident scene is preserved  for investigating officer/s.

3. Determine location and condition of surface casualties  

3.1 Intelligence of location of surface casualties  within a collapsed structure is collected, analysed and reported in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.

3.2 Collapse areas are explored for surface casualties in accordance with safe work practices. 

3.3 Resources are used for surface or lightly trapped casualties.

3.4 Condition of surface or lightly trapped casualties and nature of entrapment is ascertained where possible.

4. Gain access to surface casualties 

4.1 Techniques  and equipment  are employed to stabilise  and make safe  incident site.

4.2 Techniques and equipment are employed to locate trapped casualties. 

4.3 Primary survey  of casualty is undertaken to determine injury type and severity.

4.4 Located casualties are treated prior to being moved  in consultation with medical personnel in accordance with organisational policies.

5. Remove casualties 

5.1 Located casualties are released , treated and stabilised.

5.2 Casualties are removed using recognised techniques and equipment. 

5.3 Evidence of casualty identity is collected and processed in accordance with organisational procedures.

5.4 Actions are taken to preserve the incident scene where possible for evidentiary purposes.

6. Conclude structural collapse rescue operations 

6.1 Equipment is recovered , cleaned and serviced  according to manufacturers' guidelines and organisational standards.

6.2 Signs and symptoms of operational stress  in self and others are reported to relevant personnel.

6.3 Operational debrief  is attended and documentation  is completed to organisational standards.

6.4 Hygiene precautions  are implemented in accordance with the organisational procedures.

6.5 Exposure records  are completed.

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

Required Skills 

• conduct a primary survey
• handle casualties safely
• handle stretchers safely
• conduct a risk assessment
• identify signs of structural collapse including those associated with secondary collapse
• implement surface search procedures and surface clearance of casualties
• operates equipment in accordance with organisational procedures
• problem solving
• use structural collapse rescue equipment
• wear personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with organisational requirements
• work within the responsible agency's command and control structure

Required Knowledge 

• building and structure classifications
• calling and listening procedures
• capabilities and limitations of rescue equipment
• collapse patterns ( curtain fall wall collapse, inward/outward collapse, lean over collapse, lean to floor collapse, angle wall collapse
• command and control structure
• dangers associated with a damaged structure
• establishment of exclusion zones
• hazard identification and dynamic risk assessment recording
• hazardous materials procedures
• hygiene precautions
• marking systems such as structure assessment marking, victim location marking in accordance with INSARAG guidelines and methodology
• organisational policies and procedures (such as relevant legislation; operational, corporate and strategic plans; operational performance standards; operational policies and procedures; organisational personnel and occupational health and safety practices and guidelines; organisational quality standards; organisation's approach to environmental management and sustainability)
• primary survey procedures
• procedures for reporting injuries and accidents
• relevant legislation
• risks associated with confined spaces
• role of structural collapse rescue
• safe work practices
• scene assessment procedures
• search procedures
• situational and environmental hazards
• standard internationally accepted warning systems
• standard operating procedures
• structural collapse equipment typically used in the rescue of surface casualties
• structure of the USAR taskforce and the roles of USAR personnel
• symptoms of physical/emotional stress
• team stretcher handling procedures
• types of PPE and clothing
• types of building structures

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

• work effectively as part of a team
• apply safe work practices when providing assistance to a USAR rescue team
• conduct a dynamic risk assessment
• conduct a primary survey of casualty
• maintain situational awareness and be alert to environmental and situational hazards
• implement basic search techniques using approved marking systems
• operates equipment in accordance with organisational procedures
• traverse unstable environments
• safely and effectively gain access to surface casualties with no further injury to persons or damage to property
• respond and react to instructions in a safe, correct and timely manner

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual and/or simulated workplace environments.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

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

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• USAR incident or simulation of a USAR incident
• equipment, personnel, facilities etc. appropriate to a USAR incident

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 industry-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.

Task information  may include:

• cause of collapse
• current situation
• environmental and other hazards
• incident location
• other public safety organisations
• type and magnitude of incident
• type and number of casualties/vehicles

Rescue resources  may include:

• basic rescue equipment such as lighting, hydraulic tools, ropes and hand tools
• canines
• communications
• heavy plant
• logistics support services such as portable toilets, tents, food
• medical equipment
• more sophisticated rescue equipment such as search cameras, chainsaws, jack hammers and air monitors

Personal protective equipment and clothing  must meet the desired Australian/New Zealand Standards and may include:

• appropriate protective clothing
• boots
• dust mask
• eye protection
• gloves
• hearing protection
• helmets
• knee/elbow protection
• whistle

Systematic approach  must include:

• assessment i.e. call out and response, route, scene, liaison, casualties
• positioning of vehicle i.e. dangers, access and casualties
• procedures i.e. dangers, casualty protection, extrication, warning devices and lighting

Rescue scene reconnaissance and size up  may include:

• collecting relevant information about structural damage, e.g. casualties, victims, physical characteristics, hazards
• isolating and eliminating utilities such as broken gas pipes, damaged electrical wiring, leaking water
• relating knowledge of building and structure classifications to the incident scene
• surveying the incident scene

Situational hazards  may include:

• adverse weather conditions
• below debris hazards, including:

• flooding
• oxygen deficient atmosphere
• toxic environment
• flammable environment
• different levels of elevation

• biological hazards, including:

• body fluids
• decomposing bodies
• untreated sewage

• dangerous goods and hazardous substances
• overhead hazards, including:

• falling debris
• loose or unstable sections of structure
• power lines

• structural instability due to:

• events of nature such as earthquake, flood, landslide, wind
• explosions
• fire
• inadequate construction

• surface hazards, including:

• climate
• different types of surfaces
• sharp and jagged objects
• water pooling
• dust and wind
• noise and vibration

• utilities

Environmental hazards  may include:

• dangerous goods and hazardous substances
• utilities
• weather

Treating hazards  may include:

• eliminating the hazard
• isolating the area/source
• stabilising overhead hazards
• using atmospheric monitoring equipment
• using PPE and clothing

Assessing physical features of structural collapse  may include:

• collapse patterns, including:

• curtain fall wall collapse
• lean over collapse
• lean to floor collapse
• pancake floor collapse
• secondary collapse/other building
• inverted 'V' or tent collapse
• 'V' collapse
• cantilever collapse

• methods of construction, including:

• timber
• light frame
• besser block
• reinforced masonry
• concrete tilt-up
• reinforced concrete and steel

Communication  may include:

• marking systems
• posted signage
• radio communications (radio, telephones and information technology)
• whistle/horn warning signals

Structural collapse sectors and boundaries  may include:

• geographic area structure identification (sectorisation)
• location identification within single structures

Structural collapse marking system  includes:

• INSARAG Guidelines and Marking System:

• structural assessment marking
• victim location marking
• site sectorisation marking

Preserving the incident scene  may include:

• disturbing only to gain access or make scene safe
• note taking and reporting to supervisor of observations made
• preserving the integrity of evidence

Surface casualties  may include:

• casualties not trapped within the structure
• casualties who would suffer most from injuries inflicted from debris

Safe work practices  must include:

• ability to traverse unstable surfaces in a safe manner
• stretcher pass
• three points of contact at all times

Techniques and equipment to stabilise and make safe site  may include:

• controlling entry and entry permits if appropriate
• removing debris

Techniques and equipment to locate trapped casualties  may include:

• audible search method
• rescue team - surface search procedures, line and hail
• visual

Primary survey :

• is a methodical process used to quickly identify immediate life threatening injuries and conditions that require intervention
• should be completed promptly upon initial patient contact if no immediate life threatening injuries and conditions requiring intervention are found during the survey
• should be completed as soon as possible if it is interrupted
• should only be interrupted when:

• life threatening condition is identified and immediate life saving interventions are initiated
• scene conditions require that the patient be moved immediately due to danger to first emergency care responders or the patient

Treating casualties prior to being moved  may include:

• cervical collar
• first aid
• primary/secondary survey
• respiratory protection, if required

Releasing located casualties  may include:

• use of stretcher packaging
• surface extrication

Recognised techniques and equipment for removing casualties  may include:

• exit route for rescuers and packaged casualty
• 1:1/2:1 mechanical advantage hauling/lowering systems
• rescue/spine boards
• stretchers
• team stretcher handling

Recovering, cleaning and servicing of equipment  may include:

• cleaning or disposing of contaminated clothing and equipment
• inspecting equipment for damage and serviceability
• checking inventories

Signs and symptoms of operational stress  may include:

• critical incident stress
• dehydration
• fatigue
• hypothermia

Debriefings  may include:

• critical incident stress debriefing
• operational analysis
• post-incident analysis
• performance evaluations

Documentation  may include:

• AIRS/coroner report
• near miss injury register
• notebooks completed
• operational debrief

Hygiene precautions  may include:

• avoiding contact with body fluids
• decontaminating equipment and personnel
• washing hands
• wearing appropriate protective clothing

Exposure records  may include:

• reporting form that documents any exposure that may result in a short- or long-term associated injury such as:

• dangerous goods and hazardous substances, such as dust, vapours, fumes, radiation and chemical substances
• heavy repetitive work over long periods of time
• lifting heavy loads
• noise
• psycho-social hazards (e.g. critical incident stress)