Unit of competency details

Release 

TP version 

Comments 

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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 and plan to respond to USAR incidents 

1.1 Personal documentation  and personal kit  are prepared appropriate to the nature of the incident and length of deployment.

1.2 Operation and task information  is sourced  and analysed.

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

1.4 Personal protective equipment  (PPE ) and clothing  is selected based on the nature of the incident and rescue resources to be used.

2. Mobilise as part of a task force 

2.1 Adequate communications are maintained with the task force reconnaissance team while en route to the incident site.

2.2 Personal conduct is in accordance with applicable situational and cultural sensitivities  and organisational. requirements

2.3 Briefing  from relevant personnel  is received on arrival at the incident.

2.4 Personal hygiene and safety is maintained while deployed in remote conditions.

3. Assess and work within USAR incidents 

3.1 Rescue scene reconnaissance  is undertaken with other team members.

3.2 Scene is managed  to control access and to maintain a safe and effective operational environment.

3.3 Initial site blitz  is undertaken with other team members..

3.4 Establishment of a base of operations  is undertaken with other team members as appropriate to the nature of the incident and deployment.

3.5 Communication  is established with other relevant personnel.

3.6 Appropriate marking systems  are used.

3.7 Personal wellbeing and fatigue management strategies are monitored.

3.8 Allocated rescue , logistics and communications tasks  are undertaken by the operator as directed.

4. Determine location and condition of casualties  

4.1 Search techniques  and equipment  are used to locate trapped casualties under the surface, in voids and spaces , and from heights.

4.2 Nature of casualty entrapment is ascertained where possible.

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

5. Gain access to casualties 

5.1 Exclusion zone is established to provide a safe working environment.

5.2 Stabilisation techniques  are utilised to make the collapsed site safe.

5.3 Techniques appropriate to the nature of the entrapment  are used to access the casualty.

5.4 Located casualties are treated  in consultation with medical personnel in accordance with organisational policies.

5.5 Rescue operations are conducted in a range of environments. 

5.6 Incident scene is constantly monitored for situational and environmental hazards , and structural stability to prevent injury to self or others.

6. Remove casualties and victims 

6.1 Casualties and victims are removed using recognised techniques and equipment. 

6.2 Evidence of victim identity is collected and processed in accordance with jurisdictional disaster victim identification procedures.

6.3 Appropriate actions are taken to preserve the incident scene where possible for evidentiary purposes.

7. Demobilise as part of a Task Force 

7.1 Equipment is recovered , cleaned and serviced  according to manufacturer's guidelines and organisational standards.

7.2 Disestablishment of the base of operation is undertaken with other team members.

7.3 Operational readiness is maintained to support redeployment of task force team and individual members, if required.

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

7.5 Fatigue and operational stress of team members is monitored and action is taken to address identified issues.

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

7.7 Hygiene precautions are implemented in accordance with organisational requirements.

7.8 Exposure records  are completed.

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

Required Skills 

• apply casualty packaging techniques for confined spaces
• apply marking systems
• cut concrete, reinforcing bar, structural steel, timber and a range of non-structural components and contents
• operate equipment in accordance with organisational procedures
• take notes
• use air bags and other lifting equipment
• use concrete cutting, coring, breaching and lifting equipment
• use generators and lighting equipment safely and effectively
• use heavy duty cutting, breaking and lifting equipment
• use jacks and props
• use ropes, anchors and rigging systems
• use safe debris tunnelling techniques
• use safe manual handling techniques
• use shoring and cribbing techniques
• use structural collapse rescue equipment
• use visual and audible locating devices
• wear personal protective equipment in accordance with organisational requirements
• work within the responsible agency's command and control structure
• work in teams

Required Knowledge 

• agency incident command and control systems
• casualty search techniques, strategies and considerations
• coronial and other legal documentation requirements
• disaster victim identification procedures
• engineering considerations for structural collapse
• equipment capabilities and limitations
• heavy lifting techniques
• improvised explosive devices
• medical considerations and casualty packaging for structural collapse casualties
• operational briefing and debriefing procedures
• 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)
• principles of a dynamic risk assessment
• principles of structural collapse operations
• procedures for atmospheric monitoring
• relationship of local USAR teams with local rescue response and emergency management
• relevant legislation and standards
• relevant occupational health and safety (OH&S) principles and procedures
• risks associated with working in a confined space
• signs and symptoms of operational stress
• structural monitoring techniques
• types of construction and collapse

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:

• work autonomously and as part of a team
• maintain situational awareness and be alert to environmental and situational hazards including using acquired knowledge of collapse patterns in structures, be able to assess and evaluate potential risks and hazards and put in place strategies prior to them becoming a threat to the team working in the area
• safely use tunnelling techniques
• safely use shoring and cribbing techniques, and construct and safely assemble the required range of shoring and cribbing sets needed to allow teams to safely move in and around a collapsed or partially collapsed structure/zone
• safely use breaching, coring, cutting equipment
• extricate casualty minimising further injury to self or others
• apply safe work practices in a range of environments
• mobilise and participate in establishing a remote base of operations
• prioritise, package and handle patients in surface and confined space environments

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 where:

• rescue techniques are applied throughout a 48 hour (minimum) continuous exercise to incorporate a minimum of three shift changes
• designated roles as an active team member are performed within a task force structure and given scenarios
• mobilisation and remote living procedures of a USAR task force are rehearsed.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• USAR incident or simulation of a USAR incident in a multi-agency response environment
• 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.

Personal documentation  may include:

• field operations guide
• medical clearance for international travel
• medication lists
• passport and other travel documentation
• passport photos
• personal identification documentation
• record of inoculations/vaccinations required for international travel

Personal kit  may include:

• suitable and sufficient personal clothing and personal/health items commensurate with the duration and nature of deployment

Task information  may include:

• cause of collapse
• current situation
• emergency evacuation procedures/point
• environmental and other hazards
• incident location
• local cultural awareness
• occupancy
• other public safety organisations
• safety and security, including potential hazards e.g. HAZMAT
• special or unusual considerations
• type and magnitude of incident
• type and number of casualties/vehicles
• type of collapse
• type of structure
• weather

Sources of information  may include:

• Emergency Management Australia (EMA)
• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS)
• incident controller
• local emergency management authority (LEMA)
• Office of Coordination and Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
• onsite operations coordination centre (OSOCC)
• reception/Departure Centre (RDC)
• reconnaissance team
• relief web
• situation reports
• task force leader
• team leader
• United Nations Disaster Assessment Coordination (UNDAC)
• virtual OSOCC

Rescue resources  may include:

• atmosphere monitoring equipment
• canine search teams
• concrete breaking and breaching equipment
• cutting equipment for structural steel and reinforcing
• earth moving equipment
• electrical and lighting
• hand tools
• heavy lifting equipment
• medical equipment
• shoring and building stabilisation
• technical search equipment
• vertical access equipment

Personal protective equipment and clothing  must meet the Australian/New Zealand Standards (if applicable) and may include:

• atmospheric monitoring equipment
• boots
• breathing apparatus/airlines
• chaps
• chemical splash suit/fully encapsulated gas-tight suits
• ear protection (plugs, and muffs)
• eye protection (goggles, glasses)
• gloves
• hearing protection
• helmet and helmet light
• knee/elbow protection
• masks and respirators
• protective clothing
• safety harnesses
• surgical gloves
• thermal clothing
• torch
• wet weather gear
• whistle

Situational and cultural sensitivities  may include:

• diversity
• ethnicity
• gender
• INSARAG Guidelines
• organisational code of conduct
• political
• religious

Briefings  may include:

• command structure and communication plan
• Incident Action Plan
• intelligence regarding potential location of casualties within a collapsed structure
• liaison with reconnaissance team
• recording requirements, logistical arrangements
• safety hazards (known and potential), escape routes, refuge areas
• situation reports

Relevant personnel  may include:

• relevant local emergency management personnel

Rescue scene reconnaissance  may include:

• assessment of need for additional resources (equipment and/or personnel)
• assessment of situational and environmental hazards
• building mapping and note taking
• collecting relevant information about structural damage, physical characteristics, casualties, victims, hazards
• dynamic risk assessment and implementation of appropriate control measures
• establishing communication with local emergency management authority
• implementing phases of a collapse rescue plan
• 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
• securing and preserving the scene
• structural assessment and triage
• surveying the incident scene
• verifying validity of information

Managing the scene to control access  may include:

• determining cold, warm and hot zone
• restricting access by non-task force personnel
• sectorising site of structural collapse and defining boundaries
• tag in and tag out procedures

Blitz  may include:

• commitment of task force resources to ensure incident scene is surveyed as effectively as possible to identify hazards and determine priorities in accordance with the rescue scene reconnaissance

Base of operations  may include:

• base of operations management
• communications
• equipment maintenance and repair area
• food and water
• medical care
• potential locations
• safety and security considerations
• sanitation and hygiene
• search canine area
• shelter for personnel and equipment
• waste collection area

Communication  may include:

• information technology
• internet access
• marking systems
• radio communications (VHF/UHF)
• satellite/mobile phone
• whistle/horn warning signals

Appropriate marking systems  include:

• cylume sticks
• geographic area structure identification (sectorisation)
• INSARAG Guidelines and methodology
• location identification within single structures
• marking materials
• map symbols
• marking tape
• personnel role identification
• signage
• structure assessment marking
• team function identification
• victim extrication marking
• victim location marking

Allocated rescue, logistics and communications tasks  may include:

• communications tasks:

• operate communications in support of the task force
• maintain functionality of task force communications equipment

• logistic tasks:

• maintain task force cache
• service repairs and maintenance
• operate logistically in support of the task force, transport, maintaining base operations

• rescue tasks:

• displacement of structural components to perform a rescue
• rescuing entrapped persons from heights/depths/voids
• rescuing lightly trapped casualties using equipment appropriate for task
• undertaking technical search operations

Search techniques and equipment to locate trapped casualties  may include:

• primary surface search and rescue:

• audible
• line and hail search
• physical void search
• visual
• canine search team

• technical search equipment:

• acoustic/seismic location detectors
• search cameras
• thermal imaging camera

Voids and spaces  may be:

• in basements
• in rooms that have not completely collapsed but where the entrance is blocked
• in vehicles
• lift shafts
• sheltered parts of a building that may have avoided damage
• under stairs
• under a collapsed floor

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

Stabilisation techniques  may include:

• controlling entry and entry permits if appropriate
• debris tunnelling
• removing debris
• safe havens
• use of shoring and props

Techniques appropriate to the nature of the entrapment  must include:

• HAZMAT detection and isolation
• individually or as part of a team demonstrate s breaking and breaching:

• concrete coring
• penetrating below to a void space
• penetrating laterally through a load bearing wall to a void space
• penetrating overhead to a void space
• dirty and clean breaches

• cutting:

• concrete
• reinforcing bar
• structural steel
• timber
• non-structural components and contents

• equipment (shackles, slings, etc.) and expertise to support lifting the loads utilising local heavy equipment (e.g. cranes)
• lifting and moving concrete slab
• lifting equipment to move loads
• individually or as part of a team demonstrate shoring – stabilising and supporting structural components with the use of:

• cribbing and wedges
• T shore, sloped floor shore, laced post shore, vertical/dead shore; raker/multiple raker shore
• split sole shore
• window/door shores
• horizontal shores

• constructing and utilising a vertical raising and lowering system

Treating located casualties  may include:

• assisting medical personnel with patient triage if required
• first aid
• packaging and removal of casualties for handover to local authority
• primary/secondary survey
• respiratory protection, if required

Range of environments  may include:

• act of terrorism such as bombing
• aircraft crash
• any other structural collapse incident
• enclosed and partially enclosed spaces
• hazardous, unpredictable, subject to time pressure, chaotic and exposure of responders to risk by day or night
• natural disaster such as flooding, cyclone, tsunami, earthquake, bushfire, landslide
• operations in confined spaces and voids
• urban debris (such as a rubble pile, concrete walls, floors, columns and beams; structural steel, reinforcing bars and timber)

Hazards  may include:

• Adverse weather conditions
• dangerous goods and hazardous substances
• 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
• irrespirable atmospheres

• 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

Recognised techniques and equipment for removing casualties  may include:

• creation of exit route for technicians and packaged casualty
• mechanical advantage hauling/lowering systems
• stretcher packaging as appropriate:

• rescue/spine board
• stretchers appropriate for packaging in a range of situations
• team stretcher handling

Recovering, cleaning and servicing equipment  may include:

• checking inventories
• cleaning or disposing of contaminated clothing and equipment
• conducting a general clean up of the rescue work areas
• inspecting equipment for damage and serviceability
• reviewing the possibility of donating equipment
• safety and security issues

Debriefings  may include

• assessing equipment function and suitability
• identifying opportunities for improvement
• identifying and reinforcing areas of positive work practices and systems
• identifying welfare needs, and sourcing and implementing solutions
• reviewing tactics and techniques and identifying deficiencies and solutions

Documentation  may include:

• AIRS/coroner report
• communication logs
• equipment running and repair logs
• incident reports
• injury register
• memorandums of understanding
• near miss forms
• notes or sketches and other relevant information required for potential coronal or other legal proceedings
• operational debrief
• site sectorisation plan

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)