Unit of competency details

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PUA12 V2.1

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PUA00 V8.1

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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 operations in or around flood and fast moving water 

1.1 Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is selected and used

1.2 Safe and efficient operational activities are ensured by working and communicating with others as a part of team

1.3 Hazards  associated with operations are identified

2. Contribute to safe rescue operations in and around flood and fast moving water 

2.1 Safe and stable platforms are identified and used to commence rescue activities according to organisational procedures

2.2 Appropriate techniques for safe operations  from land, vessel and/or water are used

2.3 Safety of self and others when undertaking rescue operations is monitored

2.4 Communication with others is undertaken to assist with rescue operations

3. Apply self-rescue 

3.1 Potential hazards when operating in moving water are identified

3.2 Correct body position and techniques  to survive and to minimise injury are adopted

3.3 Opportunities/activities where others may be trying to assist with self-rescue are identified

3.4 Communication is undertaken with others on bank/edge/vessel to assist with self-rescue

4. Perform safe self-landing techniques 

4.1 Appropriate landing techniques  to safely exit water are applied

4.2 After consideration of physical ability, type of craft and situational variances , method of landing is selected

4.3 Safety of others when landing and/or re-entry to a vessel is ensured

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

Required Skills 

• apply appropriate self-rescue techniques
• communicate effectively with people involved, specifically in relation to situational awareness, safety and operational requirements
• manoeuvre in flood and/or fast moving water in PPE
• work safely around water

Required Knowledge 

• defensive and aggressive swimming techniques
• hazard identification
• hydrology
• possible responses by people involved in flood and fast moving water safety and how to react to these responses

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:

• perform self-rescue techniques to ensure own safety
• survive in or around inland moving water.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of conditions expected in the workplace.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed covering a minimum of four possible hazards which are reflective of the workplace environment and context, and are applicable to taking part in activities in flood and/or fast moving water.

The relative unpredictability of flood and/or fast moving water events makes relying on on-the-job assessment impractical, so training and assessment will usually involve setting scenarios to be completed either individually or as a member of a team.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• incidents, scenarios, exercises or simulations, or series of tasks
• equipment used in flood and/or fast moving water operations.

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.

Hazards  may include:

• fauna
• holes
• manmade objects
• rocks
• sieves
• slippery banks and/or landing
• snags
• stoppers
• strainers
• swift moving water
• undercuts
• waterfalls
• weirs
• wire fences

Appropriate techniques for safe operations  may include:

• using a throw bag

Body position and techniques  may include:

• aggressive swimming
• defensive swimming
• wading

Landing techniques  may include:

• climbing into a vessel
• hauling to shore or bank
• swimming to vessel or shore or manmade structure

Situational variances  may include:

• access or egress
• availability of assistance
• current
• depth of water
• imminent hazards
• low light and/or darkness
• prevailing conditions and/or weather
• speed of water movement