Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare for emergency procedures

1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation  relevant to the response to local emergencies and incidents

1.2. Locate and maintain emergency equipment  in accordance with statutory requirements, site procedures and manufacturer's specifications

1.3. Identify and confirm nature, scope and location of the emergency or incident 

1.4. Assess emergency or incident and determine appropriate course of action in keeping with requirements for personal safety

1.5. Notify emergency or incident in accordance with authorised procedures and methods of communication

2. Respond to emergency or incident situations

2.1. Follow emergency evacuation procedures where appropriate and in accordance with site procedures

2.2. Coordinate and control response to emergency or incident to ensure continuing safety of personnel at the site

2.3. Isolate potential sources of danger and put in place warning signs/ signals/ barriers

2.4. Select emergency equipment and use appropriately to deal with the emergency

2.5. Take local measures to reduce impact of emergency or incident

2.6. Continually monitor and assess emergency situation and changes in circumstances, communicate requests for further assistance or evacuation to appropriate officials

2.7. Exercise control of the emergency or incident situation until formal relief is notified/ received

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

Specific skills are required to achieve the performance criteria in this unit, particularly for the application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be applied. This includes the ability to carry out the following as required to respond to local emergencies and incidents:

• apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures
• apply hazard and potential hazard identification procedures
• observe, analyse and report emergencies/incidents
• read and interpret site plans
• apply initial response first aid
• apply fire fighting techniques
• apply communication procedures
• read, interpret and apply relevant geological and survey data

Required knowledge 

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly its application in a variety of circumstances in which the unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following, as required to respond to local emergencies and incidents:

• statutory requirements
• site emergency procedures
• site incident procedures
• initial response First Aid
• breathing apparatus
• fire fighting
• hazards and potential hazards
• relevant geological and survey data
• relevant ventilation information
• site plans
• site communication systems

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

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

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:

• knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for responding to local emergencies and incidents
• implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of the response to local emergencies and incidents
• working with others to undertake and complete the response to local emergencies and incidents that meets all of the required outcomes
• consistent timely completion of the response to local emergencies and incidents that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

• This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
• The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.
• Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.
• Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.
• Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in the work environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to site circumstances.
• Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
• Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

Method of assessment 

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:

• written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge
• observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

• implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes
• consistently achieving the required outcomes

• first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

• working with others to undertake and complete the response to local emergencies and incidents

Guidance information for assessment 

Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Relevant compliance documentation 

may include:

• legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures
• manufacturer's guidelines and specifications
• Australian standards
• code of practice
• Employment and workplace relations legislation
• Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Emergency equipment  or materials may include:

• roof support materials
• fire fighting equipment
• pumping equipment
• relevant plant and equipment
• First Aid equipment
• communication systems
• self rescuers (conversion/filter units or oxygen generation)
• self contained breathing apparatus
• respiratory protection
• lifting and cutting equipment
• rescue/recovery equipment
• emergency bunds
• absorption materials
• spill response kits
• personal protective equipment
• chemical safety systems

Local operational emergencies or incidents  may include:

• falls
• explosion/ignition
• inundation
• power failure
• fires
• vehicle/equipment accidents
• industrial gas leakages

Local personnel related emergencies or incidents  may include:

• injuries
• critical response First Aid
• evacuation
• entrapment
• rescue

Local environmental incidents  may include:

• fires
• chemical spills
• overtopping of dams
• spillage of oils, fuels, water
• coal spillage
• dust outside normal limits