Unit of competency details

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

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.

1. Make logistical arrangements.

1.1. Access local area knowledge and information , and use it to identify suitable temporary sites .

1.2. Identify factors affecting site selection according to relevant legislation  and organisational policies and procedures .

1.3. Access relevant sources  to interpret detailed weather and environmental information .

1.4. Identify hazards  and potential human impact  practices associated with the activity and apply risk  minimisation as advised by the supervisor.

1.5. Identify and plan food and water requirements  according to principles of nutrition  and the duration of the activity.

1.6. Address perishability of various foods, packaging, cooking and storage considerations when menu planning.

1.7. Identify and plan for emergency food and water requirements.

2. Select equipment.

2.1. Select equipment  according to contextual issues  and check its serviceability.

2.2. Select personal clothing and footwear, and identify the design and or construction features that make it appropriate.

3. Establish a shelter.

3.1. Arrange a shelter  according to the prevailing weather and conditions, and ensure comfort and safety.

3.2. Erect a shelter in a manner to reduce impact on the natural environment  according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

4. Maintain a temporary site.

4.1. Take measures to remove or avoid hazards and minimise risk at the temporary site.

4.2. Identify the consequences of unhygienic practices and apply recommended procedures to mitigate potential health risks.

4.3. Clean individual and shared utensils according to organisational policies and procedures.

4.4. Identify and apply sanitation practices appropriate to the site to minimise health problems and environmental impact.

4.5. Pack up  and clean area when leaving according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

5. Evaluate the activity.

5.1. Evaluate relevant aspects  of using and maintaining an overnight site.

5.2. Identify improvements for future overnight stays.

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

Required skills 

• literacy and numeracy skills to:

• read and interpret legislation and organisational policies and procedures
• analyse weather and environmental information

• planning and organising skills to:

• allocate and select equipment for overnight stay
• establish and erect shelter at an appropriate site

• communication skills to:

• interact with other participants
• work as a team to set up camp and maintain a positive and safe environment

• problem-solving skills to:

• deal with unforeseen circumstances
• keep warm and sheltered, in the case of extreme environmental conditions and or loss of equipment
• handle and prepare food hygienically
• apply minimal impact camping techniques

• first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location to enable initial response to emergencies and personal health care.

Required knowledge 

• legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of camping activities
• minimal impact camping and walking codes to ensure protection of environment
• equipment, clothing, footwear, food and water required for the duration of activity
• packing and maintenance techniques before, during and after the activity to protect personal and group equipment and ensure prolonged life
• principles of nutrition to maintain health and energy during activity
• food and water in emergency situations to maintain health for prolonged periods
• food preparation and cooking methods used in outdoor environments
• sanitation procedures in outdoor environments to avoid contamination and illness
• types and purposes of different shelters to enable selection and use in various weather conditions
• weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their affect on the activity including life threatening conditions
• emergency procedures and potential hazards relevant to the location to ensure risk minimisation to self and group.

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 

Evidence of the following is essential:

• makes logistical arrangements based on knowledge of the area and selects equipment and supply requirements according to the conditions and duration of the activity
• applies camping techniques and adapts to contingencies that may arise, such as sudden change of weather
• takes precautions to maintain physical well being of self and group, such as hygiene and sanitation procedures to prevent contamination and illnesses
• evaluates and reflects on performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure establishment, use and maintenance of a temporary or overnight site on multiple occasions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

• resources and information regarding site to plan logistical arrangements
• a suitable outdoor location
• appropriate camping equipment.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• observation of planning logistical arrangements for the activity
• oral and or written questioning and reports to assess knowledge in relation to human impact on the environment
• observation of establishing and maintaining an overnight shelter
• observation of dealing with contingencies, such as repairing and or improvising on items of essential equipment in the case of breakage or loss.
• written and or verbal self evaluation.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

• SISOOPS201A Minimise environmental impact
• Activity-specific units requiring the use and maintenance of a temporary or overnight site.

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.

Information  may include:

• maps and charts
• guide books
• land managers and agencies.

Temporary sites  may include:

• rest stops
• activity sites
• temporary or overnight shelter.

Relevant legislation  may include:

• occupational health and safety
• permits or permission for access
• environmental regulations
• marine regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures  may include:

• occupational health and safety
• use and maintenance of equipment
• camp fire regulations
• emergency procedures
• code of ethics.

Relevant sources  may include:

• Bureau of Meteorology
• media
• land managers or agencies
• local knowledge.

Weather and environmental information  may include:

• satellite images
• daily and weekly forecasts
• maximum and minimum temperatures
• weather warnings
• event warnings
• river levels
• synoptic charts
• high and low tide predictions.

Hazards  may include:

• temperature extremes
• slippery or unstable terrain
• dangerous animals and insects
• stinging trees and nettles
• dense vegetation
• group management hazards.

Human impact  may include:

• pollution
• physical damage
• alteration to the environment
• visual
• noise
• damage to cultural heritage
• crowding.

Risk  may include:

• hypothermia
• frostbite
• dehydration
• heat exhaustion
• hyperthermia
• injuries and illness
• insect bites and stings
• food poisoning
• lost party or party member
• falling trees and branches.

Food and water requirements  may include:

• menu planning and preparation
• range of foods:

• perishability
• packaging
• storage
• cooking methods.

Principles of nutrition  may include:

• food groups
• dietary guidelines
• essential nutrients
• food preparation:

• methods of cooking
• safe food handling and hygiene practices

• individual food requirements and allergies.

Equipment  may include:

• torch
• tent
• poles
• tarp
• sleeping bag
• cooking system and utensils
• pots and pans
• ropes
• plastic bags for rubbish
• first aid kit
• activity-specific equipment.

Contextual issues  may include:

• weather conditions, including times
• season
• transport
• location
• trip distance and duration
• group objectives
• group size.

Shelter  may include:

• tents
• bivvies
• snow caves
• lean-to
• mobile trailers and vans.

Impact on natural environment  may include:

• soil
• plants
• water
• geology
• wildlife.

Pack up  may include:

• gather all rubbish for removal
• wipe or clean gear.

Relevant aspects  may include:

• objectives
• planning process
• activity site
• weather
• equipment selection
• clothing selection
• food selection
• instructional content
• instructional technique
• assessment technique
• group feedback
• directing techniques
• rescue techniques employed.