Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to specify the design of the required security system or network architecture. It requires the ability to design viable configuration solutions, validate the quality and suitability of the design to meet the intended purpose, and prepare detailed and accurate security system schematics and specifications.

This unit may form part of the licensing requirements for persons responsible for determining configurations for networked security systems in those states and territories where these are regulated activities.

Application of the unit 

This unit of competency has application in those work roles involving the design of networked security system configurations. Competency requires legal and operational knowledge applicable to relevant sectors of the security industry. The knowledge and skills described in this unit are to be applied within relevant legislative and organisational guidelines.

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

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 required skills and knowledge section and/or the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Research system requirements .

1.1 Applicable provisions of legislative  and organisational requirements  relevant to designing networked security system configurations are identified and complied with.

1.2 Assignment instructions  and other relevant information is obtained and reviewed.

1.3 Consultative processes are conducted with relevant persons  to determine security system requirements.

1.4 Risk  assessment is conducted to identify actual and potential security risk  in workplace environment.

1.5 Appropriate controls and implementation methods are formulated and incorporated into security system design.

2 Validate system design .

2.1 Security system schematics  and specifications provide sufficient detail to enable accurate costings to be made.

2.2 System architectural and service specifications address identified performance, maintenance and fault tolerance parameters.

2.3 Compatibility of existing and proposed systems and units are confirmed in accordance with system plans and technical specifications.

2.4 Materials that best meet system specifications are determined.

3 Report system configurations .

3.1 Proposed security system configuration details and information are prepared and presented within specified timeframes, budget and quality constraints.

3.2 Presented information uses clear and concise language and meets organisational standards for style, format and accuracy.

3.3 Configuration design recommendations and options are supported by reliable and verifiable information.

3.4 Feedback is sought and modifications to proposed security system configuration are made as required to meet assignment instructions.

3.5 Confirmation  of proposed security system configurations is obtained and processed in accordance with organisational procedures.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• apply safe and efficient work practices
• calculate time, measurements and quantities
• coaching and mentoring to provide support to colleagues
• communicate in a clear and concise manner
• draw and draft plans, layouts, structures and system
• interpret plans, designs and specifications
• negotiation
• organise work tasks in a methodical manner
• prepare and present security systems and network specification and configuration documentation in suitable formats
• risk assessment
• solve problems.

Required knowledge 

• building construction methods and types
• drawing and drafting symbols and techniques
• duty of care
• organisational and client confidentiality requirements
• organisational pricing policies and procedures
• requirements for installation of security systems and networks
• types, functions and specifications of security systems and networks.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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.

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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of:

• accurately documenting and preparing security equipment and system specifications and configurations in formats suitable for presentation to client
• clarifying client security system and network requirements and designing viable recommendations
• developing detailed and accurate security system schematics and specifications including appropriate security equipment and materials which meet client needs.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment includes:

• a setting in the workplace or environment that simulates the conditions of performance described in the elements, performance criteria and range statement.

Resource implications for assessment include:

• access to plain English version of relevant statutes and procedures
• access to a registered provider of assessment services
• access to a suitable venue and equipment
• assessment instruments including personal planner and assessment record book
• work schedules, organisational policies and duty statements.

Reasonable adjustments must be made to assessment processes where required for people with disabilities. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Method of assessment 

This unit of competency could be assessed using the following methods of assessment:

• observation of processes and procedures
• questioning of underpinning knowledge and skills.

Guidance information for assessment 

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and suitable to the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the competency being assessed. In all cases where practical assessment is used, it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.

Oral questioning or written assessment may be used to assess underpinning knowledge. In assessment situations where the candidate is offered a choice between oral questioning and written assessment, questions are to be identical.

Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence from existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

RANGE STATEMENT 

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.

Legislative requirements may relate to :

• Australian standards and quality assurance requirements
• cabling
• general 'duty of care' responsibilities
• licensing or certification requirements
• privacy and confidentiality
• relevant commonwealth, state and territory legislation, codes and national standards for:

• anti-discrimination
• cultural and ethnic diversity
• environmental issues
• equal employment opportunity
• industrial relations
• Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)

• relevant industry codes of practice
• trespass and the removal of persons.

Organisational requirements may relate to :

• access and equity policies, principles and practices
• business and performance plans
• client service standards
• code of conduct, code of ethics
• communication and reporting procedures
• complaint and dispute resolution procedures
• emergency and evacuation procedures
• employer and employee rights and responsibilities
• OHS policies, procedures and programs
• own role, responsibility and authority
• personal and professional development
• privacy and confidentiality of information
• quality assurance and continuous improvement processes and standards
• resource parameters and procedures
• roles, functions and responsibilities of security personnel
• storage and disposal of information.

Assignment instructions may include :

• access to site and specific site requirements
• budget allocations
• completion dates
• job requirements and tasks
• resource requirements
• specific client requirements
• warranties and service information
• work schedules.

Relevant persons may include :

• client
• equipment and system manufacturers
• other professional or technical staff
• security consultants
• security personnel
• supervisor.

Risk relates to :

• the chance of something happening that will have an impact on objectives.

Security risks may relate to :

• biological hazards
• chemical spills
• client contact
• electrical faults
• explosives
• financial viability
• injury to personnel
• noise, light, heat, smoke
• persons carrying weapons
• persons causing a public nuisance
• persons demonstrating suspicious behaviour
• persons suffering from emotional or physical distress
• persons under the influence of intoxicating substances
• persons with criminal intent
• persons, vehicles and equipment in unsuitable locations
• property or people
• security systems
• suspicious packages or substances
• systems or process failures
• terrorism
• violence or physical threats.

Schematics may detail :

• cable routes
• control panel locations
• fixtures
• frame location
• locations of detectors
• power points
• security systems or network and equipment positioning
• switchboards
• telephone mainframes.

Confirmation may be :

• letter of verification or authorisation
• signature
• work order.

Unit sector 

Security

Competency field 

Security and risk management