Unit of competency details

Release 

TP Version 

Comments 

1

DEF12 V2

First release. Replaces and is equivalent to DEFCA317B. Coordinate area and route search, and clearance of explosive ordnance. Pre-requisites removed. Unit Descriptor updated. Application added. Minor Range Statement change. Evidence Guide updated.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

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.

1. Plan area and route clearance 

1.1 Requirement is received, understood and confirmed with higher authority as necessary.

1.2 Resource  availability and serviceability is identified and constraints are determined.

1.3 Reconnaissance  is conducted in accordance with standard procedures .

1.4 Clearance plan is developed in accordance with design, resources, risks and environmental considerations .

1.5 Problems that cannot be resolved locally are referred to higher authority for resolution.

1.6 Competence of team members is confirmed and monitored.

1.7 Clearance team is briefed in accordance with standard procedures.

1.8 Liaison is undertaken with outside agencies as required.

1.9 Work health and safety (WHS) requirements and recognised safety precautions are applied throughout the operation in accordance with standard procedures.

2. Supervise area and route clearance 

2.1 Clearance team is directed and supervised in accordance with the clearance plan.

2.2 All unexpected situations  that require a quick and decisive response are recognised and responded to in accordance with operational requirements and standard procedures.

2.3 Checks are completed for safety signage, lane marking and fencing in accordance with standard procedures.

2.4 Information  is recorded throughout operation and reported to outside agencies as necessary.

2.5 Support from outside agencies is organised and directed.

2.6 Technical advice is provided to the chain of command or support agencies.

3. Finalise the task 

3.1 Higher authority is notified that clearance is complete in accordance with standard procedures.

3.2 Post activity analysis is conducted and subsequent recommendations are made in accordance with standard procedures.

3.3 Equipment and stores  are reconditioned, replaced or returned as applicable.

3.4 Documentation  is completed in accordance with standard procedures.

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

Required Skills 

• accurately compile minefield records
• analyse the threat – tactics, techniques and procedures
• collect and report information for intelligence
• destruct malfunctioned explosive ordnance
• employ chemical detectors
• employ clearance methods
• employ hazard marking
• employ RRAMNS
• employ Rules of Evidence
• employ Rules of Engagement
• enforce explosive safety distances
• lay, arm, neutralise and disarm mines and booby traps Navigate with compass and GPS
• plan road and route repair
• rapid calculation of blast effects
• use and employ electronic metal detector

Required Knowledge 

• blast effects
• breaching techniques
• characteristics, technical capabilities, effects, employment and limitations of electronic metal detectors, chemical detectors
• characteristics, technical capabilities, effects, employment and limitations of mines, booby traps and battlefield ordnance
• clearance methods
• destruction of malfunctioned explosive ordnance
• explosive safety distances
• GPS
• intelligence – collection and reporting
• navigation techniques
• obstacle effects and obstacle construction
• recording requirements such as minefield records
• relevant WHS regulations/requirements, equipment, material and personal safety requirements
• road and route repair techniques
• supervision requirements of explosive users/workers

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to coordinate clearance of at least a 50 metre route. The route must contain obstacles of explosive ordnance that as a minimum includes mines and booby traps.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of realistic operational scenarios.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in simulated work environment that replicates the operational threat environment. The context of assessment is simulated due to the nature of this high risk environment.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access to resources as listed in the Range Statement; suitable site clearance team; and communications equipment.

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.

Resources  may include:

• cranes
• earth moving equipment
• electronic metal detectors
• explosives and ancillary equipment
• hand held prodder
• personal protective equipment
• rapid route and area mine neutralisation system
• remote positioning devices
• signage

Reconnaissance  may include:

• area observation
• collecting demographic and infrastructure intelligence
• collecting topographical information
• forming up point marking
• locating obstacle positions
• obstacle boundaries
• risk and environmental assessment
• route marking

Standard procedures  may include:

• Australian Standards
• job guides, pamphlets and other publications
• manufacturers’ handbooks, industry specifications and technical instructions
• WHS regulations
• organisational policies and procedures
• relevant local government by-laws
• relevant state/territory or federal legislation or regulations
• written and verbal orders and job instructions

Environmental considerations  may include:

• day or night
• threat
• tactical
• flora and fauna
• geographical features
• variations in weather conditions

Outside agencies  may include:

• cordon
• government agencies
• non-government organisations (NGOS)
• police

Unexpected situations  may include:

• booby traps
• casualties or death
• environmental
• equipment malfunction
• improvised explosive devices
• unauthorised personnel

Information  may include:

• activity log
• available time
• clearance rate
• defined perimeter
• maps
• obstacle identification and location
• personnel – witness, etc.
• threat:
• aim/target
• type, quantity and location of mines, booby traps, unexploded ordinance etc.
• tactics, techniques, procedures
• intent, mobility, capability, vulnerability
• threat assessment

Equipment and stores  may include:

• binoculars
• chemical detectors (electronic, chemical reaction, etc.)
• communications equipment
• compass
• explosives and accessories
• first aid kit and stretcher
• global positioning system (GPS)
• lighting and power source
• metal detectors
• mine marker
• personal protective equipment (PPE):

• ballistic helmets
• ballistic jacket and pants
• ballistic goggles/visor

• prodder
• rapid route and area mine neutralisation system (RRAMNS)
• tools – hand and powered
• vehicles
• weapons

Documentation  may include:

• activity log
• after action reports
• environmental compliance
• equipment documentation
• maps
• minefield records