Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Assess scene and organisation requirements 

1.1

Clearly define restricted and/or special access areas to media personnel to safeguard the operation and prevent contamination of evidence

1.2

Control media access to personnel/volunteers/victims/casualties

1.3

Assess operational responsibilities and provision of information to media

2

Develop media strategy 

2.1

Use media plan to form the media strategy

2.2

Allocate media briefing area with required resources, where possible

2.3

Gain approval for information releases, where appropriate

2.4

Make arrangements to meet media requirements according to incident characteristics and current developments

2.5

Gain media cooperation in order to coordinate information flow and to provide information to the public on matters of safety and public interest

3

Brief media 

3.1

Select and brief organisational media representative according to availability, knowledge of incident, media presence and role played in the incident

3.2

Change media strategy at any time to suit operational demands and level of incident

3.3

Schedule information briefing sessions and tours at appropriate times in line with operational responsibilities and media requirements

3.4

Provide media personnel and VIP with personal protective equipment (PPE), where appropriate

4

Provide information to media 

4.1

Follow organisational protocols when liaising with the media

4.2

Provide organisational media representatives with current developments of incident, where appropriate

4.3

Schedule interview and photo opportunities to provide information, where appropriate

4.4

Consult with other organisations at the incident to ensure a consistent presentation of information to the media

4.5

Monitor social media response to the crisis

4.6

Adapt media management in response to social media

4.7

Maintain accurate records of media enquiries and interviews

4.8

Maintain a two-way communication process between organisation and media

5

Promote the organisation via the media 

5.1

Promote work and achievements of organisation, volunteer and other organisation personnel at incident throughout the incident to assist in maintaining morale and public profile

5.2

Ensure own demeanour and presentation reflects the professional standards of the organisation and support for victims and others affected by the incident

6

Control hazards associated with media coverage 

6.1

Identify hazards in work environment

6.2

Assess the risks arising from those hazards

6.3

Implement measures to control those risks in line with procedures and duty of care

7

Respond to problems 

7.1

Identify possible problems in equipment or process

7.2

Determine problems needing action

7.3

Determine possible fault causes

7.4

Rectify problem using appropriate solution within area of responsibility

7.5

Follow through items initiated until final resolution has occurred

7.6

Report problems outside area of responsibility to designated person

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Regulatory framework 

The latest version of all legislation, regulations, industry codes of practice and Australian/international standards, or the version specified by the local regulatory authority, must be used, and include one or more of the following:

• legislative requirements, including work health and safety (WHS)
• industry codes of practice and guidelines
• environmental regulations and guidelines
• Australian and other standards
• licence and certification requirements

All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent health, safety and environment (HSE) requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation, and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between performance criteria and HSE requirements, the HSE requirements take precedence.

Procedures 

All operations must be performed in accordance with relevant procedures.

Procedures are written, verbal, visual, computer-based or in some other form, and include one or more of the following:

• emergency procedures
• work instructions
• standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• safe work method statements (SWMS)
• formulas/recipes
• batch sheets
• temporary instructions
• any similar instructions provided for the smooth running of the plant.

Incident response 

Incident response includes one or more of the following:

• deployment of site incident response personnel
• containing/controlling the incident at source and or its spread
• search and rescue operations
• engagement of external emergency services (such as fire, ambulance, rescue and military)
• liaison with other agencies (such as environmental, clean-up and specialised troubleshooters)
• evacuation
• hazard control

Incident response actions must:

• be in accordance with and relevant organisation procedures
• use appropriate response equipment, where required
• prioritise the safety and/or successful recovery of personnel and others affected by the incident response
• not  inhibit effectiveness of the incident response or further contribute to the incident

Media strategy  

Media strategy must address:

• traditional media (e.g. newspapers, magazines, TV, and radio at local and national levels)
• social and digital media (e.g. online news sites, blogs, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Google+)
• news personnel (e.g. reporters, photographers and TV crews)
• employees, contractors and others with access to the incident site

Briefings 

Briefings cover key information and developments about the incident, including one or more of the following:

• key contact details (e.g. emergency hotline numbers)
• potential and actual road closure details
• factors behind facility closures
• issued warnings
• danger zones
• evacuation details

Problems 

Problems include one or more of the following:

• media entering or encroaching on hazardous areas
• media organisations using unauthorised contacts with emergency personnel
• lack of cooperation by the media with the company
• premature release of details concerning evidence or about incident victims
• failures to adhere to company policies and/or guidelines for media communication
• incorrect or misleading information
• irresponsible use of social media

Hazards 

Hazards include one or more of the following:

• heat, smoke, dust or other atmospheric hazards
• electricity
• gas
• gases and liquids under pressure
• structural hazards
• structural collapse
• equipment failures
• industrial (machinery, equipment and product)
• equipment or product mass
• noise, rotational equipment or vibration
• plant services (steam, condensate and cooling water)
• limited head spaces or overhangs
• flammability and explosivity
• hazardous products and materials
• unauthorised personnel
• sharp edges, protrusions or obstructions
• slippery surfaces, spills or leaks
• extreme weather
• other hazards that might arise