Unit of competency details

Release 

TP Version 

Comments 

3

PSP12V1

Unit descriptor edited.

2

PSP04V4.2

Layout adjusted. No changes to content.

1

PSP04V4.1

Primary release.

Elements are the essential outcomes of the unit of competency.

Together, performance criteria specify the requirements for competent performance. Text in bold italics  is explained in the Range Statement following.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 . Identify firearms and components 

1.1 Firearms and components are prepared  for examination.

1.2 Firearms and components are examined in detail to determine relevant features. 

1.3 Internal resources  are researched to confirm observations.

1.4 Advice is sought on obscure or complex items from relevant personnel. 

1.5 Classification of firearms and components is determined in accordance with legislation , regulations , policies and guidelines. 

1.6 The requirement for testing or exemption from safety testing is determined in accordance with legislation, regulations, policies and guidelines.

2 . Conduct safety tests 

2.1 Firearms are tested against standards specified in legislation, regulations, policies and guidelines.

2.2 Relevant equipment  is operated in accordance with standard operating procedures and guidelines.

2.3 Occupational health and safety issues are identified and actioned in a timely manner.

2.4 The results of equipment use are correctly interpreted.

3 . Maintain resources 

3.1 Routine maintenance of equipment is conducted.

3.2 Equipment is maintained to manufacturers' specifications and standard operating procedures and guidelines.

3.3 Repairs to equipment are organised as soon as practicable.

4 . Review and report on activities 

4.1 Outcomes  of firearm identification and safety testing activities are recorded and disseminated in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

4.2 The outcomes, procedures and processes used in activities are evaluated.

4.3 Improvements to procedures and processes are identified and actioned in accordance with organisational requirements.

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

Skill requirements 

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

• applying legislation, regulations and policies relating to firearms examination and testing
• operating and maintaining equipment to achieve desired outcomes
• accurately interpreting resources and information generated
• selecting and using cleaning agents, solvents and lubricants
• selecting and using tools and equipment
• achieving accuracy in measurement
• undertaking analysis and decision making using sound judgment
• using written and oral communication including liaison and consultation
• planning, prioritising and problem solving
• responding to diversity, including gender and disability
• applying procedures relating to occupational health and safety and environment in the context of firearms examination and testing

Knowledge requirements 

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

• legislation, regulations, policies, procedures, guidelines and standard operating procedures relating to examination and testing of firearms in the context of international trade or travel
• custodial firearms safe handling procedures
• firearms safety issues
• firearms and firearms related components recognition indicators
• firearms research materials and resources
• public sector and organisational values/ethics codes of conduct or service charter
• security and reporting procedures
• risk management policy and practices
• risk assessment techniques
• profiles and trends
• Australian legal framework
• evidence handling and storage
• equipment maintenance procedures
• equipment operation and usage
• workplace and industry environment
• equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles
• public sector legislation such as occupational health and safety and environment in the context of firearms examination and testing

The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.

Units to be assessed together 

• Pre-requisite units that must  be achieved prior  to this unit:Nil
• Co-requisite units that must  be assessed with  this unit:Nil
• Co-assessed units that may  be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:

• PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service
• PSPGOV403B Use resources to achieve work unit goals
• PSPGOV406B Gather and analyse information
• PSPGOV422A Apply government processes
• PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector
• PSPREG421A Take custody of and store weapons

Overview of evidence requirements 

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:

• the knowledge requirements of this unit
• the skill requirements of this unit
• application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
• examination and testing of firearms in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Resources required to carry out assessment 

These resources include:

• legislation, policy, procedures, protocols and standard operating procedures relating to examination and testing of firearms
• testing and maintenance equipment
• sample firearms
• case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when examining and testing firearms

Where and how to assess evidence 

Valid assessment of this unit requires:

• a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when examining and testing firearms, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
• examination and testing of firearms in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:

• people with disabilities
• people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• women
• young people
• older people
• people in rural and remote locations

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:

• case studies
• demonstration
• observation
• portfolios
• projects
• questioning
• scenarios
• simulation or role plays
• authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses

For consistency of assessment 

Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments

The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics  in the Performance Criteria is explained here.

Preparation for examination  may include:

• making the firearm safe
• cleaning the firearm, including removing heavy deposits of grease
• assembling the firearm
• removing components and/or accessories that impede the examination process

Firearms and components  may include:

• representative samples of commercial consignments of imported handguns, long arms, parts, magazines and accessories
• private consignments of imported handguns, long arms, parts, magazines and accessories
• consignments of firearms and related components intended for export

Relevant features  may include:

• type
• action
• make
• model
• unique serial number
• calibre
• magazine capacity
• handgun barrel length

Internal resources  may include:

• library of printed research materials
• library of electronic databases of research materials
• Internet search facilities

Relevant personnel  may include:

• managers/supervisors
• staff in other work areas
• staff in other agencies
• manufacturers' representatives
• gunsmiths
• armourers

Legislation , regulations , policies and guidelines  may include:

• prohibited imports/exports regulations
• policy advice/s
• standard operating procedures

Relevant equipment  may include:

• rubber mat as per standard
• rubber mallet as per standard
• Newton meter tension/force measuring device
• digital vernier callipers
• generic toolkit for minor maintenance and repair tasks

Outcomes  may include:

• safety testing reports
• informal identification statements
• formal identification statement with 'jurat'
• digital or still photographs