Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit covers the competency required to undertake proof or trial firings of small arms.

Application of the Unit 

This unit was developed for specialists working within proof and trials organisations within Defence but may be applicable to any individual in this field of work.

Typically these individuals must demonstrate the ability to work independently or as part of a team under direct and/or indirect supervision, use discretion and judgement, and take responsibility for the quality of their output. All activities are carried out in accordance with relevant organisational policies and procedures.

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Pre-requisite Unit /s 

Nil

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 and/or the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare for firing 

1.1 Occupational health and safety (OH&S) requirements and recognised safety precautions including those contained in organisational procedures, are applied throughout the task

1.2 Small arms  are safely handled and carried in accordance with standard procedures 

1.3 Ammunition  is identified, selected and safely handled in accordance with standard procedures

1.4 Weapons drills  are conducted in accordance with standard procedures

1.5 Fire positions are adopted in accordance with the proof or trial requirement, where required

1.6 Static fired  weapons are safely prepared and secured in accordance with standard procedures

1.7 Ammunition is secured in accordance with standard procedures

2. Fire small arms 

2.1 Small arms are fired in a person fired  or static fired mode in accordance with proof or trial requirements

2.2 Weapon sighting systems and associated equipment are employed in accordance with standard procedures

2.3 Targets are identified and engaged in accordance with proof or trial requirements

2.4 Incidents  are reported in accordance with standard procedures

3. Maintain and refurbish stores and equipment 

3.1 Operator maintenance  is undertaken in accordance with standard procedures or in accordance with the proof or trial instruction

3.2 Defects  are identified and reported in accordance with standard procedures

3.3 Refurbishment  of ranges is undertaken in accordance with standard procedures

3.4 Post range practice administration  is completed in accordance with standard procedures

3.5 Observations  on the firing are reported in accordance with the proof or trial instruction and organisational procedures

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required Skills 

• handle small arms safely
• identify relevant information
• prepare and present simple reports
• provide and receive feedback in a constructive manner
• use appropriate information technology and software
• use relevant verbal and non-verbal communication techniques

Required Knowledge 

• codes of practice
• firing operation and effect of small arms
• information sources
• organisational guidelines and standards
• regulatory requirements
• relevant legislation
• standards relevant to organisational operations
• verbal communication techniques
• workplace safety in regard to handling small arms
• written communication to a level required in the preparation of simple reports

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to

• safely operate the range of small arms used in the test/trial to conduct all firearm drills
• identify all ammunition defects listed in the Range Statement.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over time in a variety of environments and tests/trials.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated work environment, in accordance with all relevant legislation and organisational requirements.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• live fire range
• live ammunition.

Method of assessment 

This unit may be assessed with the following unit:

• PUADEFEO101D Work safely with explosive ordnance.

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

• direct observation
• interviewing the candidate
• journals and workplace documentation
• third party reports from supervisors
• written or oral questions.

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Small arms may include 

Personal weapons up to 0.5 inch calibre

Standard procedures may include 

Australian Standards

International standards

Job guides and other publications

Manufacturers' handbooks, industry specifications and technical instructions

Organisational policies and procedures

OH&S regulations

Procedure manuals

Relevant local government by-laws

Relevant state/territory or federal legislation

Standard operating procedures

Verbal or written directions

Ammunition may include 

Ball

Blank

Drill

Trace

Weapons drills may include 

Checking clearances

Degrees of weapon readiness

Immediate action and stoppage

Safety precautions

Stripping and assembling

Static fired refers to 

The firing of the weapon or munition using a remote firing arrangement and/or holding device

Person fired refers to 

The firing of a weapon with the firer holding the weapon and firing it in its design mode

Incidents may include 

Equipment malfunction or damage

Procedure difficulty

Safety breaches

Target malfunction

Weapon or munition malfunction

Operator maintenance may include 

Cleaning

Lubricating

Defects may include 

Corrosion

Cracks

Damaged packing

Damaged weapon parts

Dented cartridge cases

Fluting on cartridge case

Incorrect propellants

Proud or recessed primer

Rust

Weeping

Refurbishment may include 

Cleaning up of firing points

Removing and accounting for range stores, produce and ammunition

Post range practice administration may include 

Complete range clearance

Debriefing

Raising of relevant range, training and trade documentation

Submitting reports, returns and evaluations

Undertaking clearances and inspections

Observations may include 

Defects observed

Difficulties or positive occurrences relating to the trial or proof test

Procedural difficulties