Release 1.  This is the first release of this unit of competency in the PUA Public Safety Training Package.

This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to operate and control radio networks. It includes using radio networks and identifying faults in radio networks.

The unit applies to individuals who operate and control radio networks within an emergency communications centre, respond to organisational requests, and support operational events.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Not applicable.

Emergency Communications

Emergency Communications

ELEMENTS 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1  

Use radio networks 

1.1 

Radio network is accessed, in accordance with organisational procedures

1.2 

Radio equipment is operated, in accordance with organisational instructions

1.3 

Channels, frequencies and talk groups are allocated, selected and deselected, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

1.4 

Relevant codes, terminology, call signs and abbreviations are used to receive and transmit information, in accordance with organisational procedures

1.5 

Organisational radio communication protocols are followed to transmit and receive messages

1.6 

Radio contact is monitored, in accordance with organisational procedures

1.7 

Networks are controlled and coordinated to ensure equitable access and prioritisation of operations

1.8 

Networks are operated, in accordance with organisational operational requirements and legislation

1.9 

Equipment is used safely, in accordance with organisational policies, procedures and instructions

2 

Identify faults in the radio network 

2.1 

Technical faults in the radio network are identified and appropriate action is taken, in accordance with organisational procedures

2.2 

Backup arrangements or alternative systems are utilised when primary system fails or as required

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

This unit replaces and is equivalent to PUAECO003A Operate and control radio networks.

Release 1.  This is the first release of this unit of competency in the PUA Public Safety Training Package.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and includes

• applying organisational policies and procedures including Work, Health and Safety (WHS)/Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements
• communicating clearly and concisely
• controlling and coordinating radio networks and systems
• ensuring equitable access and prioritisation of operations
• following communication protocols
• identifying technical faults in radio network
• responding to calls from the field including transmitting and receiving messages
• using approved codes, terminology, call signs and abbreviations
• using radio networks and equipment including allocating, selecting and deselecting channels, frequencies and talk groups, receiving and transmitting messages

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and includes knowledge of

• backup and alternative systems, arrangements and networks
• basic principles of radio operation
• communication protocols and voice procedures
• fault identification and report or action requirements
• legislation and regulations related to the operation of radio networks
• organisational instructions
• organisational policies and procedures including Work, Health and Safety (WHS)/Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) practices and guidelines
• principal components of radio equipment
• radio networks and systems
• radio procedures including call signs, vehicle codes, codes, terminology, pro-words and abbreviations
• suitable channels, frequencies and talk groups

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

As a minimum, assessment must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations that include emergency and non-emergency situations. Where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in industry approved simulated workplace operational situations that reflect workplace conditions.

Resources for assessment must include access to

• a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations

• in emergency and non-emergency situations

• relevant and appropriate materials, equipment, tools and personal protective clothing and equipment currently used in industry including

• alternative technologies and backup systems
• primary and backup or alternative radio networks

• applicable documentation including organisational policies and procedures, industry standards, regulations, codes of practice, equipment specifications, operations and systems manuals.