Unit of competency details

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TP Version  

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PUA12 V2.1

Editorial changes.

1

PUA12 V2

New unit.

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.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Identify workplace hazards and risks, and advise others 

1.1 Procedures and practices are followed to identify hazards  and risks  in the workplace .

1.2 Identified hazards and risks in the work area are communicated to team members and supervisors.

1.3 Identified factors which may create or escalate the immediate risk to life, property or the environment are reported.

2. Implement hazard and risk control procedures 

2.1 Appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment  is selected and donned in accordance with organisational procedures.

2.2 Appropriate procedures for dealing with hazards and controlling risks  in the workplace are followed in accordance with work health and safety guidelines and organisational procedures.

2.3 Equipment appropriate for dealing with a hazard is selected for use and checked in accordance with standard operating procedures.

2.4 Personal health and welfare is managed in accordance with organisational policy.

3. Monitor effectiveness of hazard and risk control procedures 

3.1 Situation is monitored to ensure the continued effectiveness of the hazard and risk control procedures.

3.2 Changes in incident behaviour and conditions  are reported immediately to supervisor.

3.3 Activities and debriefings  regarding hazard and risk control procedures are participated in as appropriate.

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

Required Skills 

• apply safe work practices in accordance with organisational work health and safety policies and procedures
• identify typical hazards and risks in the workplace, and apply control measures
• select equipment pertinent to incidents, prescribed burning and/or operational aspects of emergency management
• select personal protective clothing

Required Knowledge 

• basic principles of risk assessment
• methods of hazard and risk control and reporting, and debriefings
• occupational hazards and risks encountered in the workplace
• organisational health and fitness guidelines
• personal protective clothing and equipment requirements
• risk control measure such as eliminate, isolate and substitute
• signs of fatigue, heat related illness, dehydration, fatigue and stress
• situational awareness
• welfare management, such as signs of occupational stress, limiting stress, dealing with stress and seeking assistance

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:

• correctly identify hazards and risks in the workplace
• apply organisational procedures including the correct selection and use of personal protective equipment and clothing
• advise and report workplace hazards and risks, and apply and monitor control measures

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed on-the-job and/or in a range of simulated environments.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• appropriate protective clothing and equipment

organisational procedures.

Method of assessment  

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 agency-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

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.

Hazards  may include:

• aerial retardant drops
• aircraft
• broken terrain
• biological, bites, infections, stings
• chemicals
• confined space
• electricity
• entrapment
• environmental
• falling objects
• explosions
• structural collapse
• subsidence
• water load
• fire
• flood, storm and tempest rescues
• hazardous chemicals
• heavy machinery
• manual handling
• personal
• dehydration
• heat stress
• psychological such as critical incident stress, shock
• prescribed burning activities
• travelling in vehicles
• vehicle and industrial rescue/extrication

Risks  may include:

• damage to property and environment
• injury to self and/or team members
• loss of life and property

Workplace  may include:

Locations where activities and operations may occur such as:

• confined spaces
• mobile property
• open spaces
• public and private property (including crown land)
• structures
• water

Personal protective clothing and equipment  must include:

• emergency response clothing

and may also include:

• chainsaw chaps
• chemical protective clothing
• eye, ear and head protection
• face shield
• personal accessories kit
• personal distress units
• personal lines
• respiratory protection

Controlling risks  must include:

• adequate food, fluid and other welfare needs during operations
• appropriate training
• eye, sight, hearing protection
• fire blankets/roll over protection
• goggles, face shield, hearing protection and chainsaw chaps
• hierarchy of control
• safety warning signs
• use of clothing and equipment to provide protection

Changes in incident behaviour and conditions  may include:

• environmental conditions
• escalation of incident

Debriefings  may include:

• end of incident
• end of shift