Unit of competency details

Release 

TP Version  

Comments 

2

PUA12 V2

Content reviewed

Application of the Unit added

Method of assessment added

1

PUA00 V8.1

Primary release on TGA

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 specific hazards through inspection 

1.1 Hazards  are identified using organisational risk management procedures and processes .

1.2 Specific hazards in area of responsibility that may impact on life, property , process or the environment  are accurately identified and reported to supervisor according to organisational procedures.

1.3 Inspections  are conducted to provide relevant information for pre-incident planning.

1.4 Community members and organisations  are consulted where appropriate during the identification and/or inspection process.

2. Consider hazard information to determine level of risk 

2.1 Hazard information collected is documented and reviewed according to organisational procedures.

2.2 Level of risk for each hazard is determined using organisational risk management procedures and processes.

3. Implement risk mitigation guidelines 

3.1 Risk mitigation strategy is selected from a predetermined list and implemented.

3.2 Risk reduction activities are conducted in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.3 Mitigation guidelines are implemented with minimum damage to the environment in accordance with applicable legislation and organisational procedures.

4. Evaluate mitigation strategies 

4.1 Feedback  is provided to appropriate parties on the risk mitigation procedures and processes.

4.2 Mitigation strategies  are evaluated for effectiveness and community acceptance.

4.3 Issues are reported to supervisor according to organisational procedures.

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

Required Skills 

• analyse feedback
• apply risk management guidelines to the organisation
• communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• complete forms
• cooperate with community groups
• identify at risk plant species, quantities and moisture content
• identify building construction and materials
• identify hazardous chemicals

Required Knowledge 

• building construction
• community organisation contacts
• evacuation procedures
• hazardous chemicals
• organisation risk identification guidelines
• policies and procedures relating to hazard reduction, hazard isolation, hazard removal and hazard management
• principles of fire behaviour and suppression
• relevant AS/NZ risk management standards
• relevant legislation
• relevant technical information
• risk management principles specific to the organisation
• work health and safety guidelines

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:

• identify the relationship between hazards and the risk posed to the community and the environment
• evaluate risk against established organisational risk management guidelines in consultation with relevant community groups.

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 in simulated workplace environments.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• organisational forms
• appropriate equipment

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:

• dangerous goods
• electrical hazards
• explosion
• flood
• hazardous chemicals
• illegal or careless use of fire
• impediments to firefighting and rescue activities
• severe storm
• storm surge
• structural collapse
• structural fire and associated exposures
• wildfires and associated exposures

Risk management procedures and processes  may include:

• selection of appropriate mitigation strategies
• set of guidelines used for risk identification purposes

Property  may include:

• buildings
• infrastructure which provides for the movement of people, goods and services

Environment  may include:

• elements such as economics, commerce, culture and public safety service provisions that relate to how the community functions
• natural environment such as topographical features, water bodies, vegetation communities and ecosystems

Inspections  may include:

• familiarisation inspections
• inspections required by legislation
• licensed premises inspections
• scheduled inspections

Community members and organisations  may include:

• geographically-based groups of people such as households, neighbourhood, suburbs, business districts and towns
• shared-experience groups of people such as specific interest groups, ethnic groups, professional groups, language groups, age groupings and those exposed to a particular hazard

Feedback  may include:

• checklists
• facilitated group meetings
• reports, verbal and/or written submitted to immediate supervisor
• standard organisation forms
• survey results

Mitigation strategies  may include:

• hazard reduction
• hazard removal
• hazard isolation
• hazard management
• community information/education
• community activities
• altering work practices