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. Select, don and test protective clothing 

1.1 Personal protective clothing  is identified using relevant sources , selected and checked in accordance with identified hazards and organisational procedures .

1.2 Protective clothing is donned, and tested where required, in accordance with organisational safe work practices.

1.3 Protective equipment  is checked, donned and tested prior to entry into fire or hazardous atmosphere to ensure it is operational and meets organisational work health and safety (WHS) guidelines.

2. Work in area of operations 

2.1 Protective equipment is operated to minimise the risk of injury to the wearer and others from environmental health hazards  in accordance with organisational procedures.

2.2 Activities undertaken by the wearer in the area of operations are in accordance with organisational safe work practices and WHS guidelines.

3. Complete operations 

3.1 Decontamination procedures  are implemented, if required, on leaving the area in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.2 Protective clothing and equipment are removed without damage in accordance with safe work practices.

3.3 Protective clothing and equipment are cleaned, maintained or serviced and stowed in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.4 Documentation  is completed in accordance with organisational procedures.

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

Required Skills 

• don various types of protective clothing using agency procedures
• identify appropriate protective clothing for a range of hazardous materials
• operate breathing apparatus
• test and maintain protective clothing
• work in protective clothing and equipment at incidents

Required Knowledge 

• agency procedures
• breathing apparatus maintenance and testing procedures
• decontaminating protective clothing and equipment procedures
• donning procedures for protective clothing
• limitations of protective clothing
• local and systemic effects of industrial toxins
• main routes of entry of toxins into the human body
• protective clothing and equipment maintenance procedures
• protective clothing and equipment selection procedures
• protective clothing and equipment worn at dangerous goods and hazardous substances incidents
• purpose, component parts and operation of breathing apparatus
• safe work practices
• use and limitations of exposure standards

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:

• select, don, operate and maintain protective clothing and equipment using safe work practices and agency procedures

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.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• operational and cleaning equipment
• breathing apparatus

Method of assessment  

This unit may be assessed with the following unit/s:

• PUAFIR320 Render hazardous materials incidents safe.

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.

Personal protective clothing  must include:

• turnout uniform and gloves
• chemical protective clothing including splash suits

and may also include:

• limited use (disposable)
• gas-tight suits
• multi-use (reusable)
• thermal protective clothing

Personal protective clothing is identified using relevant sources  must include:

• material safety data sheets
• emergency procedure guide – transport
• electronic databases
• technical specialists
• relevant Australian Standards, codes of practice
• organisational procedures

and may also include:

• emergency response guide books
• HAZCHEM emergency action code
• HAZMAT action guide

Procedures  may include:

• codes of practice
• manufacturer specifications
• organisational procedures
• training manual procedures
• WHS guidelines

Testing procedures  may include:

• observance of
• codes of practice
• manufacturer specifications
• organisational testing procedures

Protective equipment  must include:

• breathing apparatus
• control boards
• distress signal units (DSU)

Environmental health hazards  may include:

• light, heat, cold
• postural restrictions
• psychological stress
• radiation, noise, vibration
• air lines
• respirator

Decontamination procedures  must include:

• decontamination area:

• holding area
• wash area
• disrobing and rest area

• decontamination techniques:

• wet
• dry
• combination of wet and dry

• emergency decontamination

Documentation  may include:

• incident reports
• personnel records
• decontamination records