Unit of competency details

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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. Receive incident response request 

1.1 Requests for response  are received and dealt with in accordance with organisational policies and guidelines. 

1.2 Relevant incident  information is obtained and assessed to inform decision making processes.

1.3 Location of the incident and most appropriate route to the incident are ascertained.

2. Proceed to incident 

2.1 Personnel, equipment and transport  resources are dispatched promptly, consistent with the nature of the incident and information available.

2.2 Communication is established and maintained.

2.3 Appropriate route to the incident is followed to minimise response time.

2.4 En route hazards  are recognised and negotiated to minimise risk.

2.5 Observations are made en route to assist with incident assessments. 

2.6 Multi-vehicle response is conducted in accordance with organisational procedures.

2.7 Arrival at the incident is confirmed according to organisational policies and procedures.

3. Assess the incident 

3.1 Communications  are established in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.

3.2 Initial assessment of the incident is carried out promptly.

3.3 Hazards or potential hazards are assessed and monitored so that they are minimised or controlled.

3.4 Resources  are assigned to deal with the incident.

3.5 Need for additional resources is identified and resources are requested in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.

3.6 Actions are taken to protect, secure and preserve incident scene where required.

3.7 Incident potential is assessed and transition to a Level 2 incident is considered.

4. Establish and maintain control 

4.1 Control and command are established in accordance with legislation, and organisational policies and procedures.

4.2 Incident Action Plan  (IAP ) appropriate to incident situation is developed based on available information and organisational procedures.

4.3 Strategies and tactics are determined and tasks are allocated to appropriate personnel.

4.4 Incident personnel are briefed clearly, accurately and in a timely manner.

4.5 Relevant incident information is communicated to key stakeholders. 

4.6 IAP is implemented, continually monitored, reported on and reviewed in the light of additional information and is communicated in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.

4.7 Appropriate resources are deployed to deal with the incident.

4.8 Response is adjusted in a timely manner.

4.9 Leadership, supervision and team welfare  are provided to ensure performance and practice are to operational standards.

4.10 Changes to the IAP are communicated to relevant personnel and organisations.

5. Conclude operation 

5.1 Final incident assessment is conducted in accordance with organisational procedures.

5.2 Incident actions and decisions are recorded in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.

5.3 Incident is concluded in accordance with organisational requirements.

6. Supervise post-response activities 

6.1 Welfare of team members is assessed and appropriate action is taken.

6.2 Equipment cleaning, repair, storage and replenishment is supervised.

6.3 Debriefing requirements are met.

6.4 Post incident reports are prepared to organisational requirements.

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

Required Skills 

• assess risks and apply safe work practices
• communicate effectively
• conduct an incident assessment
• conduct briefings and debriefings
• deploy personnel and equipment to deal with the incident
• develop and maintain incident situational awareness
• make and implement decisions
• use communication equipment

Required Knowledge 

• agency policies and procedures for determining the Control Authority and Incident Controller
• agency procedures for establishing control and communicating to relevant authorities
• agency protocols for liaising with stakeholders and media on scene
• Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System (AIIMS) structure and principles
• briefing/debriefing requirements
• current navigational practices to perform navigation
• occupational health and safety (OH&S) agency safe work practices, and health and welfare arrangements at incidents
• organisational incident management system
• organisational policies and procedures relating to operations (such as relevant legislation; operational, corporate and strategic plans; operational performance standards; operational policies and procedures; organisational personnel and occupational health and safety practices and guidelines; organisational quality standards; organisation's approach to environmental management and sustainability)
• organisational process for developing IAP objectives, strategies and tactics for a Level 1 incident
• organisational process for developing, implementing, monitoring and reviewing IAP for a Level 1 incident
• procedures for protecting and preserving an incident scene and recording requirements

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:

• develop, implement and monitor an IAP to effectively deal with an incident
• direct and supervise incident control activities
• maintain situational awareness.

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 in an actual or simulated workplace environment.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• simulation of Level 1 incidents in a response environment
• relevant transport, communications 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 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.

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.

When dealing with aircraft response, performance  may be affected by:

• Airstrip length requirements
• Engine type-piston
• Fire behaviour
• Load capacity
• Pilot ability
• Range
• Task
• Terrain
• Twin/single engine
• Turbine
• Weather
• Wing configuration

When dealing with aircraft response, suitability  may be affected by:

• Communications systems availability
• Pilot local knowledge
• Range
• Speed
• Take off capability
• Visibility

When dealing with aircraft response, supervising of aircraft management procedures  include:

• Aircraft separation - vertically and horizontally
• Direction
• Fire Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (F-CTAF)
• Height separation
• Inbound/outbound calls
• Temporary restricted space

Organisational policies and guidelines  may vary between sectors and organisations and may include:

• Civil Aviation Orders and requirements
• Environmental management and sustainability
• Incident management systems
• Interagency liaison
• Legislation
• Operational policies, procedures and standards
• Procedures, requirements
• Search and rescue time/procedures/action

Incidents  may include:

• Accident
• Animal and marine mammal rescue
• Crime
• Fire
• Flood
• Hazardous substances and dangerous goods
• Public disorder
• Rescues
• Searches
• Storm

Transport  may include:

• Aviation
• By foot
• Horses
• Maritime
• Rail
• Vehicular on-road and off-road

Hazards  may include:

• Adverse weather
• After-dark operations
• Civil unrest
• Crowds
• Dangerous goods and hazardous substances
• Debris
• Difficult terrain
• Fire behaviour
• Hazardous trees
• Interference to communications
• Level of visibility
• Masts/aerials
• Other aircraft
• Powerlines and cables
• Restricted areas
• Road conditions
• Smoke
• Structural collapse
• Terrain and topography
• Tidal and flood behaviour
• Traffic
• Wildlife

Incident assessments  may include:

• Access and egress
• Adequacy of allocated equipment
• Capability of assigned personnel
• Climatic and weather conditions
• Crowds
• Disruption to essential services
• Evacuation zones
• Hazards/no go areas
• Information gathered from existing plans/databases
• Installed fire protection
• Nature, type and size of incident
• Risk to life, property and environment
• Type and construction of building

Communications  may include:

• Audible alarms/whistles
• Computer
• Distress signal units
• Facsimile
• Ground to air
• Hand signals
• Mobile data terminal
• Pager
• PA equipment
• Radio
• Telephones
• Verbal and written instructions

Resources  may include:

• Aircraft (rotary- and fixed-wing)
• Equipment
• Materials
• Maps
• Navigation aids
• Personnel trained for the task
• Protective clothing
• Pumps
• Vehicles, vessels, aircraft and machinery

Incident Action Plan  may include:

• Accommodation and welfare arrangements
• Air Operations Plan
• Communications Plan
• Incident objectives
• Information on alternative or fallback strategies
• Information Plan for dissemination of information to all stakeholders
• Information regarding the necessary logistical arrangements
• Management structure if established
• Maps or site plans of the incident
• Medical Plan and consideration of OH&S issues
• Statement of current situation and predictions of the incident's likely development (including key risk exposures)
• Strategies to achieve defined incident objectives
• Structural chart
• Timings of meetings and changeovers
• Traffic management
• Written or mental plan

Key stakeholders  may include:

• Affected individuals
• Community groups
• Media
• Other agencies

Team welfare  may include:

• Fatigue management
• Physical needs such as refreshments
• Physical stress
• Psychological stress