Unit of competency details

Release 

TP version 

Comments 

2

PUA12 V1

Layout adjusted.

1

PUA00 V8.1

First release in 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. Activate an operations centre and initiating systems 

1.1 Initial task information is obtained on likely nature of incident response

1.2 Operations centre  is opened in accordance with unit or organisational standing operating procedures (SOPs)

1.3 Communications, information management and computerised systems are activated in accordance with unit or organisational SOPs

1.4 Appropriate plans and directories  are accessed in accordance with the decision on the nature of response

1.5 Operations centre staff are activated in accordance with unit SOPs

1.6 Other organisations  are informed that the operations centre has been activated in accordance with unit or organisational SOPs

2. Collect, maintain and display information 

2.1 Operational information  is actively sought 

2.2 Operational information is recorded legibly and/or electronically using organisational documentation 

2.3 Operational priorities are applied according to organisational SOPs

2.4 Information is evaluated for currency and correctness, and advice is provided to team leader and/or operational manager

2.5 Incident files are maintained in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

2.6 Information displays are plotted  and/or updated as required by organisational SOPs

3. Disseminate information 

3.1 Briefing areas are prepared

3.2 Information for situational reports, operational orders and media releases is assembled for operational manager

3.3 Relevant information is disseminated  under direction of team leader or operational manager in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

3.4 Information is distributed within the operations centre in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

3.5 Clear and relevant information is included in incoming shift hand over

4. Close an operations centre 

4.1 Records and information are filed in accordance with SOPs

4.2 Communications systems  are reset to stand-by modes according to organisational policies and procedures

4.3 Operations centre is returned to operational readiness as needed to allow rapid reactivation when required

4.4 Information is provided to team leader or operational manager to assist with post operation reports as requested

4.5 Signs and symptoms of operational stress in self and others are recognised and promptly reported

4.6 Debriefing requirements are met

4.7 Other organisations are informed that the operations centre has been closed in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

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

Required Skills 

• be understood when speaking English to clients
• complete mathematical calculations and equations correctly
• enter data into computer accurately
• plot information
• read and interpret maps
• undertake phone/radio communications clearly and concisely
• use communication systems and equipment effectively
• use computerised information storage and/or retrieval systems
• write legibly

Required Knowledge 

• local and state/territory emergency management organisations
• local and state/territory emergency management plans
• local emergency operations centre activation procedures
• local information management systems
• nature of local hazards and methods of combating these
• organisational emergency operations centres communications systems
• organisational policies and procedures (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)
• relevant legislation and regulations
• requests for assistance online
• requirements for drafting situation reports (SITREPs), operation orders
• SOPs
• use of relevant computer and information communication technology systems used in organisational emergency operations centres

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:

• legibly record and prioritise requests for assistance
• work in an operations centre during the day and at night
• present information for decision-makers.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments including participation in two daytime and two night time activities and/or exercises which reflect operational contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in the context of a real operation or a simulation.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• operations centre team
• appropriately equipped operations centre.

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.

Emergency operations :

• are usually the result of an event or incident (such as flood, storm, or bushfire) that generates a significant response requirement over a large area for protracted periods
• differ from incidents where relatively small responses are required in tightly defined areas for relatively short periods (such as road accidents or domestic structure fires)

Emergency operations centres  may be:

• established and purpose-designed to deal with the typical response roles of the unit
• field operations centres established to manage particular emergencies and dismantled after the emergency
• primarily activated to respond to emergencies and are not normally operational

Plans and directories  may include:

• local government plans
• national emergency management plans and arrangements
• resource and contact directories
• response plans for specific hazards
• state/territory disaster plans
• unit standing operating procedures

Other organisations  may include:

• ambulance
• defence organisations
• emergency service organisations
• fire services - metropolitan and/or rural
• local authorities
• police
• state and territory emergency services
• suppliers
• utility organisations
• welfare organisations

Operational information  may include:

• access and egress routes
• location, magnitude and type of event
• estimated duration of emergency
• location of incidents
• nature and extent of damage
• number and nature of casualties
• other organisations working
• potential hazards
• resources available
• weather forecast

Seeking information  may include

• electronic documentation
• information management systems
• IT systems
• members of the organisation in the field
• members of the public
• other emergency services organisations
• reconnaissance teams
• SITREPs
• web based information

Organisational documentation  may include:

• request for assistance forms
• logs
• summaries
• running sheets
• SITREPs
• task allocation sheets
• requests for assistance
• records of conversation - manual and/or electronic
• paper based or computerised
• other documentation as described in organisational SOPs, T5 or safety management sheets

Plotting operational information  may include:

• computer based geographic information systems
• frequently used contact numbers
• magnetic displays
• marking topographical or other cartographic representations
• resources available
• sketch maps
• statistical summaries
• warnings
• whiteboard information summaries

Disseminating information  may include:

• media releases
• orders for suppliers
• preparing briefing notes
• reminders
• requests for assistance
• summary information for higher authorities
• task information to elements of own or other organisations

Communications systems  may include:

• computer aided dispatch (CAD)
• fax, telephone and radio systems
• internet or intranet communications
• MMS
• other equipment or method (such as couriers) as specified or relevant
• pagers
• SMS