Unit of competency details

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance Criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the Required Skills and Knowledge section and the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

1. Identify and evaluate emergency situations.

1.1. Identify emergencies  requiring the use of self-contained breathing apparatus.

1.2. Communicate initial assessment of emergency to appropriate personnel  according to organisational policies and procedures .

1.3. Determine an appropriate response to the emergency according to relevant legislation  and organisational policies and procedures.

1.4. Notify appropriate personnel of emergency response according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

2. Use self-contained breathing apparatus.

2.1. Ensure self-contained breathing apparatus unit is operational according to manufacturer's specifications and organisational policies and procedures.

2.2. Fit and operate the self-contained breathing apparatus unit according to relevant legislation, organisational policies and procedures and manufacturer's specifications.

2.3. Control emergency situation and notify appropriate personnel according to organisational policies and procedures.

3. Complete post-emergency responsibilities.

3.1. Check the self-contained breathing apparatus unit and report any faults and corrective actions required according to organisational policies and procedures.

3.2. Remove, replace or repair faulty equipment and defective parts according to organisational policies and procedures and manufacturer's specifications.

3.3. Clear and store the self-contained breathing apparatus unit after use, according to organisational procedures and manufacturer's specifications.

3.4. Evaluate emergency procedures and recommend any changes required to improve response .

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• problem-solving skills to:

• identify situations requiring the use of self-contained breathing apparatus
• determine an appropriate response
• identify and rectify or report faulty equipment

• communication skills to:

• notify appropriate personnel of emergency situations and responses
• report faults and corrective actions

• language and literacy skills to interpret manufacturer's instructions for the use, care and maintenance of self-contained breathing apparatus units
• numeracy skills to determine air supply limits.

Required knowledge 

• legislation, organisational policies and procedures and manufacturer's instructions to:

• determine and implement safe emergency responses requiring the use of self-contained breathing apparatus
• safely use, care and maintain equipment

• properties of chlorine gas to enable identification and appropriate response to emergency situations involving the release of chlorine gas.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the following is essential:

• identifies emergency situations requiring the use of a self-contained breathing apparatus and determines and implements an appropriate emergency response
• uses, checks, maintains and stores a self-contained breathing apparatus according to legislative, organisational and manufacturer's requirements
• evaluates emergency response and makes recommendations on any actions required to improve personal and facility responses.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure:

• demonstration of the use, care, maintenance and storage of a self-contained breathing apparatus on multiple occasions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance
• access to an aquatic facility where chlorine gas or chlorine is used
• access to a self-contained breathing apparatus.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• observation of the candidate using a self-contained breathing apparatus to respond to a real or simulated emergency involving the hazardous release of chlorine gas
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the properties of chlorine gas and its safe handling
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of appropriate responses and procedures for dealing with emergency situations involving the hazardous release of chlorine gas
• third-party reports from a supervisor detailing work performed by the candidate.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Emergencies  may include:

• hazardous release of chlorine gas.

Appropriate personnel  may include:

• facility staff
• occupational health and safety representative
• emergency services.

Organisational policies and procedures  may include:

• occupational health and safety
• emergency response
• reporting
• use, care, maintenance and storage of equipment.

Relevant legislation  may include:

• occupational health and safety
• duty of care
• hazardous chemicals.

Response  may include:

• personal response
• facility response.