Assessor Resource

PUASAR030A
Undertake trench rescue

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


The application of this unit in the workplace covers a range of trench rescue situations.

The unit is typically performed by personnel from emergency services and/or volunteer organisations or organisations working in environments where potential for trench collapse is prevalent.

This unit covers the competency required to undertake trench rescue as member of a single agency or multi-disciplinary team.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

PUASAR022A Participate in a rescue operation

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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:

shore, prop and shield

recognise further signs of trench collapse

apply safe work practices

extricate casualty minimising further injury to self or others

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual and/or simulated workplace environments.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in an industry-approved simulated and/or workplace environment involving trench rescues using a range of equipment.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

appropriate location/venue/trench

organisational rescue equipment

personnel for team-based activities

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

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

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

Required Skills

construct and install shoring and propping systems

operate lifting systems

operate lowering and hauling systems

operate ventilation equipment

Required Knowledge

atmospheric monitoring procedures

organisational procedures for cleaning and discarding equipment in terms of environmental management and sustainability

shoring and propping techniques

soil stability

trench collapse patterns

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 equipment may include:

breathing apparatus/airline

gloves

hearing protection aids

helmets

safety glasses

safety lines

spillage/hazmat clothing

Trench is defined as:

specified in state/territory legislation

Trench rescue equipment may include:

atmospheric monitoring

excavating equipment

hand tools

pumps

shoring shields and propping equipment

ventilation equipment

Scene management may include:

establishing and monitoring safety zones

establishing barriers and perimeter access controls

liaising with medical services

managing bystanders and media

preserving evidence

Situational and environmental hazards may include:

exposure to toxic, biological or substance

falls from heights or into depths

further trench collapse

heat exhaustion or hypothermia

moving machinery either electrical or mechanical

tides

vibrations from external sources

water

weather

Recognised removal techniques may include:

propping

shielding and excavating

shoring

Operational documentation may include:

field notes

incident reports

legislation

notebooks, logbooks

organisational policies and procedures

post operational report

related legal requirements

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Operation and task incident information is obtained and analysed. 
Shoring, propping and excavating equipment is identified and prepared for use. 
Personal protective equipment and trench rescue equipment is selected relevant to trench rescue operation. 
Any further details of the nature of the rescue are received en route. 
Anticipated hazards and associated risks are discussed with rescue team members while on route. 
Physical features of a trench rescue are assessed before deploying rescue resources. 
Trench rescue scene is managed to control access and to maintain a safe and effective operational environment. 
Scene management procedures are followed in accordance with organisational procedures and legal requirements. 
Communication with other personnel on site is established and maintained. 
Situational and environmental hazards are assessed, minimised and controlled. 
Trench collapse pattern and signs of further collapse are identified. 
Action to minimise further trench collapse is undertaken. 
Assessment is undertaken of incident scene to determine possible location of casualties. 
Appropriate resources are used to assist in location of casualties. 
Condition of casualties and nature of entrapment is ascertained where possible in accordance with organisational procedures. 
Appropriate excavation techniques are employed to gain access to casualties. 
Located casualties are treated in consultation with medical personnel and in accordance with organisational policies. 
Hygiene procedures are followed in accordance with organisational procedures. 
Entrapped casualties are released, treated and stabilised in accordance with organisational procedures. 
Released casualties are removed using recognised techniques. 
Appropriate actions are taken to preserve incident scene, where required. 
Equipment is recovered, cleaned and maintained according to organisational procedures and manufacturer's guidelines. 
Signs and symptoms of operational stress are recognised and promptly reported. 
Operational documentation is completed to organisational standards. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PUASAR030A - Undertake trench rescue
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

PUASAR030A - Undertake trench rescue

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: