Assessor Resource

PUASES016A
Apply snowcraft skills when performing search operations

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


The application of this unit applies to persons who will be performing operational search activities/tasks in an alpine environment and in all weather conditions.

Roles to which this unit may apply could include emergency services personnel and other agencies/organisations involved in searches.

This unit covers the competency required to operate safely, perform search operations and apply survival techniques for self and others in an alpine environment.

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

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

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:

participate in a search in an alpine environment in a safe and effective manner

apply survival techniques (for self and/or others) in an alpine environment.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated in a simulated operational situation under varying conditions.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency must be assessed covering a variety of hazards which are reflective of the workplace environment and context and are applicable to taking part in activities in variable weather and conditions.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

incidents, exercise, or series of assessment activities

equipment used in alpine operations

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

apply hazard identification and risk management

construct temporary emergency shelters

travel in an alpine environment over snow

work safely, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

Required Knowledge

factors impacting on avalanches

factors impacting on snow conditions

minimising impact on environments

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

relevant MOUs, agreements, codes of practice as applicable

signs, symptoms and treatment of hypothermia

snow shelter construction techniques

sources of information on weather and snow conditions

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.

Hazards may include:

avalanches

blizzards

bold wet conditions

cornices

extreme wind

hidden vegetation

human structures e.g. culverts, drain pipes, weirs, star

pickets

ice

partially frozen waterways

recreational users

rising water

rock wells

snow bridges

snow drifts

steep, slippery or unstable terrain

UV radiation e.g. sunburn, snow blindness

vegetation debris

white outs

wind chill

Equipment may include:

activity specific equipment e.g. snowshoes

alpine specific PPE

communication devices

cordage

EPIRB/PLB

first aid kit

global positioning system

head lamp

map and compass

matches or equivalent

sleeping bag

snow shovel

space blanket/ground sheet

stove

tent/bivi

whistle

Food and water requirements may include:

additional personal food requirements e.g. cultural, dietary

appropriate energy foods

drinking water e.g. carried, field sourced

emergency ration packs Sufficient for the potential duration of the operation

Physical and psychological requirements may include:

being sufficiently rested

current capacity to fulfil operational requirement

fitness level sufficient for the task and environment

hydration and nutritional levels

illness

personal fears and phobias

stress level

Communication within the team may include:

hand signals

mobile/satellite telephone

radios

torches/flashlights

verbal and non-verbal

whistles

Emergency shelters may include:

dugout

igloo

improvised shelter e.g. tarp

snow cave

snow mound/quin-zhee

storm shelter - fabric shell

tent/bivi

trench

Current and future factors and conditions may include:

availability of time

available resources

construction time

environmental conditions

factors affecting people e.g. physical and mental states

location

potential moving snow drift

prevailing winds

suitability of snow and location

timeframe for survival

visibility

Interpreting weather conditions and/or information may include:

air temperature

barometric pressure

barometric pressure changes

cloud formation and patterns

electrical storms

meteorological data such as:

daily and four day forecasts

maximum and minimum temperatures

rainfall

satellite images

synoptic charts

personal observation

rain/hail/sago/freezing rain

snowfall

storm

UV levels

warnings

wind

wind direction and velocity

Sustaining welfare of self and others includes:

Sourcing, preparing and monitoring intake of food and water, which includes:

cooking food in the field

dehydrated foods

field sourced water

fresh foods

high energy foods

prepared meals

water/energy drinks

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
Operational and task information is obtained from search coordinator or delegate 
Specific hazards and equipment requirements for environment and operational requirements are identified 
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is selected and used 
Food and water requirements for environment, operations and physical activity as outlined by organisational procedures are identified and selected 
Environment/weather conditions and effects for anticipated period of operational response are determined 
Own ability to meet anticipated physical and psychological requirements of operation is evaluated and any issues anticipated are reported to team leader 
Deployment to operational response area is undertaken using transportation in a safe and timely manner 
Specified team role and functions are carried out safely as directed by team leader 
Search safety is maintained as required by organisational procedures 
Search formation and spacings are undertaken and maintained as outlined by team leader and organisational procedures 
Search boundaries are marked in line with task requirements under the direction of team leader 
Observation skills are applied and any clues or objects located are immediately reported in accordance with organisational procedures 
Communication within the team is maintained 
Safety and well being of self and others is monitored and any concerns are reported to team leader 
Hazards are continually monitored, and any concerns are identified and reported as required by organisational procedures 
Emergency shelter is constructed that is appropriate for current and future factors and conditions 
Weather conditions and/or information is interpreted and actions are taken to minimise effects of weather on self and others 
First aid is applied to self and others as required 
Lost searcher drills are conducted as required by organisational procedures 
Welfare of self and others is sustained 
Situational awareness is maintained and changing environment and weather conditions are responded to in a timely manner 
Search equipment is recovered, cleaned and maintained in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines and organisational procedures 
Operational debriefing is participated in and required documentation is completed to organisational standards 
Symptoms of operational stress in self and others are recognised and reported 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PUASES016A - Apply snowcraft skills when performing search operations
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

PUASES016A - Apply snowcraft skills when performing search operations

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: