This unit applies to individuals who assist OHS specialists in relation to the implementation of emergency prevention and response procedures.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Contribute to implementing emergency prevention activities

1.1. Identify, record and report situations that could lead to workplace emergencies to the appropriate person

1.2. Contribute to the implementation of actions, controls or treatments to prevent potential emergency situations from occurring

1.3. Provide information about what an emergency control organisation is and how it operates in the workplace to relevant others

1.4. Communicate information about emergency prevention and response plans effectively to relevant others

2. Contribute to implementing emergency responses

2.1. Identify and report emergencies to relevant persons according to workplace emergency procedures

2.2. Respond to emergency warnings and advice according to workplace emergency procedures

2.3. Follow instructions from emergency control response personnel

2.4. Perform allocated tasks in emergency situations as outlined in workplace emergency procedures

2.5. Inform relevant others that an emergency is occurring and remind them of their role in the emergency response process

Required skills

communication skills to communicate effectively about prevention of hazardous circumstances which may lead to emergencies

organisational skills to act in accordance with organisational policies and procedures in emergency situations.

Required knowledge

basic emergency prevention controls typically installed in a workplace, such as:

emergency alerting systems

emergency protection systems

fire and smoke alarms, and fire extinguishers

required safety wear

security systems

enterprise physical site and work areas

enterprise reporting procedures in an emergency

essential actions of self and others in an emergency

hazards and precautions to be taken during an emergency

internal and external sources of OHS information

organisational policies and procedures for acting in an emergency situation

powers of safety representatives and other authorised OHS personnel to cease work immediately if an immediate danger to OHS exists

relevant state/territory and commonwealth OHS legislation, codes of practice, standards and guidance material

roles, responsibilities and authority of OHS personnel

information needs of work unit or work team.

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:

effective contribution to the implementation of workplace emergency prevention response procedures

knowledge of relevant state/territory and commonwealth OHS legislation, codes of practice, standards and guidance material.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to relevant information on OHS requirements such as:

organisational policies, standard operating procedures, procedures and plans

relevant legislation, regulations, licensing requirements, codes of practice, standards.

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:

analysis of responses to case studies and scenarios

assessment of documentation completed about emergency responses

demonstration of the application of emergency response techniques in the workplace or simulated environment

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of basic emergency prevention controls typically installed in a workplace

review of information communicated about emergency prevention and response plans to relevant others.

Guidance information for assessment

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

other OHS units.

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.

Workplace emergencies may include:

civil disorder or criminal acts such as robberies and shootings

contamination

emergencies requiring evacuation

explosions and bomb alerts

external emergencies such as flood, cyclone, earthquake, storm and traffic accident impacting on the organisation

fires and explosions

hazardous substances and chemical spills

hostage situations or terrorism

internal emergencies such as loss of power or water supply and structural collapse

security emergencies such as armed robberies, intruders or disturbed persons

serious injury events or medical emergencies

Actions, controls or treatments may include:

audits

cessation of work where there is an immediate risk to health and safety

drills for emergency situations

fire or smoke alarms

initiation of responses set out in legislation, workplace policies and procedures

inspections

records of equipment and systems compliance with safety standards

security alarms

training logs and records

visual checks

Information about emergency prevention and response plans may include:

articles in newsletters

holding informal discussions and meetings

multimedia aids such as videos and digital video discs (DVDs)

posters, leaflets and flyers

raising OHS issues at committee meetings

speaking to individuals and groups

Emergency warnings may include:

advice from designated personnel

alarms triggered by automatic fire, leak spill or movement detectors

automatic sprinkler systems

closed circuit television (CCTV)

communications equipment

electronic warning devices

Instructions may include:

ordering the cessation of work

ordering to evacuate the premises or to meet at designated meeting points

Emergency control response personnel may include:

ambulance

emergency services

fire brigade

hazardous materials response teams (hazmat)

internal emergency response control personnel

internal or external advisors in safety, chemicals, engineering, security and emergency response

OHS personnel or authorities

police

representatives from government departments

Unit sector

Regulation, Licensing and Risk - Occupational Health and Safety

This unit contains employability skills.