Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to contribute to the implementation of planning and response procedures for emergencies. The focus is on implementation of procedures already developed for short-term emergency responses. It assumes that expert advice will be available in identifying potential emergencies and in formulating response plans.
This unit applies to individuals with supervisory responsibilities for managing work health and safety (WHS) in the workplace who contribute to the implementation of procedures for responding to emergencies. These people will work in a range of WHS roles across all industries and who apply a substantial knowledge base and well-developed skills in a wide variety of WHS contexts.
NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) are equivalent and generally either can be used in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the Model WHS Legislation has not been implemented RTOs are advised to contextualise the unit of competency by referring to the existing State/Territory OHS legislative requirements.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1 Identify potential emergencies | 1.1 Apply knowledge of WHS hazards and relevant standards to identify causes of potential emergencies 1.2 Seek input of stakeholders in identifying potential emergencies 1.3 Identify and liaise with appropriate specialist advisors and emergency agencies to identify causes of potential emergencies 1.4 Develop a risk register to identify potential emergencies and their causes |
2 Identify options for initial response | 2.1 Categorise major types of potential emergencies 2.2 Identify actions required to contain or limit potential emergencies 2.3 Identify actions required to limit impact on personnel, property and the environment 2.4 Identify requirements for liaison with emergency agencies 2.5 Prioritise actions to be taken during emergencies |
3 Plan initial response procedures | 3.1 Identify resources available and required for immediate response 3.2 Check emergency equipment to ensure serviceability, accessibility, cleanliness and correct location 3.3 Document actions required for a range of major types of emergency, taking account of standards, current industry practice, specialist advice and input by emergency agencies 3.4 Identify training needs and appropriate providers |
4 Implement initial response procedures | 4.1 Document and display actions for initial response 4.2 Outline own role in emergency response 4.3 Follow appropriate procedures |
5 Contribute to post-event activities | 5.1 Identify and support other personnel involved in the second response phase 5.2 Make contributions to debriefing processes |
6 Monitor emergency response and address deficiencies | 6.1 Monitor responses to emergencies for efficiency and timeliness, in consultation with stakeholders and, as appropriate, specialist advisors and agencies 6.2 Document, and promptly and appropriately report, results of monitoring to appropriate persons 6.3 Identify areas for organisational and personal improvement and make improvement recommendations based on analysis of response |
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 1.1, 3.3, 2.4, 4.3 | Interprets and critically analyses complex texts when planning emergency response procedures Applies appropriate strategies to construct meaning from complex texts to assist in planning emergency response procedures |
Writing | 1.4, 3.3, 4.1, 6.2 | Develops risk registers, reports and associated documentation according to organisational requirements Uses vocabulary, grammatical structure and conventions appropriate to text in developing risk registers, reports and other documentation |
Oral communication | 1.2, 1.3, 5.1, 5.2 | Asks questions and listens to gather information about potential risk situations Provides information during or after emergency response situations using structure and language appropriate to the audience |
Navigate the world of work | 1.1, 2.4, 4.2, 4.3 | Understands how own role meshes with others and contributes to broader goals in emergency response contexts Understands own legal rights and responsibilities and is extending understanding of general legal principles applicable across emergency responses contexts Keeps up to date on changes to legislation or regulations relevant to own rights and responsibilities and considers implications of these in emergency response contexts |
Interact with others | 1.2, 1.3, 5.1, 5.2 | Collaborates with others to achieve joint outcomes, playing an active role in facilitating effective group interaction Takes a leadership role on occasion in supporting, consulting and liaising in emergency response contexts |
Get the work done | 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 6.1, 6.3 | Formulates plans, monitors actions against stated goals, adjusting plans and resources to cope with contingencies Uses a formal decision-making process, setting or clarifying goals, gathering information, and identifying and evaluating several choices to determine appropriate actions and responses Applies formal problem-solving processes when identifying actions required in emergencies and associated training needs, breaking complex issues into manageable parts and identifying and evaluating options for action Reflects on outcomes and feedback from others in order to identify general principles and concepts that may be applicable in new situations Recognises the potential of new approaches to enhance work practices and outcomes |
Sectors
Regulation, Licensing and Risk – Work Health and Safety