This unit of competency has wide application in the security industry in those roles involving the monitoring of electronic security systems. Competency requires legal and operational knowledge applicable to relevant sectors of the security industry. The knowledge and skills described in this unit are to be applied within relevant legislative and organisational guidelines.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Monitor data and information.

1.1 Applicable provisions of legislative and organisational requirements relevant to assignment instructions are identified and complied with.

1.2 Security equipment and systems are continually monitored for correct operation in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

1.3 Monitoring parameters of security equipment and systems are identified and complied with.

1.4 Data and information is monitored on a systematic basis in accordance with assignment instructions.

1.5 Security systems are routinely cross-checked with companion monitoring systems to ensure an accurate and reliable exchange of information.

1.6 Faults or malfunctions in security systems are identified, corrected or reported for remedial action.

2Respond to data and information.

2.1 Established communication channels and processes are verified with relevant persons.

2.2 Received information is identified and verified for reliability and accuracy in accordance with organisational procedures.

2.3 Information is received and appropriate response determined and implemented in accordance with organisational procedures.

2.4 Responses are prioritised and comply with established monitoring parameters.

2.5 Changing circumstances are identified and variations to response procedures are implemented in accordance with organisational procedures.

2.6 Personal limitations in carrying out response procedures are identified and assistance is sought relevant persons in accordance with organisational procedures.

3Complete monitoring activities.

3.1 Change of shift procedures are carried out and ensure system and monitoring continuity in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.2 Responses are accurately documented and presented for review in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.3 Identified faults or deficiencies in security systems are reported for remedial action in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.4 Relevant documentation is completed and securely maintained with due regard to confidentiality.

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

Required skills

apply safe and efficient work practices

back-up security systems

carry out basic data entry and keyboarding

communicate in a clear and concise manner using appropriate terminology

comply with relevant legislative requirements including licensing

demonstrate understanding of basic numeracy

determine and implement appropriate response to received information

identify basic faults or malfunctions in operation of security systems

interpret security codes and alarm signals

monitor, evaluate and interpret data and information

operate a range of electronic security alarm monitoring management software relating to electronic security systems and tracking equipment

prepare and present written and computer-based information

prioritise responses

read and interpret data, information and instructions

solve routine problems and make decisions according to set procedures

use keypads and control panels.

Required knowledge

approved communication terminology and codes and signals

back-up procedures

change of shift procedures

client confidentiality requirements

common faults and malfunctions in security systems

computer software used for monitoring functions

electronic equipment and system configurations and programs

emergency procedures

keypad and control panel types and functions

monitoring and response requirements

operational principles and functions of electronic security systems and equipment

relevant legislative provisions including Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and licensing requirements

reporting, documentation requirements and processes

roles and responsibilities of emergency services

routine problem solving strategies

software templates for electronic security equipment and systems

technical terminology

verification procedures and requirements for confirming authenticity of received information.

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.

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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of:

accurately completing and processing documentation relating to monitoring

carrying out monitoring activities in a systematic manner in compliance with legislative requirements

implementing procedures to verify accuracy and reliability of received information

interpreting security data and information and determining appropriate responses based on the information available

prioritising and responding promptly to data and information in compliance with monitoring parameters

recognising faults or malfunctions in security systems and telecommunications

using appropriate communication channels and processes to accurately receive and convey information in both routine and non-routine circumstances.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment includes:

a setting in the workplace or environment that simulates the conditions of performance described in the elements, performance criteria and range statement.

Resource implications for assessment include:

access to plain English version of relevant statutes and procedures

access to a registered provider of assessment services

access to a suitable venue and equipment

assessment instruments including personal planner and assessment record book

work schedules, organisational policies and duty statements.

Reasonable adjustments must be made to assessment processes where required for people with disabilities. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Method of assessment

This unit of competency could be assessed using the following methods of assessment:

observation of processes and procedures

questioning of underpinning knowledge and skills.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and suitable to the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the competency being assessed. In all cases where practical assessment is used, it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.

Oral questioning or written assessment may be used to assess underpinning knowledge. In assessment situations where the candidate is offered a choice between oral questioning and written assessment, questions are to be identical.

Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence from existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

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.

Legislative requirements may relate to:

applicable commonwealth, state and territory legislation which affects work such as:

workplace safety

environmental issues

equal employment opportunity

industrial relations

anti-discrimination and diversity

Australian building codes and regulations

Australian Communications Authority cabling standards

Australian standards and quality assurance requirements

award and enterprise agreements

evidence collection

freedom of information

licensing arrangements and certification requirements

privacy requirements

relevant industry codes of practice

telecommunications

trade practices.

Organisational requirements may relate to:

access and equity policies, principles and practices

business and performance plans

client service standards

code of conduct, code of ethics

communication and reporting procedures

complaint and dispute resolution procedures

emergency and evacuation procedures

employer and employee rights and responsibilities

OHS policies, procedures and programs

own role, responsibility and authority

personal and professional development

privacy and confidentiality of information

quality assurance and continuous improvement processes and standards

resource parameters and procedures

roles, functions and responsibilities of security personnel

storage and disposal of information.

Assignment instructionsmay include:

change of shift procedures

equipment, tools and material information:

features, functions and capabilities

manufacturer's instructions

warranties and guarantees

personal protection clothing and equipment requirements

reporting requirements

response procedures

security equipment and system information

specific client requirements

work schedules

work tasks and procedures.

Security equipment and systems may include:

access control systems

audible and visual warning devices

cameras and monitors

commercial and residential alarm systems

detection devices

electric and mechanical fire safety and fire locking systems

electronic locks and locking systems

electronic readers

electronic screen equipment

intercoms and control panels

security doors and door controls

specialised access control systems eg biometrics.

Monitoring parameters may relate to:

functions monitored

alarms

access times

levels of access

identity of person gaining access

levels of integrity of systems

passwords and codes

recording functions

response requirements

people to contact

emergency services to contact

armed guard or patrol send out

no action

testing and report functions.

Data and informationmay relate to:

AC power fail or low battery

alarms

medical

fire

duress

access

hold-up

intruder

isolations

late to close or late to open

plant and systems

system messages

tampering

test signals

verbal and visual information

Monitoring systemsmay include:

audio equipment

computer terminal, screen and software

digital receivers

instrument panels

intercoms

monitors

printouts

radios

telephones

video cameras

video receivers.

Communication channels and processesmay relate to:

direct line supervision paths

established communication protocols

formal communication pathways

lateral supervision paths

organisational communication networks

verbal and non-verbal communication procedures eg pro-words, phonetic alphabet, call signs, coded messages, use of abbreviations, hand signals.

Relevant personsmay include:

clients

colleagues

equipment and systems manufacturers

maintenance technician

security consultants

security personnel

supervisor.

Responsemay involve:

dispatching field support staff

notifying emergency services

notifying relevant personnel.

Documentationmay include:

activity reports

computer databases

faulty or malfunctioning systems and equipment

response reports

voice and video recordings

written and electronic reports.

Unit sector

Security

Technical security

This unit contains employability skills.