This unit of competency has wide application in the security industry in those roles involving guarding activities. 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

1Contribute to writing of policy and procedures for an evacuation situation.

1.1 Applicable provisions of legislative and organisational requirements relevant to planning and conducting evacuations are identified and complied with.

1.2 Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements for evacuation procedures are obtained and reviewed.

1.3 Emergency scenarios are discussed and a system of emergency alerting determined in consultation with relevant persons.

1.4 Evacuation policy incorporates outcomes of the consultative process and is presented for review to relevant persons.

1.5 Presented information uses clear and concise language and complies with organisational requirements for format, style and structure.

1.6 Industry information is regularly reviewed to establish the need for new or revised evacuation policy and procedures.

2Participate in conducting evacuation drills.

2.1 Documented evacuation policy and procedures are disseminated to relevant persons in accordance with organisational procedures.

2.2 Further information and support materials are readily available and accessible.

2.3 Routine and regular evacuation drills are planned and scheduled in consultation with relevant persons.

2.4 Fire wardens are identified and confirmed in strategic locations.

2.5 Evacuation drills are conducted in accordance with evacuation policy and procedures.

2.6 Feedback on evacuation implementation is sought and modifications to evacuation policy and procedures are finalised and reissued in a timely manner.

3Conduct evacuation.

3.1 Evacuation need is determined and appropriate emergency services agencies are notified.

3.2 Hazards are identified and appropriate risk control measures are implemented within scope of own responsibility, competency and authority.

3.3 Evacuation of premises is conducted in accordance with evacuation policy and procedures.

3.4 Mobility impaired persons are identified and special arrangements implemented in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.5 Evacuated personnel are accounted for in accordance with evacuation policy and procedures.

3.6 Relevant documentation is completed and securely maintained in accordance organisational procedures.

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

Required skills

accurately complete reports and process documentation

accurately recognise and monitor the likely source of risks and threats

communicate effectively with people from different social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and of varying physical and mental abilities

communicate using clear and concise language

conduct evacuation drills

facilitate commonsense solutions within operating parameters

identify and comply with applicable legal and procedural requirements including licensing requirements

identify potential security threats to people, property and premises

interpret codes and alarm signals and respond accordingly

maximise the safety and protection of self and others

plan and prepare evacuation procedures

present a professional image to members of the public and colleagues

prioritise planning activities and meet designated timeframes

recognise support and assistance requirements

record and report information

safely and efficiently conduct evacuation procedures.

Required knowledge

applicable legislation and regulations including licensing requirements

bomb threat and counter-terrorism procedures

documentation procedures and processes

emergency and evacuation requirements for organisations

first aid principles and procedures

limits of own responsibility and authority

location of emergency and security systems

planning methods

premises layout and access points

principles of effective communication including interpersonal techniques

report and documentation requirements

types of safety hazards and risks.

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 planning and completing an evacuation of premises including maintaining related documentation

assessing a variety of potentially dangerous situations requiring the movement of persons

conducting evacuation drills and following emergency procedures in compliance with emergency services requirements

implementing plans and procedures to control the movement of persons including persons with reduced mobility

selecting and using appropriate security equipment throughout evacuation.

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 a registered provider of assessment services

access to a suitable venue and equipment

access to plain English version of relevant statutes and procedures

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:

apprehension and powers of arrest

Australian standards and quality assurance requirements

counter-terrorism

crowd control and control of persons under the influence of intoxicating substances

force continuum, use of force guidelines

general 'duty of care' responsibilities

inspection of people and property, and search and seizure of goods

licensing or certification requirements

privacy and confidentiality

relevant commonwealth, state and territory legislation, codes and national standards for:

anti-discrimination

cultural and ethnic diversity

environmental issues

equal employment opportunity

industrial relations

OHS

relevant industry codes of practice

trespass and the removal of persons

use of restraints and weapons:

batons

firearms

handcuffs

spray.

Organisational requirementsmay relate to:

access and equity policy, principles and practice

business and performance plans

client service standards

code of conduct

code of ethics

communication channels and reporting procedures

documentation systems, procedures and processes

emergency and evacuation procedures

employer and employee rights and responsibilities

legal and organisational policy and procedures including personnel practices and guidelines

legislation relevant to the operation, incident or response

OHS policies, procedures and programs

organisational goals, objectives, plans, systems and processes

policies and procedures relating to own role, responsibility and delegation

quality and continuous improvement processes and standards

resource parameters.

Emergency scenarios may include:

emergencies eg fire, scenes of crime, accidents

hazardous situations eg physical, chemical, electrical, psychological, biological

threats eg bombs, sabotage.

Relevant personsmay include:

building manager

clients

colleagues

emergency services personnel eg fire, ambulance, police, army bomb disposal unit

fire wardens

supervisor.

Notificationmay be made by:

dedicated communications link

direct alarm link

telephone and mobile phone

two-way radio (portable and installed).

Hazardsmay include:

blocked stairway exits

falling debris

incorrect or insufficient information on evacuation procedures

smoke inhalation.

Risk control measuresmay involve:

evacuating the premises

isolating and removal of risk

isolating area of potential risk

notifying relevant emergency services agencies

providing access for emergency services

provision of first aid

request for support and assistance

restraint of person

use of negotiation techniques.

Evacuation of premisesmay be:

by designated alternative routes

by prescribed primary routes

to designated assembly point.

Documentation may include:

activity logs

incident reports

request for assistance forms

review and feedback of evacuation policy and procedures.

Unit sector

Security

Operations

This unit contains employability skills.