This unit of competency has wide application in the security industry in those roles which involve the use of specialised security equipment. 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

1Select and prepare specialised equipment for use.

1.1 Applicable provisions of legislative and organisational requirements relevant to operating specialised security equipment are identified and complied with.

1.2 Specialised security equipment required to complete work tasks is selected in accordance with assignment instructions.

1.3 Routine pre-operational checks are carried out in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

1.4 Faulty or damaged equipment is identified and reported in accordance with organisational procedures.

1.5 Appropriate licensing and certification requirements are identified and complied with prior to and during the operation of specialised security equipment.

2Operate specialised equipment.

2.1 Potential and existing risks and hazards in the workplace are identified and controlled in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.

2.2 Suitable personal protection equipment is selected, used and maintained in accordance with OHS guidelines.

2.3 Specialised security equipment is operated in a safe and controlled manner in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

2.4 Specialised security equipment is operated for its specified purpose in accordance with assignment instructions.

3Maintain specialised equipment and resources.

3.1 Cleaning and maintenance of specialised security equipment is carried out in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

3.2 Complex faults or repair requirements outside area of responsibility or competence are reported for specialist advice in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.3 Specialised security equipment is stored in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and organisational procedures.

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

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

Required skills

apply safe workplace practices and procedures

carry out routine maintenance

clean and maintain a safe workplace environment

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

complete documentation and maintain records

conduct pre-operational checks

identify and control workplace hazards and risks

identify faults and determine appropriate repair or replacement action

observe ergonomic and conservation requirements relevant to the operation of equipment

obtain relevant licensing or certification

operate a range of communication and business equipment

operate a range of specialised equipment

prepare documentation and maintain records

read, interpret and analyse technical information.

Required knowledge

common and complex specialised equipment faults

emergency procedures

environmental and waste disposal procedures

features and functions of a range of business and communication equipment

licensing requirements for the operation of equipment

maintenance procedures

operational principles, functions and limitations of a range of specialised equipment

pre-operational checking functions and procedures

procedures to access manufacturer's specifications and other information relevant to the operation of specialised security equipment

reporting and documentation requirements and processes

requirements for the securing and storage of specialised equipment and materials

routine maintenance procedures and repair techniques

safe workplace procedures relevant to the operation of basic security equipment

workplace procedures for obtaining and storing tools, equipment and materials.

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:

complying with applicable licensing, certification and legislative requirements prior and during the operation of specialised security equipment

correctly cleaning, maintaining and storing specialised equipment and maintaining clear and safe operating areas

preparing workplace documentation in a suitable style and format

selecting and operating specialised security equipment appropriate to assignment requirements

undertaking correct pre-operational checks and routine maintenance tasks and accurately identifying faulty, malfunctioning or damaged equipment.

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:

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.

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.

Specialised security equipment may include:

audible and visual warning devices

biometric devices

cameras, monitors and control equipment

car alarms

control panels and intercoms

detection devices

electronic and mechanical fire safety and fire locking systems

electronic readers or recognition controls

locks and locking systems

wireless equipment.

Assignment instructionsmay include:

assignment objectives and timeframes

maintenance schedules

personal protective clothing and equipment requirements

reporting and documentation requirements

resource and equipment requirements

specific client requirements

work schedules

work tasks and procedures.

Routine pre-operational checksmay include:

checking log books and maintenance schedules

cleaning, priming, tightening, basic repairs and adjustments

identification and segregation of unsafe or faulty equipment for repair or replacement observing and monitoring noise levels for correct operation

visual checks for wear and tear.

Personal protection equipmentmay include:

body armour

breathing apparatus

fire extinguisher

first aid kit

gloves

head protection

knee pads

masks

protective shield

safety boots

safety glasses.

Documentationmay include:

equipment faults and diagnosis

materials used, parts and components replaced

operational reports

recommended repairs or disposal of equipment

repairs and servicing undertaken

testing and inspection results

written and electronic reports.

Unit sector

Security

Operations

This unit contains employability skills.