This unit of competency has application in those work roles involving the programming of security equipment and 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

1Prepare for programming.

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

1.2 Assignment instructions are obtained, reviewed and confirmed as required with relevant persons.

1.3 Security equipment and system to be configured and programmed is identified and confirmed.

1.4 Programming requirements and configuration parameters appropriate to the security equipment and system are confirmed and clarified as required.

1.5 Tools, equipment and materials needed to carry out the work are selected and checked for correct operation and safety.

1.6 Potential and existing risks and hazards in the work area are identified and controlled in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements and own role, competence and authority.

2Program security equipment and system.

2.1 Personal protection equipment is selected and used in accordance with OHS requirements.

2.2 Security equipment and system is powered, programmed and configured in accordance with assignment instructions.

2.3 Correct operational procedures and compliance requirements are observed and followed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

2.4 Configuration of security equipment and system is tested and checked using approved procedures.

2.5 Required adjustments to programming instructions are determined and confirmed with relevant persons.

2.6 Safe workplace practices are applied throughout programming process in accordance with OHS requirements.

3Complete programming activities.

3.1 Programmed security equipment and system is inspected to confirm operational effectiveness and conformance with assignment instructions.

3.2 Work area is restored to original condition, waste disposed of and tools and equipment cleaned and stored in accordance with organisational requirements.

3.3 Malfunctions, faults, wear or damage to tools or equipment is documented and reported for repair or replacement in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.4 Notification of work completion is made to relevant persons in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.5 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

accurately identify and handle cables

apply safe and environmentally aware work practices

communicate in a clear and concise manner

complete documentation

download and upload digital information

estimate and organise materials, tools and equipment requirements

identify and comply with applicable legislative requirements including licensing

identify and control workplace hazards

identify and follow routine workplace safety procedures

identify and report faulty equipment

operate security equipment and systems

organise and prioritise work tasks

power security systems

program and configure security equipment and systems

read a multimeter

read and interpret plans and specifications

solve routine problems

test security equipment and systems

use suitable tools and equipment, including hand and power tools

work in confined spaces.

Required knowledge

applicable legislative requirements including licensing and client confidentiality

building construction methods and types

cable identification methods and techniques

earthing systems arrangements and requirements

electrical concepts

emergency procedures

keypad and control panel types and functions

methods of equipment and system programming

procedures for accessing and storing tools, equipment and materials

procedures for reporting malfunctioning or faulty tools and equipment

procedures to power systems

reporting and documentation requirements

requirements for compliance with Australian building codes and regulations and Australian Communications Authority cabling standards

requirements for working at height and in a confined space

risks and hazards associated with programming procedures

safe workplace procedures

technical terminology

types and functions of computer software

types of security equipment and system configurations

types, functions and features of security equipment and systems

waste disposal procedures.

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:

interpreting and complying with all applicable legislative and licensing requirements for programming work

accessing security equipment and systems with minimal disruption to client, services or normal work routines

accurately determining programming requirements and configuration parameters of security equipment and systems

applying appropriate methods to program and configure security equipment and systems

cleaning and storing tools and equipment and reinstating work site to a clean and safe condition

following safe and efficient work practices in the use of tools and equipment and managing risks and hazards in the work area

organising own work tasks within specified programming timeframes and completing documentation related to programming services

carrying out checks to ensure the integrity, security and safety of security equipment and system.

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 requirementsmay 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:

access to site and specific site requirements

equipment, tools and material requirements

equipment and system location information

personal protection clothing and equipment requirements

reporting requirements

security equipment and system information:

features, functions and capabilities

installation procedures

manufacturer's instructions

service and maintenance requirements

type

warranties and guarantees

specific client requirements

timeframes

work schedules

work tasks and procedures.

Relevant personsmay include:

clients

colleagues

engineers and technicians

equipment and systems manufacturers

security consultants

security personnel

site managers or project managers

supervisor.

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.

Security systems may be:

computerised

electronic

mechanical

procedural.

Tools, equipment and materialsmay include:

cable testing equipment

communications equipment

computer disks

crimp tools

hand tools

ladder

multimeter

personal protection equipment

power tools

templates.

Risks and hazardsmay relate to:

chemical hazards eg battery corrosion

exposed electrical wiring

exposure to:

asbestos

building debris

dust

glass fibre

live power

natural and other gas build-up

noise

vermin

water

manual handling

non-compliance with building codes and regulations.

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirementsmay relate to:

emergency procedures

following confined spaces procedures

implementation of safety policies and procedures

chemicals, gas and vapour

isolation procedures

monitoring and testing procedures

use of personal protection equipment and clothing

work clearance procedures

risk and hazard recognition

safety training

working with electrical wiring and cables

working with tools and equipment.

Personal protection equipmentmay include:

breathing apparatus

fire extinguisher

first aid kit

gloves

head protection

hearing protection

knee pads

masks

safety boots

safety glasses.

warning signs and tapes

witches hats.

Documentationmay include:

adjustments to original cable plan

faulty or malfunctioning tools and equipment

materials used

security equipment and system positioning

testing and inspection results

work activity report

written and electronic reports.

Unit sector

Security

Technical security

This unit contains employability skills.