This unit of competency has application in those work roles involving the testing 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 testing.

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 tested is identified and confirmed.

1.4 Testing parameters appropriate to the security equipment and system are confirmed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

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.

2Test security equipment and system.

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

2.2 Parts or connections of security equipment and system are removed in accordance with approved procedures and safely stored to protect against loss or damage.

2.3 Tests are conducted in accordance with approved procedures and manufacturer's instructions.

2.4 Tests provide reliable and accurate test data on the operation and functioning of security equipment and system.

2.5 Security equipment and system is reassembled and returned to pre-test condition in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

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

2.7 Personal limitations in conducting testing procedures are identified and assistance is sought from relevant persons in accordance with organisational procedures.

3Complete testing.

3.1 Security equipment and system is checked to confirm operational effectiveness.

3.2 Operational errors or deficiencies in security equipment and system is documented and reported in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.3 Test results are accurately recorded and processed in accordance with organisational procedures.

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

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

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

3.7 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

evaluate test results

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

identify, isolate, test and tag cables

operate security equipment and systems

organise and prioritise work tasks

power security systems

read a multimeter

read and interpret plans and specifications

solve routine problems

test security equipment and systems

use keypads and control panels

use suitable tools and equipment, including hand and power tools and testing devices

work in confined spaces.

Required knowledge

applicable legislative requirements including licensing and client confidentiality

building construction methods and types

cable identification methods and techniques

circuit protection requirements

earthing systems arrangements and requirements

electrical concepts

electrical connections and types of electrical circuits

emergency procedures

isolating and testing procedures

keypad and control panel types and functions

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

types, functions and features of tools and equipment including testing devices

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:

determining testing parameters appropriate to type of security equipment and system and accurately interpreting test results

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

interpreting and complying with applicable legislative and licensing requirements for testing work

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

using appropriate methods and approved procedures to disassemble and reassemble components of security equipment and system

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

using appropriate procedures to carrying out tests to check and confirm security equipment and system performance and operational effectiveness.

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 and system location information

equipment, tools and material requirements

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.

Tests may involve:

alarm tests

calibration tests

correct relaying of information and data

coverage tests

detection tests

functional tests

safety tests

testing of cables

testing of wiring and connections:

continuity

resistance

earth leakage

voltage

testing to specifications

walk tests.

Tools, equipment and materialsmay include:

cable testing equipment

communications equipment

computers and computer software

crimp tools

hand tools

ladder

multimeter

personal protection equipment

power tools

templates

test board

test tape.

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

cable identification records

faulty or malfunctioning tools and equipment

location of security equipment and system

materials used

testing and inspection results

work activity report

written and electronic reports.

Unit sector

Security

Technical security

This unit contains employability skills.