Application
This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to conduct security screening of people and personal effects using walk-through metal detection equipment. Walk-through metal detection equipment is any electronic device in an upright configuration capable of being used in a security screening environment for the detection of metal by magnetic induction as a person walks through the detection zone.
It includes:
setting up, testing and operating the walk-through equipment
using sensitive spoken and non-verbal communication to manage the order and flow of people through the screening point and using special screening methods for infants, children and people with specific needs
following legal requirements and procedures associated with personal search where required
monitoring and maintaining security and responding quickly to positive alarms.
It applies to people working independently or under limited supervision as members of a security team.
This unit may form part of the licensing requirements for people engaged in security operations in those states and territories where these are regulated activities.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe what needs to be done to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare for screening using walk-through metal detection equipment. | 1.1 Review workplace procedures and policies to ensure compliance with legal rights and responsibilities when screening people and personal effects using walk-through metal detection equipment. 1.2 Set up and test walk-through metal detection equipment following manufacturers’ instructions, and rectify or report problems to relevant persons. |
2. Screen people and personal effects. | 2.1 Identify hazards and risks in the work area and implement necessary controls to maintain safety of people and property. 2.2 Operate walk-through metal detection equipment following manufacturers’ instructions. 2.3 Direct and assist people through the screening point using interpersonal techniques and communication that accounts for individual social and cultural differences. 2.4 Use alternate screening methods to accommodate infants, children and people with specific needs. |
3. Monitor screening and respond to potential security risks. | 3.1 Monitor people through the screening point and give spoken and non-verbal instructions to maintain an orderly flow and address causes of potential delays. 3.2 Identify persons not consenting to be screened and take appropriate action following workplace procedures. 3.3 Respond to positive alarms and locate and secure prohibited items following workplace procedures. 3.4 Identify the need to conduct personal search, and clarify legal authority to search in consultation with relevant persons. 3.5 Obtain consent for personal search, and use approved search techniques locate or confirm the absence of prohibited items. 3.6 Where permission to search is refused, use communication equipment to immediately report situation to relevant persons. 3.7 Monitor persons and items in the screening area to maintain situational awareness and to respond promptly to potential security risks. |
Foundation Skills
This section describes the language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills essential to performance in this unit but not explicit in the performance criteria:
language skills to:
provide information or advice using structure and language to suit the audience and engage minority groups
use strategies to overcome language barriers
use non-verbal signals to give directions to people through the screening point
reading skills to interpret:
medical cards or letters for people requiring alternate screening methods
procedures and policies that clarify legal rights and responsibilities
manufacturers’ instructions and equipment labels when setting up, testing and operating walk-through metal detection equipment
speaking and listening skills to:
give clear, sequenced instructions when managing flow and assisting people through the screening point
use a radio or phone to report risks
use questions to clarify understanding when receiving spoken information
numeracy skills to estimate time required to complete work tasks
problem solving skills to:
identify equipment faults and malfunctions
recognise suspicious items and behaviours
teamwork skills to adjust personal communication styles in response to the opinions, values and needs of others.
Sectors
Security operations