Application
This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to conduct security screening of people using explosive trace detection (ETD) equipment. ETD equipment can detect and indicate by means of an alarm, the presence of a target amount of explosive material.
It includes:
checking, calibrating and operating EDT equipment following manufacturers’ specifications
using sensitive spoken communication techniques to prepare people for ETD sampling, and using correct techniques to screen people and items using ETD equipment
maintaining situational awareness and responding quickly to security risks and positive and negative ETD results.
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 ETD equipment. | 1.1 Review workplace procedures and policies to ensure compliance with legal rights and responsibilities when conducting security screening using ETD equipment. 1.2 Follow manufacturers’ instructions to prepare, check and calibrate ETD equipment, and rectify or report problems to relevant persons. |
2. Conduct ETD sampling and testing. | 2.1 Select person and items for ETD screening, and explain EDT screening procedures using interpersonal techniques and communication that accounts for individual social and cultural differences. 2.2 Use an ETD wand to screen person and items following workplace procedures. 2.3 Test sample using ETD equipment following workplace procedures. |
3. Respond to sample results and potential security risks. | 3.1 Recognise positive and negative results and repeat testing following workplace procedures. 3.2 Take appropriate action to respond to a double positive result, and request assistance from relevant persons. 3.3 Monitor persons and items in the screening area to maintain situational awareness and to respond promptly to potential security risks. 3.4 Record results of screening using ETD equipment using workplace documentation. |
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
reading skills to interpret:
procedures and policies that clarify legal rights and responsibilities
manufacturers’ instructions and equipment labels when checking, testing, calibrating and operating ETD equipment
speaking and listening skills to:
give clear, sequenced instructions when assisting people through the screening process
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
apply contingency measures to respond to a double positive screening results
recognise suspicious items and behaviours while applying screening procedures
teamwork skills to adjust personal communication styles in response to the opinions, values and needs of others.
Sectors
Security operations