Application
This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to conduct security screening of people and personal effects using a hand-held metal detector. Hand-held metal detectors are portable electronic devices that can detect metal by magnetic induction while the device is passed over a person or their personal effects.
It includes:
checking, testing and operating hand-held metal detectors following manufacturers’ specifications
using screening techniques that cover the full body and personal effects and detect sources of positive alarms
using sensitive spoken communication to direct, position and assist people through the screening process and investigate alarm sources
maintaining situational awareness and responding quickly to security risks.
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 hand-held metal detector. | 1.1 Review workplace procedures and policies to ensure compliance with legal rights and responsibilities when screening people and personal effects using a hand-held metal detector. 1.2 Follow manufacturers’ instructions to check battery, turn detector on, test for correct audible and visual signals, and rectify or report problems to relevant persons. 1.3 Calibrate detector to correct sensitivity and volume for screening tasks. |
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 Direct and position person at the screening point using interpersonal techniques and communication that accounts for individual social and cultural differences. 2.3 Sweep hand-held metal detector over the body and personal items within the maximum range specified by manufacturers’ instructions for the type of detector. 2.4 Complete screening using hand-held metal detector ensuring full body and all personal effects have been scanned. |
3. Respond to positive alarms and potential security risks. | 3.1 Respond to positive alarms and locate and secure prohibited items following workplace procedures. 3.2 Where there is a positive alarm without a visible source, request assistance from the person to reveal potential alarm sources and repeat the scan until all alarms have been investigated. 3.3 Identify situations requiring specialist assistance and report to relevant persons. 3.4 Monitor persons and items in the screening area to maintain situational awareness and promptly respond 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
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 checking, testing, calibrating and operating hand-held metal detectors
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
find the sources of positive alarms and interference
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