This unit of competency has application in those work roles involving the maintenance of networked security 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

1Formulate maintenance strategy.

1.1 Applicable provisions of legislative and organisational requirements relevant to maintaining networked security systems are identified and complied with.

1.2 Networked security system architecture and configuration documentation is obtained and reviewed.

1.3 Networked security system warranty status of components, software and hardware is determined.

1.4 Networked security system requirements to maintain operational effectiveness are determined.

1.5 Maintenance options are examined against budgetary constraints and assessed risk to business continuity.

1.6 Preventative and breakdown maintenance arrangements for networked security systems are determined and confirmed.

2Monitor and maintain effectiveness of networked security system.

2.1 Occupational Health and Safety issues are identified and appropriate risk control measures implemented in accordance with organisational procedures.

2.2 Networked security system performance is monitored on a systematic basis and evaluated for operational effectiveness.

2.3 Security and access features of the networked security system are monitored to ensure security and integrity of information is maintained.

2.4 Operational irregularities or faults are identified, diagnosed and rectified in accordance with organisational procedures.

2.5 Performance and audit reports are reviewed on a regular basis and maintained in accordance with organisational procedures.

3Implement preventative maintenance procedures.

3.1 Networked security system back-up procedures are implemented on a routine basis in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

3.2 Anti-virus software is updated and maintained on a routine basis in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.3 Networked security system maintenance is scheduled and carried out with minimal disruption to surrounding environment and services.

3.4 Repairs or adjustments are undertaken in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and within scope of own competence.

3.5 Complex faults or repair requirements outside area of competence are referred for specialist advice.

3.6 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

apply best practice in the implementation of maintenance and preventative maintenance strategies

apply safe and effective ergonomic workplace practices

assess and analyse risk to client core business functions

coaching and mentoring to provide support to colleagues

conduct and interpret tests

conduct technical diagnosis

identify and rectify common network problems

identify systems and network maintenance requirements

interpret and evaluate the purposes and objectives of various features of systems and networks

read and interpret technical information.

Required knowledge

anti-discrimination

back-up and security procedures, maintenance and diagnostic procedures, licensing and installation and purchasing procedures

common systems and network performance problems

data analysis techniques

energy and resource conservation

environmental protection

equal opportunity

industrial relations

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)

organisational operating systems and networks

principles of developing a maintenance schedule for a network

relevant legislation from all levels of government that affects business operation

systems and network administration, security and storage requirements

systems and network diagnostic tools and their functions

types of equipment, software and hardware and their applications.

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:

accurately diagnosing and rectifying system irregularities and referring complex faults for specialist advice

determining maintenance strategies and support processes to maintain the continuity of operations directly related to the core business functions of the client

efficiently and effectively protecting, securing and maintaining networked client server environments and operating systems

implementing an efficient and responsive maintenance strategy to ensure optimal operational performance of equipment and software

monitoring and assessing comprehensive performance indicators to determine system performance and reliability in relation to both hardware and software.

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 requirements may relate to:

apprehension and powers of arrest

Australian standards and quality assurance requirements

cabling

general 'duty of care' responsibilities

licensing or certification requirements

privacy and confidentiality

relevant commonwealth, state and territory legislation, codes and national standards for:

anti-discrimination

cultural and ethnic diversity

environmental issues

equal employment opportunity

industrial relations

OHS

relevant industry codes of practice

telecommunications

trespass and the removal of persons.

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.

Networked security systemsmaintenance requirements may relate to:

back-up procedures

maintenance of customised software

storage retrieval

updating of virus protection systems.

Maintenance optionsmay include:

24 x 7 hours support

business hours only support

on-site response

remote diagnostics

return to depot

second level support

telephone support.

Riskrelates to:

the chance of something happening that will have an impact on objectives.

Security and accessprocedures may relate to:

data inputting

search and browse authorities

viewing and operation

write permission.

Irregularitiesmay include:

intrusion attempts

security intrusions

systems and network malfunctions.

Diagnosesmay identify faults or deficiencies in:

hardware and software

input

output

running.

Documentationmay detail:

costings

equipment faults and diagnoses

materials used, parts and components replaced

operational details

recommended repairs or disposal of equipment

repairs and servicing undertaken

testing and inspection results.

Unit sector

Security

Security and risk management

This unit contains employability skills.