This unit of competency has application in those work roles involving the determining networked security systems faults and deficiencies. 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 operation.

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

1.2 Assignment instructions and other relevant information is obtained and reviewed.

1.3 Extent of faults is determined from reports and consultation with relevant persons.

1.4 Normal operational functions and performance parameters of networked security system are confirmed against specifications.

1.5 Tools, equipment and testing devices are organised and checked for correct operation and safety.

1.6 Site access and specific site requirements are identified and confirmed with relevant persons in accordance with organisational procedures.

1.7 Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) issues are identified and appropriate risk control measures are implemented in accordance with organisational procedures.

2Diagnose fault.

2.1 Equipment and system isolation requirements are complied with in accordance with OHS guidelines.

2.2 Networked security system components are checked for operation in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

2.3 Logical diagnostic and systematic fault-finding methods are applied to diagnose faults employing measurements and estimations of system operating parameters.

2.4 Suspected fault scenarios are tested as being the source of system problems.

2.5 Faults are diagnosed on the basis of an accurate assessment of test results, historical information and operational data.

2.6 Specialist advice is sought as required to assist with fault diagnosis in accordance with organisational procedures.

3Complete and report fault diagnosis.

3.1 Findings of fault diagnosis are documented and presented to relevant persons in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.2 Recommendations include options for fault rectification and are supported by verifiable data.

3.3 Presented information uses clear and concise language and meets organisational standards for style, format and accuracy.

3.4 Complex faults are referred for specialist advice in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.5 Work area is cleaned and restored in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.6 Waste is collected, treated and disposed of 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 diagnose faults

apply safe and efficient work practices

coaching and mentoring to provide support to colleagues

communicate in a clear and concise manner

conduct testing of security systems and networks

demonstrate basic logic and lateral thinking processes

estimate resource requirements

identify and correctly handle cables

methodically prioritise and organise work tasks

read and interpret a multimeter

read and interpret specifications, charts and diagrams

solve complex problems related to networking and security systems

work in confined spaces.

Required knowledge

building construction methods and types

cable identification and handling requirements

common security systems and network faults

common testing equipment for security systems

confined space procedures

earthing systems arrangements and requirements

electrical concepts (voltage, current, resistance and impedance)

fault finding techniques

operational principles of security systems and networks

technical terms

tests to confirm operational performance

types, functions and purposes of diagnostic tools

types, functions and specifications of security systems and networks and equipment.

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:

confirming reported faults with client and ascertaining normal performance of security systems and network against specification schedules

accurately identifying and diagnosing faults based on an assessment of test data, site variables, operational and historical information

clearly identifying job requirements and organising appropriate tools, equipment and materials to carry out checks and testing of security systems and networks

conducting inspections and diagnostic tests on a range of platforms in accordance with industry preventative maintenance and diagnostic policies

preparing and presenting reports and documentation clearly and concisely detailing fault diagnosis and repair recommendations based on verifiable data.

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.

Assignment instructionsmay include:

access to site and specific site requirements

budget allocations

completion dates

job requirements and tasks

resource requirements

specific client requirements

warranties and service information

work schedules.

Relevant informationmay include:

client questioning details

client records

contract documents

details of system checks

equipment or product manuals or guides

log books

networked security system fault history, trending data and current fault report

software programme

specification schedules

system configuration diagrams and site installation records

test data.

Relevant personsmay include:

client

equipment and system manufacturers

other professional or technical staff

security consultants

security personnel

supervisor.

Tools, equipment and testing devicesmay include:

back-up disks

communications equipment

computer

hand tools

personal protective equipment

software

test equipment (multimeter).

Site access and specific site requirementsmay include:

access and egress points, time of access

access codes, keys, passes, security clearances

building codes and regulations

heritage listings

noise control

OHS requirements

union requirements.

Riskrelates to:

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

Systematic fault-findingmay involve:

identifies fault in shortest time possible

progressively isolating fault

reviews all available information

using a methodical approach

verifies continued existence of problem.

Fault-findingmethodsmay include:

equipment program

functionality tests

visual inspections.

Diagnosesmay identify faults or deficiencies in:

hardware and software

input

output

running.

Documentationmay detail:

adjustments and modifications undertaken

completion of work log

costings

equipment, software and hardware faults and diagnoses

materials used

recommended repairs or disposal of equipment

testing and inspection results

warranty conditions and allowances.

Unit sector

Security

Security and risk management

This unit contains employability skills.