The application of this unit in the workplace - the environments, complexities and situations involved - will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

This text will be useful for the purposes of job descriptions, recruitment advice or job analysis; where possible, it will not be too job specific to allow other industries to import it into other Training Packages, where feasible.

Prerequisite Unit/s

DEFSU008B Produce fire using improvised means in a survival situation

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for the construction of visual emergency signals

1.1 Available natural and artificial resources are assessed for their application in emergency signalling

1.2 Local area is examined to identify the ground that would afford optimum visibility to searchers but minimum physical effort to the survivor

1.3 Sun's transit is observed and noted to determine the optimum placement of reflective signalling devices

2. Prepare emergency signaling devices for use

2.1 Ground-to-air emergency signals are sited and constructed using purpose signal marker panels and/or improvised markers to optimise visibility from the air

2.2 Tinsel/Christmas tree devices are sited and constructed using artificial resources, to optimise visibility from the air

2.3 An emergency signal fire is sited and constructed to optimise visibility from the air

2.4 Shadow trenches are sited and excavated

2.5 Purpose built signalling devices are prepared

3. Employ visual emergency signals

3.1 Timeliness of initiation and visual signature of the emergency signal fire are maximised

3.2 Purpose built signalling devices are employed effectively to attract search aircraft attention

3.3 Recognition and response signals from search aircraft are interpreted and responded to

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

select combustible and 'smoking' materials

construct, ignite and maintain a fire

Required Knowledge

air search procedures

aircraft recognition and response signals

ground search procedures

international distress signals

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

accurately 'illuminate' a target at least 300 m away

site and build a trench symbol visible from the air at 2 000 m (may be a simulated trench if ground is too hard i.e. through use of charcoal, rocks etc.)

site and construct a tinsel tree to be visible from the air at 2 000 m

site, construct and maintain the fuel and foliage stock for the fire and on order, light the fire so that it is well ablaze within 120 seconds and then generate smoke through the application of green foliage.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated in a range of simulated visual emergency signalling techniques that could be expected in a survival situation.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency must be assessed in a simulated environment.

While a person can demonstrate the technical ability to employ visual signalling devices, doing so in a survival situation is crucial; consequently it is strongly recommended that holistic assessment be conducted with other associated survival units.

Assessment under simulated survival conditions should include:

food restrictions (food should be restricted to half the recommended daily caloric intake)

the absence of normal living conditions and amenities such as showers, beds and bedding (warmth to be provided by fire), kitchens etc. with the attendant levels of personal discomfort and fatigue

a significant period of time - the recommendation is four days.

Specific resources for assessment

Access to emergency signalling devices.

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Natural resources may include

Charcoal

Rocks

Vegetation (logs, foliage)

Artificial resources may include

Foil

Glass (rear vision mirrors, headlight lens)

Metals (hub-caps, headlight dishes)

Tins

Ground may include

Hills

Openings in canopy

Searchers may include

Aerial

Ground

Sea

Ground-to-air emergency signals may include

Proceeding in this direction

Require assistance

Require fodder

Require medical assistance

Yes or affirmative

No or negative

Improvised markers may include

Bright textiles

Glass sheet (e.g. windscreen)

Metal sheet (e.g. bonnet, boot, fuselage/wing sections)

Natural materials such as ash or contrasting foliage

Plastic sheet (e.g. hootchie)

Constructing an emergency signal fire includes

Considering the prevailing wind's effect (if any) on smoke trails

Siting shadow trenches includes

Considering the sun's movement

Or if the ground is hard, simulated using natural resources

Purpose built signalling devices may include

Electronic position indicative radio beacon, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)

Heliograph

Marker panels

Pyrotechnics

Radios

Sea dye marker

Strobe lights

Maximising timeliness of initiation and visual signature of the emergency signal fire includes

Achieving an immediate and robust bonfire

Applying large quantities of green leafy material or improvised smoking resources (e.g. car tyres; petrols, oils, lubricants; foliage) to the bonfire

Search aircraft recognition and response signals may include

I require your attention

Message received and understood

Message received but not understood

Follow aircraft in same direction

This unit contains employability skills.