PSPBORD408A
Examine and test firearms

This unit covers the competency to identify and classify firearms subject to international trade or travel and to safety test imported firearms. It includes identifying firearms and components, conducting safety tests, maintaining resources, and reviewing and reporting on activities.In practice, examination and testing of firearms may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically, complying with legislation, applying government processes, gathering and analysing information, using resources, etc.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication

Application

Not applicable.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Identify firearms and components

1.1 Firearms and components are prepared for examination.

1.2 Firearms and components are examined in detail to determine relevant features.

1.3 Internal resources are researched to confirm observations.

1.4 Advice is sought on obscure or complex items from relevant personnel.

1.5 Classification of firearms and components is determined in accordance with legislation, regulations, policies and guidelines.

1.6 The requirement for testing or exemption from safety testing is determined in accordance with legislation, regulations, policies and guidelines.

2. Conduct safety tests

2.1 Firearms are tested against standards specified in legislation, regulations, policies and guidelines.

2.2 Relevant equipment is operated in accordance with standard operating procedures and guidelines.

2.3 Occupational health and safety issues are identified and actioned in a timely manner.

2.4 The results of equipment use are correctly interpreted.

3. Maintain resources

3.1 Routine maintenance of equipment is conducted.

3.2 Equipment is maintained to manufacturers' specifications and standard operating procedures and guidelines.

3.3 Repairs to equipment are organised as soon as practicable.

4. Review and report on activities

4.1 Outcomes of firearm identification and safety testing activities are recorded and disseminated in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

4.2 The outcomes, procedures and processes used in activities are evaluated.

4.3 Improvements to procedures and processes are identified and actioned in accordance with organisational requirements.

Required Skills

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

Skill requirements

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

applying legislation, regulations and policies relating to firearms examination and testing

operating and maintaining equipment to achieve desired outcomes

accurately interpreting resources and information generated

selecting and using cleaning agents, solvents and lubricants

selecting and using tools and equipment

achieving accuracy in measurement

undertaking analysis and decision making using sound judgment

using written and oral communication including liaison and consultation

planning, prioritising and problem solving

responding to diversity, including gender and disability

applying procedures relating to occupational health and safety and environment in the context of firearms examination and testing

Knowledge requirements

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

legislation, regulations, policies, procedures, guidelines and standard operating procedures relating to examination and testing of firearms in the context of international trade or travel

custodial firearms safe handling procedures

firearms safety issues

firearms and firearms related components recognition indicators

firearms research materials and resources

public sector and organisational values/ethics codes of conduct or service charter

security and reporting procedures

risk management policy and practices

risk assessment techniques

profiles and trends

Australian legal framework

evidence handling and storage

equipment maintenance procedures

equipment operation and usage

workplace and industry environment

equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles

public sector legislation such as occupational health and safety and environment in the context of firearms examination and testing

Evidence Required

The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.

Units to be assessed together

Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil

Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil

Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:

PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service

PSPGOV403B Use resources to achieve work unit goals

PSPGOV406B Gather and analyse information

PSPGOV422A Apply government processes

PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector

PSPREG421A Take custody of and store weapons

Overview of evidence requirements

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:

the knowledge requirements of this unit

the skill requirements of this unit

application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)

examination and testing of firearms in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Resources required to carry out assessment

These resources include:

legislation, policy, procedures, protocols and standard operating procedures relating to examination and testing of firearms

testing and maintenance equipment

sample firearms

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when examining and testing firearms

Where and how to assess evidence

Valid assessment of this unit requires:

a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when examining and testing firearms, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

examination and testing of firearms in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:

people with disabilities

people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

women

young people

older people

people in rural and remote locations

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:

case studies

demonstration

observation

portfolios

projects

questioning

scenarios

simulation or role plays

authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses

For consistency of assessment

Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments


Range Statement

The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.

Preparation for examination may include:

making the firearm safe

cleaning the firearm, including removing heavy deposits of grease

assembling the firearm

removing components and/or accessories that impede the examination process

Firearms and components may include:

representative samples of commercial consignments of imported handguns, long arms, parts, magazines and accessories

private consignments of imported handguns, long arms, parts, magazines and accessories

consignments of firearms and related components intended for export

Relevant features may include:

type

action

make

model

unique serial number

calibre

magazine capacity

handgun barrel length

Internal resources may include:

library of printed research materials

library of electronic databases of research materials

Internet search facilities

Relevant personnel may include:

managers/supervisors

staff in other work areas

staff in other agencies

manufacturers' representatives

gunsmiths

armourers

Legislation, regulations, policies and guidelines may include:

prohibited imports/exports regulations

policy advice/s

standard operating procedures

Relevant equipment may include:

rubber mat as per standard

rubber mallet as per standard

Newton meter tension/force measuring device

digital vernier callipers

generic toolkit for minor maintenance and repair tasks

Outcomes may include:

safety testing reports

informal identification statements

formal identification statement with 'jurat'

digital or still photographs


Sectors

Not applicable.


Competency Field

Border Protection.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.