PUAOPE017A
Coordinate resources for a multi-agency incident

This unit covers the competency required to bring together organisations and other resources to support an incident.Incidents that require such resource coordination are typically Level 3 incidents, which are characterised by degrees of complexity that may require the establishment of divisions for effective management of the situation. These incidents will usually involve delegation of all functions.This unit also coves the systematic acquisition and application of organisational, human and equipment resources in an incident.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Application

This unit applies to people who perform the role of emergency coordination at a Level 3 incident.

The authorisation to perform this role is subject to emergency state/territory emergency management arrangements.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Commence coordination

1.1 Coordination arrangements are invoked in accordance with agreed authority/responsibility.

1.2 Coordination function is established within an Incident Control Centre or facility in consultation with Incident Controller.

1.3 Coordination arrangements are communicated to participating organisations and to relevant authorities/organisations pertinent to the type of incident.

2. Establish and maintain a coordination network

2.1 Coordination network and structure is established appropriate to the nature and complexity of the incident .

2.2 Coordination network is integrated with the control and command activities to meet the objectives of the control plan using communications processes and systems as required.

2.3 Coordination network is expanded, contracted or modified in response to changes within the incident environment.

3. Manage resource requirements in accordance with control requirements

3.1 Resources are identified through the coordination network and external providers/authorities which may be appropriate to control requirements including sources of information and/or documents.

3.2 Resources are acquired to meet the requirements of the Incident Action Plan and Recovery Plan including personnel support activities.

3.3 Resources are supplied to meet operational requirements within negotiated timeframes.

3.4 Allocation of resources is monitored to ensure operational effectiveness and to confirm additional requirements.

4. Conclude coordination activities

4.1 An audit is undertaken to ensure resources are acquired and supplied in a cost-effective and efficient manner (where applicable) according to standard procedures.

4.2 Resources released from the incident are returned to providers as appropriate.

5. Review coordination

5.1 Debriefings are conducted to evaluate coordination effectiveness using consultative processes where appropriate.

5.2 Reports are produced as required and communicated in accordance with established protocols and agreed reporting mechanisms.

Required Skills

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

Required Skills

access information and support from the control facility

apply relevant agreements, codes of practice or other legislative requirements

communicate with colleagues and stakeholders effectively

deploy human and physical resources effectively and efficiently

implement coordination plans including predicting consequences and identifying improvements

manage logistics

use a range of information technology devices including computers

use equipment

use tools and techniques to solve problems

Required Knowledge

control and organisation command structure

electronic data exchange systems

focus of operation of work systems and equipment

incident site layout

other organisations' personnel and external authorities

principles and practices to conduct an activity which exercises elements of public safety management

radio frequency devices

resources including operative and non-operative personnel, materials, equipment and consumables

security and confidentiality of material

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

implement coordination response in accordance with control plan and within bounds of authority

identify, select, prioritise, implement and evaluate appropriate strategies for the acquisition and deployment of resources in accordance with control and command plan requirements

analyse resource requirements in accordance with present and future control requirements

implement and maintain an effective communication system both internal and external to an incident

monitor the deployment of resources in meeting control requirements

maintain procurement and workplace records

strategically react to changes within the incident environment

incorporate risk management and contingency processes

evaluate performance of coordination in meeting the requirements of control

modify activities to cater for variations and changes in incident contexts and environments

apply underpinning knowledge and skills when establishing plans

describe consequences

complete tasks

identify improvements

apply safety precautions relevant to the task

show evidence of application of relevant workplace procedures including hazard policies and procedures, issue resolution procedures, job procedures and work instruction guidelines relating to the procurement of resources, quality assurance procedures (where in existence), privacy, confidentiality and security procedures, waste, pollution and environmental management recovery processes.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in an operational environment or in an industry-approved multi-agency simulated workplace environment.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

incidents or simulation of incidents, in a multi-agency response environment

equipment, personnel, facilities appropriate to the incident and within the bounds of responsibility as designated within the requirements of the Incident Controller

Method of assessment

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

direct observation

interviewing the candidate

journals and workplace documentation

third party reports from supervisors

written or oral questions


Range Statement

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.

Establishing coordination function may include considering:

Amenities

Communication modes

Equipment characteristics

Logistical operations

Parking

Proximity to incident

Security requirements

Site access and exit requirements

Size and type of structure

Special incident requirements

Support services

Type of incident (imminent or actual) may include:

Civil/political incidents such as:

civil unrest

economic

eco-terrorism

enemy attack

general strike

hostage situation/s

sabotage

terrorism

Marine rescue

Natural events such as:

avalanche snow/ice/hail

biological

drought

dust/sand storms

earthquakes/land shifts

extreme heat/cold

fire (forest, grassland, urban)

flood/wind driven water

hurricane/typhoon

landslide/mudslide

lightning storm

pandemic

tornado/cyclone

tsunami

windstorm/tropical storm

volcanic eruption

Rescue

Search

Technological/industrial incidents such as:

building/structure collapse

business interruption

dam/levee failure

explosion/fire

extreme air pollution

financial collapse

fuel/resource shortages

hazardous material releases

hazardous material spills

power/utility failure

radiological accidents

strikes

transportation accidents

Coordination network may include:

Community services organisations

Contractors

Equipment suppliers

Gas and power agencies

Land management agencies

Local, state/territory and commonwealth government authorities

Medical organisations

Operative and support organisations

Other emergency organisations

Water

Welfare and counselling organisations

Communications processes and systems may include:

Audio and visual recording mechanisms

Communication responsibilities of personnel

Data retrieval

Data transfer

Designation of appropriate modes and channels of communication

Inter organisation liaison

Interpersonal communications

Procedures and protocols

Radio communications

Recording

Security and authorisation assignment

Storage and dispatch modes

Telecommunications

Types of technology - electronic data exchange devices

Resources may include:

Communication devices

Equipment

Local, state/territory and commonwealth governments

Machinery

Operations personnel

Support personnel

Technology devices

Vehicles

Volunteers

Identifying and acquiring resources may include:

Cost benefit analysis

Geographical analysis

Logistics

Networking

Supply-demand financial analysis

Sources of information and/or documents may include:

Applicable state, territory, commonwealth legislation and regulations which relate to:

codes of practice

conventions

freedom of information

environment protection

equal employment opportunity and affirmative action

equal opportunity

memorandum of understanding/agreement

occupational health and safety (OH&S)

policies

privacy and confidentiality legislation

procurement procedures

protocols

public safety

quality assurance procedures

standards and certification requirements

state of emergency

workers compensation

workplace relations

Communications technology equipment

Client requirements

Emergency procedures

Evacuation procedures

OH&S procedures

Oral, aural or signed communications

Organisational and workplace operating procedures and policies

Personal and work area procedures and practices

Relevant Australian or international documentation in disaster/emergency management

Standard operating procedures

Incident Action Plan may include:

Accommodation and welfare arrangements

Communications Plan

Incident objectives

Information on alternative or fallback strategies

Information Plan for dissemination of information to all stakeholders

Information regarding the necessary logistical arrangements

Management arrangements, including establishment of sectors and divisions

Management structure if established

Maps or site plans of the incident

Medical Plan and consideration of OH&S issues

Resources to be allocated to each division and sector

Statement of current situation and predictions of the incident's likely development (including key risk exposures)

Strategies to achieve defined incident objectives

Structural chart depicting the personnel in the incident management arrangements, including establishment of sectors and divisions

Timing of meetings and changeovers

Traffic management

Recovery Plan may include:

Re-establishment of infrastructure

Rehabilitation

Relocation of members of the public

Personnel support activities may include supply of:

Catering

Medical

Rest/relief counselling services

Sanitation

Shelter

Stress management services

Audit may comprise:

Damage reports

Reconciliation

Supply cost

Supply mechanisms

Standard procedures may include:

Australian Standards

Defence Instructions

Doctrine pamphlets

Job guides, other publications

Manufacturers' handbooks, industry specifications and technical instructions

OH&S regulations

Organisational policies and procedures

Procedure manuals

Relevant local government by‑laws

Relevant state/territory or commonwealth legislation

Routine Orders

Standing Operating Procedures

Standing Orders

Written and verbal orders

Debriefings may include:

Financial analysis

Logistics

Operational analysis

Performance evaluation

Supply-demand

Consultative processes may include:

Clients

Emergency management specialists

Emergency organisations

Higher authorities

Media

OH&S specialists

Other professional or technical staff and/or organisations

Public

Agreed reporting mechanisms will involve:

Authorisation

Distribution and development of reports in accordance with regulatory and organisational requirements and may include:

briefing papers

coronial reports

final reports

legal reports

media reports

ministerial reports

performance evaluations

situation reports - within incident for external distribution

status reports


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.