This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to undertake storm and water damage operations as a member of a response team.

Flooding whether caused by slow river rise, storm water, storm surge or flash flooding, has a similar impact in terms of water damage. Techniques for minimising the effects of water entry into properties are common to storm, flood and other water damage events.

The unit applies to personnel responding as a member of a team to storm and/or water damage operations in rural and urban environments which can range in intensity and impact from localised thunderstorm or windstorm events to tropical cyclones. Evacuation and rescue by boat are not considered in this unit.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare for storm and water operations

1.1

Operation and task information is obtained through situational awareness and command structure at an incident site

1.2

Hazard identification, risk assessment and control measures are undertaken, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

1.3

Equipment is selected based on incident information and is checked to ensure it is ready for operational use

1.4

Personal protective clothing and equipment is selected and appropriately worn

1.5

Work area isolation methods are applied to ensure safety, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

1.6

Support for safe and timely evacuation is provided

2

Provide information which assists with operations

2.1

Liaison with stakeholders is undertaken to provide information which increases awareness of incident situation, safety and to facilitate operational requirements

2.2

Information is provided to crew/team leader

3

Undertake storm and water operations

3.1

Safety is ensured when undertaking and completing operational tasks, by working safely in conjunction with other team members

3.2

Debris is removed, cleared and/or controlled to minimise risk of injury and any further damage to structure and to ensure safe access to and from incident site

3.3

Techniques for temporary repairs and/or improvised support are applied, in accordance with organisational procedures

3.4

Sandbagging techniques are used to minimise further damage

3.5

Water diversions are created to mitigate the effects of damage

3.6

Support is provided to personnel undertaking roof repairs and/or working at height through the setup, placement and access to appropriate tools and equipment

3.7

Trees causing a hazard to life or property are secured, removed and/or reported, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

4

Complete operations

4.1

Equipment is recovered, cleaned and serviced, in accordance with organisational procedures and manufacturers' guidelines

4.2

Equipment failure and/or deficiency is reported, in accordance with organisational procedures

4.3

Signs and symptoms of operational stress in self and others are recognised and reported to relevant personnel

4.4

Information for operational documentation and equipment logs is contributed to

4.5

Debriefing is participated in, as required, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

State/Territory Emergency Services

SES Sector