ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for workplace emergencies

1.1 Emergency equipment assigned for use by the initial response team is stored and maintained in a safe, accessible and serviceable state.

1.2 Current workplace emergency procedures to be used by employees are identified and accessed.

1.3 Risk assessment of initial response team activities is undertaken according to workplace procedures.

1.4 Initial response team training activities are undertaken according to workplace emergency procedures and relevant legislation.

2. Respond to workplace emergencies

2.1 Emergency is responded to according to workplace emergency procedures.

2.2 Emergency situation is assessed for hazards and appropriate precautions against those hazards are implemented.

2.3 Identified hazards are reported to people in danger and the initial response team leader.

2.4 An appropriate level or response is determined according to the status of the emergency.

2.5 Instructions from the initial response team leader are confirmed and implemented safely and promptly.

2.6 Appropriate equipment is selected and operated according to workplace emergency procedures.

2.7 Situation is contained to the extent necessary to prevent an escalation of the emergency and to enable emergency services and specialist response team activity to be completed safely.

3. Communicate with and complement other personnel

3.1 Effective communication with initial response team members and initial response team leader is constantly maintained.

3.2 Activities are consistent with the initial response team leader's plan of action and support the work of other initial response team members.

3.3 Activities support the actions of other initial response teams.

3.4 Any injuries, accidents or near misses involving team members are reported to the team leader.

4. Assist with recovery from workplace emergencies

4.1 Evidence relating to the cause, origin and progress of the emergency is preserved and recorded as far as possible.

4.2 Appropriate assistance is provided in accordance with the workplace emergency procedures.

4.3 Emergency equipment is returned to a state of readiness as soon as is reasonably practicable.

4.4 Debriefings are attended and participated in as appropriate.

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

Required Skills

access and use protective clothing and equipment safely and effectively under emergency conditions

communication skills during emergencies

care for protective clothing and equipment

interpret and respond to alarm systems

re-stow initial response equipment

Required Knowledge

alarm systems and associated equipment

appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment

concept of dynamic risk assessment

equipment operating characteristics, limitations, hazards, precautions, procedures and general care

general emergency priorities and strategies

hazard analysis

hierarchy of control

hazards and the precautions necessary during control activities

procedures for responding to alarms

survival, rescue and recovery procedures

tactics for safely handling specific emergencies

workplace emergency procedures

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to be prepared for a safe and prompt response to a workplace emergency; to identify hazards and implement appropriate precautions; to use equipment safely and effectively; and to work as a team member safely and effectively under the direction of a workplace emergency initial response team leader.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time with a range of emergencies that could be expected in the workplace, including dealing with plausible contingencies.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in a simulated environment under conditions that safely replicate workplace emergency situations.

Specific resources for assessment

Access to:

scenarios that reflect a range of emergency situations that may be expected in the workplace

material safety data sheets

workplace register of hazardous substances

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.

Emergency equipment may include:

emergency vehicles, trailers, trolleys or caches

fire protection equipment

forcible entry tools

life support equipment

monitors (or turrets)

monitoring equipment

personal protective clothing and equipment

rescue equipment

spill or leak control kits

Hazards may include:

chemical, biological, radiological

climatic

electrical

environmental

explosive

fire

mechanical

psychological (e.g. critical incident stress)

noise related

security related

storm/flood

structural

thermal

wildlife related

Other initial response teams may include:

damage control

emergency control organisation

fire team

first aid

maintenance

security