ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1. Make logistical arrangements.

1.1. Access local area knowledge and information, and use it to identify suitable temporary sites.

1.2. Identify factors affecting site selection according to relevant legislation and organisational policiesand procedures.

1.3. Access relevantsources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information.

1.4. Identify hazards and potential human impact practices associated with the activity and apply risk minimisation as advised by the supervisor.

1.5. Identify and plan food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and the duration of the activity.

1.6. Address perishability of various foods, packaging, cooking and storage considerations when menu planning.

1.7. Identify and plan for emergency food and water requirements.

2. Select equipment.

2.1. Select equipment according to contextual issues and check its serviceability.

2.2. Select personal clothing and footwear, and identify the design and or construction features that make it appropriate.

3. Establish a shelter.

3.1. Arrange a shelter according to the prevailing weather and conditions, and ensure comfort and safety.

3.2. Erect a shelter in a manner to reduce impact on the natural environment according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

4. Maintain a temporary site.

4.1. Take measures to remove or avoid hazards and minimise risk at the temporary site.

4.2. Identify the consequences of unhygienic practices and apply recommended procedures to mitigate potential health risks.

4.3. Clean individual and shared utensils according to organisational policies and procedures.

4.4. Identify and apply sanitation practices appropriate to the site to minimise health problems and environmental impact.

4.5. Pack up and clean area when leaving according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

5. Evaluate the activity.

5.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of using and maintaining an overnight site.

5.2. Identify improvements for future overnight stays.

Required skills

literacy and numeracy skills to:

read and interpret legislation and organisational policies and procedures

analyse weather and environmental information

planning and organising skills to:

allocate and select equipment for overnight stay

establish and erect shelter at an appropriate site

communication skills to:

interact with other participants

work as a team to set up camp and maintain a positive and safe environment

problem-solving skills to:

deal with unforeseen circumstances

keep warm and sheltered, in the case of extreme environmental conditions and or loss of equipment

handle and prepare food hygienically

apply minimal impact camping techniques

first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location to enable initial response to emergencies and personal health care.

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of camping activities

minimal impact camping and walking codes to ensure protection of environment

equipment, clothing, footwear, food and water required for the duration of activity

packing and maintenance techniques before, during and after the activity to protect personal and group equipment and ensure prolonged life

principles of nutrition to maintain health and energy during activity

food and water in emergency situations to maintain health for prolonged periods

food preparation and cooking methods used in outdoor environments

sanitation procedures in outdoor environments to avoid contamination and illness

types and purposes of different shelters to enable selection and use in various weather conditions

weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their affect on the activity including life threatening conditions

emergency procedures and potential hazards relevant to the location to ensure risk minimisation to self and group.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

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

Evidence of the following is essential:

makes logistical arrangements based on knowledge of the area and selects equipment and supply requirements according to the conditions and duration of the activity

applies camping techniques and adapts to contingencies that may arise, such as sudden change of weather

takes precautions to maintain physical well being of self and group, such as hygiene and sanitation procedures to prevent contamination and illnesses

evaluates and reflects on performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure establishment, use and maintenance of a temporary or overnight site on multiple occasions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

resources and information regarding site to plan logistical arrangements

a suitable outdoor location

appropriate camping equipment.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

observation of planning logistical arrangements for the activity

oral and or written questioning and reports to assess knowledge in relation to human impact on the environment

observation of establishing and maintaining an overnight shelter

observation of dealing with contingencies, such as repairing and or improvising on items of essential equipment in the case of breakage or loss.

written and or verbal self evaluation.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

SISOOPS201A Minimise environmental impact

Activity-specific units requiring the use and maintenance of a temporary or overnight site.

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Information may include:

maps and charts

guide books

land managers and agencies.

Temporary sites may include:

rest stops

activity sites

temporary or overnight shelter.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations

marine regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

use and maintenance of equipment

camp fire regulations

emergency procedures

code of ethics.

Relevant sources may include:

Bureau of Meteorology

media

land managers or agencies

local knowledge.

Weather and environmental information may include:

satellite images

daily and weekly forecasts

maximum and minimum temperatures

weather warnings

event warnings

river levels

synoptic charts

high and low tide predictions.

Hazards may include:

temperature extremes

slippery or unstable terrain

dangerous animals and insects

stinging trees and nettles

dense vegetation

group management hazards.

Human impact may include:

pollution

physical damage

alteration to the environment

visual

noise

damage to cultural heritage

crowding.

Risk may include:

hypothermia

frostbite

dehydration

heat exhaustion

hyperthermia

injuries and illness

insect bites and stings

food poisoning

lost party or party member

falling trees and branches.

Food and water requirements may include:

menu planning and preparation

range of foods:

perishability

packaging

storage

cooking methods.

Principles of nutrition may include:

food groups

dietary guidelines

essential nutrients

food preparation:

methods of cooking

safe food handling and hygiene practices

individual food requirements and allergies.

Equipment may include:

torch

tent

poles

tarp

sleeping bag

cooking system and utensils

pots and pans

ropes

plastic bags for rubbish

first aid kit

activity-specific equipment.

Contextual issues may include:

weather conditions, including times

season

transport

location

trip distance and duration

group objectives

group size.

Shelter may include:

tents

bivvies

snow caves

lean-to

mobile trailers and vans.

Impact on natural environment may include:

soil

plants

water

geology

wildlife.

Pack up may include:

gather all rubbish for removal

wipe or clean gear.

Relevant aspects may include:

objectives

planning process

activity site

weather

equipment selection

clothing selection

food selection

instructional content

instructional technique

assessment technique

group feedback

directing techniques

rescue techniques employed.