Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to implement initial response procedures for emergencies. Its focus is on the implementation of procedures already developed for short-term emergency responses. It assumes that expert advice will be available in identifying potential emergencies and in formulating response plans.
The unit applies to those with supervisory responsibilities for managing work health and safety (WHS) in the workplace who contribute to the implementation of procedures for responding to emergencies. These people work in a range of WHS roles across all industries, and apply a substantial knowledge base and well-developed skills in a wide variety of WHS contexts.
NOTES
1. The terms ‘occupational health and safety’ (OHS) and ‘work health and safety’ (WHS) are equivalent, and generally either can be used in the workplace. In jurisdictions where model WHS laws have not been implemented, registered training organisations (RTOs) are advised to contextualise this unit of competency by referring to existing WHS legislative requirements.
2. The model WHS laws include the model WHS Act, model WHS Regulations and model WHS Codes of Practice. See Safe Work Australia for further information.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Identify potential emergencies | 1.1 Apply knowledge of WHS hazards and relevant standards to identify possible causes of potential emergencies 1.2 Seek input from stakeholders in identifying potential emergencies 1.3 Identify and liaise with appropriate specialist advisers and emergency services and/or specialist response teams to identify possible causes of potential emergencies 1.4 Develop a risk register to identify potential emergencies and their possible causes |
2. Identify options for initial response | 2.1 Categorise major types of potential emergencies 2.2 Identify actions required to contain or limit potential emergencies 2.3 Identify actions required to limit impact of potential emergencies on personnel, property and the environment 2.4 Identify requirements for liaison with emergency services and/or specialist response teams 2.5 Prioritise initial response actions to be taken during emergencies |
3. Plan initial response procedures | 3.1 Identify resources available and required for initial response 3.2 Ensure that emergency equipment is checked for serviceability, accessibility, cleanliness and correct location 3.3 Document actions required for a range of major types of emergency, taking account of standards, current industry practice, specialist advice and input by emergency services and/or specialist response teams 3.4 Identify training needs and appropriate providers |
4. Implement initial response procedures | 4.1 Document and display actions for initial response 4.2 Outline own role in initial response 4.3 Follow required procedures according to WHS laws, and organisational policies and procedures |
5. Review initial response procedures | 5.1 Monitor initial response for effectiveness, efficiency and timeliness in consultation with stakeholders and, specialist advisers and agencies as required 5.2 Document results of response monitoring and promptly report to appropriate persons 5.3 Identify areas for organisational and personal improvement and make recommendations based on analysis of response |
6. Manage post-emergency activities | 6.1 Identify and support other personnel involved in second response phase 6.2 Facilitate debriefing processes |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance but not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Reading | Interprets and critically analyses texts when planning emergency response procedures Applies appropriate strategies to construct meaning from texts to assist in planning emergency response procedures |
Writing | Develops risk registers, reports and associated documentation according to organisational requirements, using appropriate vocabulary, grammatical structure and conventions |
Oral communication | Asks questions and actively listens to gather information about potential emergency situations Provides information during or after emergency response situations using structure and language appropriate to audience and context |
Navigate the world of work | Contributes to broader goals in emergency response contexts Identifies legal rights and responsibilities of self and others in relation to emergency response contexts Keeps up to date on changes to WHS laws relevant to own role and responsibilities, and considers their implications in emergency response contexts |
Interact with others | Collaborates with others to achieve joint outcomes, playing an active role in facilitating effective group interaction Takes a leadership role in supporting, consulting and liaising in emergency response contexts |
Get the work done | Formulates plans and monitors actions against stated goals, adjusting plans and resources to cope with contingencies Uses decision-making processes: sets and clarifies goals, gathers information, and identifies and evaluates several choices to determine appropriate actions and responses Applies problem-solving processes when identifying actions required in emergencies and associated training needs, resolving issues in manageable parts, and identifying and evaluating options for action Reflects on response outcomes and feedback from others in order to identify general principles and concepts that may be applicable in new emergency situations Identifies the potential of new approaches to enhance work practices and outcomes |
Sectors
Regulation, Licensing and Risk – Work Health and Safety