This unit of competency has application in the security industry in those roles involving the establishment of monitoring parameters for the receipt of security information and data. This work would usually be conducted off-site at an electronic reporting facility or monitoring centre. Competency requires legal and operational knowledge applicable to relevant sectors of the security industry. The knowledge and skills described in this unit are to be applied within relevant legislative and organisational guidelines.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Determine monitoring parameters.

1.1 Applicable provisions of legislative and organisational requirements relevant to assignment instructions are identified and complied with.

1.2 Security equipment and systems are identified and confirmed.

1.3 Monitoring functions and capabilities of electronic security equipment and system are confirmed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

1.4 Monitoring parameters are determined and meet monitoring capabilities of security equipment and system and monitoring station.

1.5 Information and data required to establish monitoring parameters is obtained, reviewed and clarified as required with relevant persons.

2Establish and test monitoring parameters.

2.1 Electronic security equipment and system template is designed and data is entered accurately in established format and style.

2.2 Entered data and information is cross-checked and verified against established monitoring parameters in accordance with organisational procedures.

2.3 Tests to evaluate monitoring performance and functions are determined and conducted in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

2.4 Monitoring signals and data is tested in accordance with organisational procedures.

2.5 Communication is maintained with relevant persons during testing procedures in accordance with organisational procedures.

3Evaluate and document test results.

3.1 Transmitted test data is accurately interpreted and compared against test requirements to determine monitoring performance and functioning of security equipment and system.

3.2 Errors or deviations from specifications are identified, documented and reported in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.3 Test results are accurately recorded and organised in suitable formats for review in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.4 All documentation is completed and securely maintained with due regard to confidentiality in accordance with organisational procedures.

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

Required skills

accurately enter data

apply safe and efficient work practices

communicate in a clear and concise manner using appropriate terminology

comply with relevant legislative requirements including licensing

demonstrate understanding of basic numeracy

evaluate test results

identify basic faults or malfunctions in operation of security systems

interpret security codes and alarm signals

monitor, evaluate and interpret data and information

operate a range of electronic security alarm monitoring management software relating to electronic security systems and tracking equipment

prepare and present written and computer-based information

read and interpret data, information and instructions

solve routine problems and make decisions according to set procedures

test monitoring parameters

use keypads and control panels

use relevant testing tools and equipment.

Required knowledge

alarm monitoring and management software

approved communication terminology and codes and signals

back-up procedures

client confidentiality requirements

common faults and malfunctions in security equipment and systems

computer software used for monitoring functions

electronic equipment and system configurations and programs

emergency procedures

keypad and control panel types and functions

monitoring and response requirements

operational principles and functions of electronic security systems and equipment

relevant legislative provisions including Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and licensing requirements

reporting, documentation requirements and processes

security equipment and system configurations and programs

software templates for electronic security equipment and systems

technical terminology

templates for electronic security equipment and systems

testing methods and requirements

verification procedures and requirements for confirming authenticity of received information.

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.

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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of:

designing templates and accurately keying in data and cross-checking against monitoring parameters

determining and conducting appropriate tests to confirm operation and performance of monitoring

determining monitoring functions and capabilities of electronic security equipment and system

evaluating and documenting test results and completing relevant documentation

gathering and reviewing information and data to establish monitoring parameters

recognising faults or malfunctions in security equipment and systems

using appropriate communication channels and processes to accurately receive and convey information.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment includes:

a setting in the workplace or environment that simulates the conditions of performance described in the elements, performance criteria and range statement.

Resource implications for assessment include:

access to plain English version of relevant statutes and procedures

access to a registered provider of assessment services

access to a suitable venue and equipment

assessment instruments including personal planner and assessment record book

work schedules, organisational policies and duty statements.

Reasonable adjustments must be made to assessment processes where required for people with disabilities. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Method of assessment

This unit of competency could be assessed using the following methods of assessment:

observation of processes and procedures

questioning of underpinning knowledge and skills.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and suitable to the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the competency being assessed. In all cases where practical assessment is used, it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.

Oral questioning or written assessment may be used to assess underpinning knowledge. In assessment situations where the candidate is offered a choice between oral questioning and written assessment, questions are to be identical.

Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence from existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

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.

Legislative requirements may relate to:

applicable commonwealth, state and territory legislation which affects work such as:

workplace safety

environmental issues

equal employment opportunity

industrial relations

anti-discrimination and diversity

Australian building codes and regulations

Australian Communications Authority cabling standards

Australian standards and quality assurance requirements

award and enterprise agreements

evidence collection

freedom of information

licensing arrangements and certification requirements

privacy requirements

relevant industry codes of practice

telecommunications

trade practices.

Organisational requirements may relate to:

access and equity policies, principles and practices

business and performance plans

client service standards

code of conduct, code of ethics

communication and reporting procedures

complaint and dispute resolution procedures

emergency and evacuation procedures

employer and employee rights and responsibilities

OHS policies, procedures and programs

own role, responsibility and authority

personal and professional development

privacy and confidentiality of information

quality assurance and continuous improvement processes and standards

resource parameters and procedures

roles, functions and responsibilities of security personnel

storage and disposal of information.

Assignment instructionsmay include:

equipment, tools and material requirements

reporting requirements

security equipment and system information:

features, functions and capabilities

manufacturer's instructions

specific client requirements

work schedules

work tasks and procedures.

Security equipment and systems may include:

access control systems

audible and visual warning devices

cameras and monitors

commercial and residential alarm systems

detection devices

electric and mechanical fire safety and fire locking systems

electronic locks and locking systems

electronic readers

electronic screen equipment

intercoms and control panels

security doors and door controls

specialised access control systems eg biometrics.

Monitoring parameters may relate to:

functions monitored:

alarms

access times

levels of access

identity of person gaining access

levels of integrity of systems

passwords and codes

recording functions

response requirements:

people to contact

emergency services to contact

armed guard or patrol send out

no action

testing and report functions.

Relevant personsmay include:

clients

colleagues

equipment and systems manufacturers

maintenance technician

security consultants

security personnel

supervisor.

Testsmay include:

alarm test

detection test

functional tests

reporting tests

testing alarm response to electronic security system

testing communication links

testing for correct relaying of information and data

testing to specifications.

Testsmay be conducted using:

computer terminals and computer screens

field technicians

intercoms

listening equipment

radios

software

telephones

tracking and location equipment

video cameras.

Documentationmay include:

established monitoring parameters

faulty or malfunctioning systems and equipment

test results

written and electronic reports.

Unit sector

Security

Technical security

This unit contains employability skills.