Application
The application of this unit in the workplace - the environments, complexities and situations involved - will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package. This text will be useful for the purposes of job descriptions, recruitment advice or job analysis; where possible, it will not be too job specific to allow other industries to import it into other Training Packages, where feasible. | |
Prerequisites
Prerequisite Unit/s | Nil |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Prepare for the construction of improvised weapons and equipment | 1.1 Required weapons and equipment to enhance survival are determined and prioritised as appropriate to the situation 1.2 A basic plan for construction of desired items is developed 1.3 Natural resources are gathered to meet the concept of design 1.4 Two-ply string is constructed from fibrous material for use in binding and securing |
2. Construct improvised weapons and equipment | 2.1 Timber is shaped using heat to induce and/or remove bends 2.2 Notches, edges and settings are cut into timber to fit and secure additional items 2.3 Timber is hardened using heat to prevent wearing, blunting and splitting 2.4 Additional items are secured to timber using knots and lashes 2.5 Padding is added through grasses and barks to survivalcomfort equipment items 2.6 Baskets are woven and/or assembled using natural resources to store survival items 2.7 Weapons and equipment are maintained and preserved using improvised preservation techniques |
Required Skills
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Required Skills |
sharpen and maintain a knife tie necessary knots and lashings, and seizing and whipping |
Required Knowledge |
knife and weapon safety fire safety knots and lashings seizing and whipping |
Evidence Required
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Assessment must confirm the ability to produce a range of items according to the survival situation, but must include: Either Digging stick: length - minimum half user's body length shaft diameter (base) - minimum 2.5 cm plumb - not greater than 7 degrees off 'true' from point to end point - fire hardened sufficiently to deny adult fingernail from making any marking/indentation OR Spear: length - minimum three quarters user's body length shaft diameter (base) - maximum 2.0 cm plumb - not greater than 7 degrees off 'true' from point to end point - fire hardened sufficiently to deny adult fingernail from making any marking/indentation Either Bed: length and width - must cover user's body when flat with arms by sides height - must elevate user 10 cm (+) off the ground level - must be level strength - must withstand weight of user and frame remain rigid under user's movements comfort - must have sufficient padding (bark, grass, etc.) to prevent framework from unduly discomforting user OR Seat: dimensions - seat must cover user's posterior height - must elevate to user's knee level off the ground level - must be level strength - must withstand weight of user and frame must remain rigid under user's movements comfort - must have sufficient padding (bark, grass, etc.) to allow prevent discomfort through pressure of framework And Improvised cordage: 6 metres minimum two-ply lay capable of supporting 20 kg weight (e.g. water jerry) maximum 6 mm diameter And Basket: minimum side and bottom length 20 cm carry handle attached capable of securing survival items during travel Consistency in performance Competency should be demonstrated in the construction and maintenance of a range of survival weapons and equipment. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Context of assessment Competency must be assessed in a simulated workplace environment. While a person can demonstrate the technical ability to construct improvised weapons and other survival equipment, the aspect of survival is crucial; consequently it is strongly recommended that holistic assessment be conducted with other associated survival units. Assessment under simulated survival conditions should include: food restrictions (food should be restricted to half the recommended daily caloric intake) the absence of normal living conditions and amenities such as showers, beds and bedding (warmth to be provided by fire), kitchens etc. with the attendant levels of personal discomfort and fatigue a significant period of time - the recommendation is four days. Specific resources for assessment Access to assessment area, natural resources (trees, bark, grass, rocks etc.) and a knife. |
Range Statement
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. | |
Traditional techniques may include | Bending Binding Carving Fixing Hardening String-making |
Weapons include | Bolass Boomerang Spear |
Equipment includes | Bed Coolamon Digging stick Rock hammer Seat Table Traps and snares |
Basic plan for construction of desired items includes | General design Labour requirements Resource requirements |
Natural resources may include | Bark Bone Rocks Saplings Stones |
Concept of design may include | Collecting stones and bones as specific attachments Felling saplings for spears and spars Stripping bark for string and surfacing |
Fibrous material may include | Fibrous barks (e.g. acacia, brachychiton) Fibrous reeds |
Additional items may include | Blades Cross-spars Points |
Survival comfort equipment items may include | Beds Chairs |
Survival items may include | Food and water Knife Tinder Trapping items |
Preservation techniques include | Plant and animal oils Saps Smoking |
Sectors
Not applicable.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills. |
Licensing Information
Not applicable.