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 | PUADEFSU008B Produce fire using improvised means in a survival situation |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Prepare for the construction of visual emergency signals | 1.1 Available natural and artificial resources are assessed for their application in emergency signalling 1.2 Local area is examined to identify the ground that would afford optimum visibility to searchers but minimum physical effort to the survivor 1.3 Sun's transit is observed and noted to determine the optimum placement of reflective signalling devices |
2. Prepare emergency signaling devices for use | 2.1 Ground-to-air emergency signals are sited and constructed using purpose signal marker panels and/or improvised markers to optimise visibility from the air 2.2 Tinsel/Christmas tree devices are sited and constructed using artificial resources, to optimise visibility from the air 2.3 An emergency signal fire is sited and constructed to optimise visibility from the air 2.4 Shadow trenches are sited and excavated 2.5 Purpose built signalling devices are prepared |
3. Employ visual emergency signals | 3.1 Timeliness of initiation and visual signature of the emergency signal fire are maximised 3.2 Purpose built signalling devices are employed effectively to attract search aircraft attention 3.3 Recognition and response signals from search aircraft are interpreted and responded to |
Required Skills
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Required Skills |
select combustible and 'smoking' materials construct, ignite and maintain a fire |
Required Knowledge |
air search procedures aircraft recognition and response signals ground search procedures international distress signals |
Evidence Required
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Assessment must confirm the ability to: accurately 'illuminate' a target at least 300 m away site and build a trench symbol visible from the air at 2 000 m (may be a simulated trench if ground is too hard i.e. through use of charcoal, rocks etc.) site and construct a tinsel tree to be visible from the air at 2 000 m site, construct and maintain the fuel and foliage stock for the fire and on order, light the fire so that it is well ablaze within 120 seconds and then generate smoke through the application of green foliage. Consistency in performance Competency should be demonstrated in a range of simulated visual emergency signalling techniques that could be expected in a survival situation. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Context of assessment Competency must be assessed in a simulated environment. While a person can demonstrate the technical ability to employ visual signalling devices, doing so in a survival situation 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 emergency signalling devices. |
Guidance information for assessment | Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package. |
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. | |
Natural resources may include | Charcoal Rocks Vegetation (logs, foliage) |
Artificial resources may include | Foil Glass (rear vision mirrors, headlight lens) Metals (hub-caps, headlight dishes) Tins |
Ground may include | Hills Openings in canopy |
Searchers may include | Aerial Ground Sea |
Ground-to-air emergency signals may include | Proceeding in this direction Require assistance Require fodder Require medical assistance Yes or affirmative No or negative |
Improvised markers may include | Bright textiles Glass sheet (e.g. windscreen) Metal sheet (e.g. bonnet, boot, fuselage/wing sections) Natural materials such as ash or contrasting foliage Plastic sheet (e.g. hootchie) |
Constructing an emergency signal fire includes | Considering the prevailing wind's effect (if any) on smoke trails |
Siting shadow trenches includes | Considering the sun's movement Or if the ground is hard, simulated using natural resources |
Purpose built signalling devices may include | Electronic position indicative radio beacon, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) Heliograph Marker panels Pyrotechnics Radios Sea dye marker Strobe lights |
Maximising timeliness of initiation and visual signature of the emergency signal fire includes | Achieving an immediate and robust bonfire Applying large quantities of green leafy material or improvised smoking resources (e.g. car tyres; petrols, oils, lubricants; foliage) to the bonfire |
Search aircraft recognition and response signals may include | I require your attention Message received and understood Message received but not understood Follow aircraft in same direction |
Sectors
Not applicable.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills. |
Licensing Information
Not applicable.