ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Take command

1.1 Command is exercised in accordance with organisation authority and guidelines.

1.2 The identity, location and contact details of the commander are communicated to internal personnel and to relevant external authorities/organisations/individuals pertinent to the emergency/incident.

2. Establish a command facility

2.1 An appropriate command facility is established and operated in accordance with organisational guidelines.

2.2 Details of the facility are communicated to internal personnel and to relevant external authorities/organisations/individuals as required.

3. Establish a command structure

3.1 A command structure is established appropriate to the nature and complexity of the task (s) undertaken by the organisation.

3.2 The command structure is expanded, contracted or modified in response to changes within the emergency environment.

4. Establish procedures to permit command to be exercised

4.1 Command structure is communicated to internal personnel and external authorities/individuals whom may have a regulatory interest applicable to the emergency/incident.

4.2 Command information management system is implemented.

4.3 Communication mechanisms and procedures are implemented between levels of command in accordance with organisational guidelines.

4.4 Liaison is established and maintained to meet control and command requirements.

4.5 A public information system is established in accordance with control plan requirements.

5. Determine operational command plan

5.1 Tasks are received and/or determined in accordance with the control requirements.

5.2 Operational command plan to implement strategies is developed and modified as required in accordance with organisational guidelines.

5.3 Appropriate tactics to effectively manage the emergency/incident are identified in accordance with the operational command plan.

6. Manage resources under organisation command

6.1 Resources are deployed to ensure that the operational command plan is implemented in accordance with organisational guidelines.

6.2 Human and physical resources are effectively managed to achieve command plan outcomes.

7. Manage operation(s)

7.1 Operations are conducted in accordance with the operational command plan.

7.2 Significant changes in status and actions taken are reported consistent with organisational policy and procedures.

7.3 Operations are redirected as required to meet changes in the conditions which affect the emergency/incident situation.

8. Conclude operation(s)

8.1 Physical, human and capital resources are accounted for in accordance with organisational guidelines.

8.2 Debriefing requirements are met in accordance with organisational guidelines.

8.3 Operational documentation is completed to organisation standards.

8.4 Reports are produced as required.

9. Review operations

9.1 Plans and guidelines are evaluated and reviewed.

9.2 Effectiveness of command and interaction with control is evaluated and documented.

9.3 Reports are produced and communicated in accordance with established protocols.

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

Required Skills

accessing information and support from the control facility, other organisations' personnel and external authorities

analyse emergency situations both functionally and strategically

development of response plans including predicting consequences and identifying improvements

effective and efficient deployment of human and physical resources including:

operative and non-operative personnel

materials

equipment and consumables

effective deployment, monitoring and communication of organisation allocated task(s)

identification and correct use of equipment

implement response in accordance with organisational procedures and within bounds of authority

incorporate risk management and contingency processes

liaise effectively with emergency controller

operation of work systems and equipment

processes and procedures

secure emergency/operations site

select, prioritise, implement and evaluate appropriate strategies

strategically react to changes within the emergency environment

using a range of information technology devices including:

computers

radio frequency devices

electronic data exchange systems etc

using tools and techniques to solve problems

Required Knowledge

applications of relevant agreements

code of practice or other legislative requirements

emergency site layout

identification and correct use of equipment

knowledge of current principles and practices to conduct an activity which exercises elements of public safety management

organisational command structure

processes and procedures

security and confidentiality of material

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

It is essential for this unit that competence be demonstrated in:

Effective deployment, monitoring and communication of organisation allocated task(s)

analysis of emergency situations both functionally and strategically

selection, prioritisation, implementation and evaluation of appropriate strategies

implementation of response in accordance with organisational procedures and within bounds of authority

securing emergency/operations site

strategic reaction to changes within the emergency environment,

incorporation of risk management and contingency processes

effective liaison with emergency controller and

logging and recording all actions and decisions

Consistency in performance

Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment.

Specific resources for assessment

Resources should involve access to or simulation of emergency situations in a multi-organisation response environment. This includes resources relating to: equipment, personnel, facilities etc appropriate to the emergency situation and within the bounds of responsibility as designated within the requirements of control.

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.

Types of emergencies (imminent or actual) may include:

natural events

drought

fire (forest

range

urban)

avalanche snow/ice/hail

tsunami

windstorm/tropical storm

hurricane/typhoon

biological

extreme heat/cold

flood/wind driven water

earthquakes/land shifts

volcanic eruption

tornado/cyclone

landslide/mudslide

dust/sand storms

lightning storm

search and rescue

fauna rescues e.g. marine life rescue

Technological/industrial events may include:

radiological accidents

dam/levee failure

fuel/resource shortages

hazardous material releases

explosions/fire

transportation accidents

building/structure collapse

power/utility failure

extreme air pollution

strikes

business interruption

financial collapse

Civil/political events may include:

economic

general strike

terrorism

sabotage

hostage situation(s)

civil unrest

eco-terrorism

enemy attack

Considerations in the determination of the nature, extent and potential of an emergency may include:

risk to life

risk to property

risk to environment

scope and scale of incident including likely duration of incident

resource availability

potential for changes in situation

topography

weather

speed of onset

hazard agent location

demography

Resources may include:

human-operations personnel

volunteers

support personnel

local

state/territory and federal governments

physical-equipment

machinery

vehicles

technology devices

communication devices

aviation and marine vessels

Information management system may include:

data receival

recording

storage and dispatch modes

procedures and protocols

types of technology – electronic data exchange devices

audio and visual recording mechanisms

public/media information dissemination

security and authorisation assignment

recording and documenting of incident

Personnel support activities may include supply of:

catering

sanitation

shelter

rest/relief counselling services

stress management services

Command facility establishment procedures and principles may include consideration of:

proximity to emergency/incident

size and type of structure

special incident requirements

communication modes

logistical operations

site access and exit requirements

security requirements

equipment characteristics

support services

amenities

parking

topography

environment

climatic conditions

logistical operations

Communication processes and systems may include:

designation of appropriate modes and channels of communication

communication responsibilities of personnel

radio communications

inter organisation liaison

data transfer

telecommunications

interpersonal communications

Internal and external personnel and authorities may include:

operational personnel

emergency organisations

ancillary organisations

higher authorities

public

media

clients

government and semi government authorities and departments

witnesses

victims

occupational health and safety specialists

emergency management specialists

service providers

other analysts and stakeholders

Support services may include:

emergency agencies

water

gas and power agencies

welfare and counselling organisations

medical organisations

equipment suppliers

contractors

community service organisations

land management agencies

transport

Debriefing may include:

critical incident stress debriefing

performance evaluations

operational analysis

Agreed reporting mechanisms will involve:

authorisation

distribution and development of reports in accordance with regulatory and organisational requirements and may include:

media reports

ministerial reports

coronial reports

situation reports-within emergency for external distribution-status reports

performance evaluations

legal reports

final reports

briefing papers

Activities controlled include:

operations

planning

logistics

communications

Sources of information/ documents may include:

emergency procedures

standard operating procedures

maps

field reports

relevant Australian or international documentation in disaster/emergency management

organisational and workplace operating procedures and policies

client requirements

communications technology equipment

oral

aural or signed communications

personal and work area work procedures and practices

evacuation procedures

occupational health and safety procedures

applicable state, territory, commonwealth legislation and regulations which relate to:

public safety

state of emergency

occupational health and safety regulations and legislation

Workplace Relations Act(s)

workers compensation

privacy and confidentiality legislation

freedom of information

environment protection legislation

equal opportunity

equal employment opportunity and affirmative action legislation

standards and certification requirements

quality assurance procedures

memorandum of understanding/agreement

conventions

protocols

policies

codes of practice