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.

Prerequisite Unit/s

PUASAR001B Participate in a rescue operation

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for trench rescue operation

1.1 Operation and task incident information is obtained and analysed

1.2 Shoring, propping and excavating equipment is identified and prepared for use

1.3 Personal protective equipment is selected relevant to trench rescue operation

2. Assess and manage a trench rescue scene

2.1 Physical features of a trench rescue are assessed before deploying rescue resources

2.2 Trench rescue scene is managed to control access and maintain a safe and effective operational environment

2.3 Communication with other personnel on site is established and maintained

2.4 Situational and environmental hazards are assessed, minimised and controlled

3. Stabilise the trench

3.1 Trench collapse pattern and signs of further collapse are identified

3.2 Action to minimise further trench collapse is undertaken

4. Locate and gain entry to confined space

4.1 Assessment is undertaken of incident scene to determine possible location of casualties

4.2 Appropriate resources are used to assist in the location of casualties

4.3 The condition of casualties and nature of entrapment is ascertained where possible in accordance with organisational procedures

4.4 Appropriate excavation techniques are employed to gain access to casualty

4.5 Located casualties are treated in consultation with medical personnel and in accordance with organisational policies

4.6 Hygiene procedures are followed in accordance with organisational procedures

5. Remove casualties

5.1 Entrapped casualties are released, treated and stabilised in accordance with organisational procedures

5.2 Released casualties are removed using recognised techniques

5.3 Appropriate actions are taken to preserve the incident scene, where required

6. Conclude rescue operations

6.1 Equipment is recovered, cleaned and maintained according to organisational standards and manufacturer's guidelines

6.2 Where identified signs and symptoms of operational stress are recognised and promptly reported

6.3 Operational documentation is completed to organisational standards

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

Required Skills

construction and installation of shoring and propping systems

lowering and hauling systems

operation of lifting

operation of self contained breathing apparatus and airline equipment

operation of ventilation equipment

Required Knowledge

atmospheric monitoring procedures

disaster victim identification procedures

shoring and propping techniques

soil stability

trench collapse patterns

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

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

ability to shore, prop and shield

ability to recognise further signs of trench collapse

application of safe work practices

extrication of casualty minimising further injury to self or others

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

Evidence should be gathered by observing an individual in an actual or simulated rescue context

Specific resources for assessment

Assessment of this competency requires access to an appropriate training location/venue/trench

Organisation's rescue equipment and personnel for teams-based activities

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.

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.

Trench is defined as

Under State/territory legislation

Trench rescue equipment may include

shoring shields and propping equipment

excavators

excavating equipment

pumps

hand tools

ventilation equipment

atmospheric monitoring

Situational or environmental hazards may include

exposure to toxic or biological or substance

moving machinery either electrical or mechanical

heat exhaustion or hypothermia

further trench collapse

vibrations from external sources

weather

water

tides

falls from heights or into depths

Personal protective equipment may include

gloves

helmets

safety glasses

hearing protection aids

spillage/Hazmat clothing

safety lines

breathing apparatus/airline

Recognised removal techniques may include

shoring

propping

shielding and excavating

Operational documentation may include

incident field notes

post operational report

incident report

organisational procedures and related legal requirements

Scene management may include

establishing barriers and perimeter access controls

management of bystanders and media

establishing and monitoring safety zones

medical liaison/preservation of evidence

This unit contains employability skills.