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 and trench rescue equipment is selected relevant to trench rescue operation.

1.4 Any further details of the nature of the rescue are received en route.

1.5 Anticipated hazards and associated risks are discussed with rescue team members while on route.

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 to maintain a safe and effective operational environment.

2.3 Scene management procedures are followed in accordance with organisational procedures and legal requirements.

2.4 Communication with other personnel on site is established and maintained.

2.5 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 into a collapsed trench

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

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

4.3 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 casualties.

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 incident scene, where required.

6. Conclude rescue operations

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

6.2 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

construct and install shoring and propping systems

operate lifting systems

operate lowering and hauling systems

operate ventilation equipment

Required Knowledge

atmospheric monitoring procedures

organisational procedures for cleaning and discarding equipment in terms of environmental management and sustainability

shoring and propping techniques

soil stability

trench collapse patterns

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

shore, prop and shield

recognise further signs of trench collapse

apply safe work practices

extricate casualty minimising further injury to self or others

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual and/or simulated workplace environments.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in an industry-approved simulated and/or workplace environment involving trench rescues using a range of equipment.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

appropriate location/venue/trench

organisational rescue equipment

personnel for team-based activities

Method of assessment

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

direct observation

interviewing the candidate

journals and workplace documentation

third party reports from supervisors

written or oral questions

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.

Personal protective equipment may include:

breathing apparatus/airline

gloves

hearing protection aids

helmets

safety glasses

safety lines

spillage/hazmat clothing

Trench is defined as:

specified in state/territory legislation

Trench rescue equipment may include:

atmospheric monitoring

excavating equipment

hand tools

pumps

shoring shields and propping equipment

ventilation equipment

Scene management may include:

establishing and monitoring safety zones

establishing barriers and perimeter access controls

liaising with medical services

managing bystanders and media

preserving evidence

Situational and environmental hazards may include:

exposure to toxic, biological or substance

falls from heights or into depths

further trench collapse

heat exhaustion or hypothermia

moving machinery either electrical or mechanical

tides

vibrations from external sources

water

weather

Recognised removal techniques may include:

propping

shielding and excavating

shoring

Operational documentation may include:

field notes

incident reports

legislation

notebooks, logbooks

organisational policies and procedures

post operational report

related legal requirements