Unit of competency details

Release 

TP version 

Comments 

2

PUA12 V1

Layout adjusted. Application reviewed.

1

PUA00 V8.1

Primary release on TGA.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Secure and preserve scene 

1.1 Initial assessment  is participated in to identify factors which will impact  on public safety and scene preservation.

1.2 Incident /accident scene  is effectively secured to preserve the scene  and maintain public safety in line with legislative requirements.

2. Record and report details of incident scene 

2.1 Details of the scene  are noted, recorded and reported  according to organisation's policies and procedures.

2.2 Witness details  and information volunteered are recorded in accordance with organisational and legislative requirements. 

2.3 Information is communicated to relevant personnel  in line with organisation's procedures.

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

Required Skills 

• listening
• note taking
• observation
• questioning
• reporting

Required Knowledge 

• legislative and organisation requirements relating to scene preservation
• methods of securing scene
• organisation requirements for taking witness details and information
• regulatory requirements for taking witness details and information
• techniques for estimating distance
• techniques for removing public from scene
• types of information which may assist in investigations

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

Demonstrated ability to effectively secure scene and record and report details in accordance with the organisation's policies and procedures.

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 

Performance at an incident, exercise or simulation is required to demonstrate competence in this unit. Written or verbal questions may be used as supporting evidence.

Specific resources for assessment 

No special requirements.

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.

Incident scene  may include:

• urban fire
• wild fire
• vehicle fire
• crime scene
• search for missing persons or evidence
• vehicle accident
• natural disaster
• industrial/mining accident
• incident involving death or injury to person or damage to property
• urban scene
• rural scene
• indoor scene
• outdoor scene
• animal incident
• marine
• aircraft
• train
• explosions
• hazardous materials

Assessment of scene  may be conducted:

• at scene
• en route to and from scene

Factors impacting  may include:

• public safety risk factors including factors that could impact on the safety of investigators
• response team
• the security/preservation of the actual site
• the security and preservation of situational evidence
• traffic
• tactical factors affecting the quality of the investigation including environmental circumstances
• chronology of events
• access to scene
• number of persons at scene
• availability of support services
• boundaries

Persons at scene  may include:

• incident scene specialists
• forensic experts
• potential witnesses
• victims
• other bystanders
• personnel from other organisations
• media
• coroners
• pathologists
• medical practitioners
• undertakers
• forensic accountants
• information technology consultants
• legal officers
• owners and/or occupiers

Security of scene  may be affected by:

• topography
• climatic conditions
• human interference
• animal interference
• preservation of life/property
• structural integrity
• availability of personnel

Securing scene  may include:

• removing non-emergency personnel from scene
• isolating scene
• erecting barriers

Details of scene  may include:

• date
• time
• location
• damage
• persons present
• property involved
• possible causes
• items of evidence
• injuries
• status of utilities services such as broken water pipes
• animal species present
• flora
• fauna
• size and construction of building
• occupancy
• insurance details

Witness details  may include:

• name
• contact details
• other details in accordance with organisation’s policies and procedures

Relevant personnel  may include:

• supervisor
• team leader
• police
• investigating officer
• other organisation’s personnel

Communication  may include:

• verbal
• completing standard forms
• written

Recording and reporting  may include:

• taking notes
• completing standard forms
• making sketches
• taking photographs
• taping
• electronic videoing

Preserving scene  may include:

• preserving evidence and the area of origin

Organisational and legislative requirements  may vary between sectors and organisations and may include:

• legislation relevant to the operation/incident/response
• legislation relevant to the organisation
• operational
• corporate and strategic plans
• operational procedures
• operational performance standards
• organisation’s personnel practices and guidelines
• organisation’s quality standards