Manage workplace emergency initial response teams

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:03 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Unit of competency

National Code
PUAWER011B

State Code
D5581

TGA Status
Replaced

DTWD Status
Replaced

Current Release Number
2.00

Current Release Date
17/08/2012

View on TGA

State Implementation and Classification

Approved Date

07/07/2014

Field of Education

080399 - Business And Management, N.e.c.

Original Release Date

07/07/2014

Nominal Hours

Description

This unit covers the competency required to manage the workplace emergency initial response teams assigned to control workplace emergencies in their early stages prior to the arrival of emergency services or specialist response teams.Depending on the size and structure of the workplace, management may involve more than one workplace emergency initial response team over more than one physical location as specified in the emergency management plan.This unit has been developed to cover the broad range of emergencies and workplaces as considered in Australian Standard 3745—2010.

Notes

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Establish and maintain initial response teams

1.1 Role, authority, structure and scope of the team are negotiated with the management of the workplace and are clearly defined and documented in the workplace emergency procedures.
1.2 An appropriate and effective system for alerting initial response team members to an emergency is developed, demonstrated to members and regularly tested.
1.3 An appropriate business plan and budget are developed and maintained for the initial response team.
1.4 Workplace emergency systems and procedures are audited for compliance.

2. Provide appropriate information and procedures

2.1 Risk assessment relevant to the expected activities of the initial response team is conducted at intervals relevant to the levels of risk.
2.2 Possible hazards are identified, and appropriate controls for those hazards are developed and implemented.
2.3 Relevant, current information is provided to the initial response team about its role, authority, structure, scope, equipment, training.
2.4 Workplace emergency procedures are developed, provided to appropriate people and regularly reviewed.
2.5 Pre-incident planning information about the current layout of the workplace and key features relevant to emergencies is provided to the initial response team in an accessible form.
2.6 Members of the initial response team and emergency control organisation are consulted and encouraged to participate in the development and review of relevant workplace emergency procedures.

3. Make recommendations for the provision of appropriate emergency equipment and manage its maintenance

3.1 Recommendations are made for the acquisition of emergency equipment appropriate to the role and scope of the initial response team.
3.2 Safe operating procedures, based on risk assessment and manufacturers' instructions, are developed and communicated to initial response team.
3.3 Appropriate arrangements are made for the storage of emergency equipment in a location that is safe, convenient and readily accessible to initial response team.
3.4 Appropriate arrangements are made to ensure emergency equipment is maintained in an accessible and serviceable condition, according to relevant standards and/or the manufacturers' instructions.
3.5 Appropriate personal protective equipment, and information about its characteristics, limitations, safe use and care, are provided to each member of the initial response team.

4. Arrange appropriate training for the initial response teams

4.1 Training and assessment is arranged before a person is assigned initial response duties.
4.2 Training is arranged according to the needs analysis to ensure currency of competence and where the duties or risks within the workplace change.
4.3 Arrangements are made for the effective scheduling, promoting, reporting and recording of training.
4.4 Feedback on performance during training is used to validate and improve the training.

5. Monitor and report on effectiveness of the initial response teams

5.1 Initial response team is regularly audited and reviewed for relevance and ability of the workplace to implement the system.
5.2 Status of the initial response team and emergency control system is reported to management on a regular basis.

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.
Hazards may include:
chemical, biological, radiological
climatic
electrical
environmental
explosive
fire
mechanical
psychological (e.g. critical incident stress)
noise related
security related
storm/flood
structural
thermal
wildlife related
Pre-incident planning may include:
contingency plans
sketches or notes about workplace layout
features
hazards
emergency control facilities
discussions and/or use of operational procedures involving emergency plans, sketches, notes, procedures or material safety data sheets
Emergency equipment may include:
emergency vehicles, trailers, trolleys or caches
fire protection equipment
forcible entry tools
life support equipment
monitors (or turrets)
monitoring equipment
personal protective clothing and equipment
rescue equipment
spill or leak control kits

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to conduct a risk assessment; to identify hazards; to implement controls effectively; and to audit all processes. There should also be clear evidence of a systematic approach to managing the workplace emergency initial response team.
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated over time with a range of emergencies and workplace emergency team management issues that could be expected in the workplace.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace.
Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to scenarios that reflect a range of emergency situations that may be expected in the workplace.

Replaced By

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
OAZ05	PUAFER011	Manage facility emergency response teams	Unit of competency

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
J323	PSP60112	Advanced Diploma of Government	Qualification
C770	PSP60104	Advanced Diploma of Government	Qualification