Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:48 PM AWST
22/07/2026 8:48 PM 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.
Defend persons using spray
Defend persons using spray
Unit of competency
National Code
CPPSEC3016A
CPPSEC3016A
State Code
D1417
D1417
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
31/10/2008
Field of Education
091105 - Police Studies
Original Release Date
31/10/2008
Nominal Hours
6
Description
This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to determine when to use capsicum spray to respond to a threatening situation. It requires the ability to assess current and potential risk situation. Competency also requires knowledge of the procedures for conducting an arrest.This unit may form part of the licensing and legal requirements for the use of capsicum spray by persons working in the security industry in those states and territories where these are regulated activities.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1Present spray.
- 1.1 Applicable provisions of legislative and organisational requirements relevant to the use of spray are identified and complied with.
- 1.2 Risks associated with the presentation of the spray are assessed and evaluated to determine response options for containing incident.
- 1.3 Personal safety needs are identified and assistance sought as required in accordance with organisational procedures.
- 1.4 Communication is maintained with subject and reflects sensitivity to individual social and cultural differences.
- 1.5 Effective interpersonal techniques are used to facilitate an effective exchange of information.
- 1.6 Presentation of spray is controlled and directed to contain source of threat.
2Discharge spray.
- 2.1 Protective equipment is selected and used in accordance with organisational and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.
- 2.2 Grip and handling of spray ensures secure retention and continued control.
- 2.3 Tactical positioning during incident is fluid, uses available cover and protection and maintains response options.
- 2.4 Discharge of spray is adjusted or discontinued with changing circumstances in accordance with use of force guidelines.
- 2.5 Persons affected by spray are monitored and provided with appropriate aftercare and treatment.
3Maintain spray safety.
- 3.1 Use and maintenance of spray is in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
- 3.2 Regular inspections of spray are carried out to ensure continued safe operation.
- 3.3 Checks and procedures for the handling and transfer of spray are documented in accordance with organisational procedures.
4Evaluate spray use.
- 4.1 Presentation and discharge of spray is reviewed and evaluated against circumstances of the incident.
- 4.2 Incident observations are provided accurately and constructively.
- 4.3 Review findings identify areas for improvement and recommendations for amendment of response procedures are provided for future practice.
- 4.4 Spray faults are identified and reported in accordance with organisational procedures.
- 4.5 Relevant documentation is completed and securely maintained with due regard to confidentiality in accordance with organisational procedures.
- 4.6 Effects of stress and other issues related to own well-being are recognised and managed using appropriate stress management techniques.
RANGE STATEMENT
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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Legislative requirements may relate to:
apprehension and powers of arrest
Australian standards and quality assurance requirements
counter-terrorism
crowd control and control of persons under the influence of intoxicating substances
force continuum, use of force guidelines
general 'duty of care' responsibilities
inspection of people and property, and search and seizure of goods
licensing or certification requirements
privacy and confidentiality
relevant commonwealth, state and territory legislation, codes and national standards for:
anti-discrimination
cultural and ethnic diversity
environmental issues
equal employment opportunity
industrial relations
OHS
relevant industry codes of practice
trespass and the removal of persons.
Organisational requirements may relate to:
access and equity policies, principles and practices
business and performance plans
client service standards
code of conduct, code of ethics
communication and reporting procedures
complaint and dispute resolution procedures
emergency and evacuation procedures
employer and employee rights and responsibilities
OHS policies, procedures and programs
own role, responsibility and authority
personal and professional development
privacy and confidentiality of information
quality assurance and continuous improvement processes and standards
resource parameters and procedures
roles, functions and responsibilities of security personnel
storage and disposal of information.
Assessmentmay involve an analysis of:
access to weapons
available resources and team backup
known information about people involved in the incident
known information about the circumstances of the incident
nature of the incident
observation of the environment and physical conditions
potential and triggers for escalation or defusing
range of response options available
safety of self and others.
Response optionsmay include:
arrest of person
cultural support
defusing the situation
request for assistance
restraint of person using handcuffs
sending alarms
separation or isolation
tactical withdrawal
use of empty hand techniques
use of negotiation techniques
use of specialists or experts.
Personal safetyneeds may include:
access to emergency services
access to specific security equipment
additional training
appropriate vehicle
clarification of own responsibility and competence
maintaining regular communication
personal protective equipment
provision of back-up support
working in a team.
Social and cultural differencesmay relate to:
dress and personal presentation
food
language
religion
social conventions
traditional practices
values and beliefs.
Interpersonal techniques may involve:
active listening
being non-judgemental
being respectful and non-discriminatory
constructive feedback
control of tone of voice and body language
culturally aware and sensitive use of language and concepts
demonstrating flexibility and willingness to negotiate
effective verbal and non-verbal communication
maintaining professionalism
providing sufficient time for questions and responses
reflection and summarising
two-way interaction
use of plain English
use of positive, confident and cooperative language.
Protective equipmentmay include:
body armour
fire extinguisher
fire proof clothing
first aid kit gloves
head protection
masks
safety glasses.
Tactical positioningmay include:
access to cover and concealment
capacity to reload and unload
capacity to restrain and arrest subject
capacity to withdraw
safety of self and others
stances (eg standing, kneeling, prone).
Documentationmay include:
activity logs
incident reports
request for assistance forms
vehicle and personnel movements
written and electronic reports.
Effects of stressmay include:
frustration
inability to concentrate
increasing aggression
over-talking
tiredness
uncoordinated movements.
Stress management techniquesmay include:
conscious use of personal recreational activities
counselling
formal debriefing processes
informal exploration of incidents with team members and supporters
review of practice and resources.
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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Legislative requirements may relate to:
apprehension and powers of arrest
Australian standards and quality assurance requirements
counter-terrorism
crowd control and control of persons under the influence of intoxicating substances
force continuum, use of force guidelines
general 'duty of care' responsibilities
inspection of people and property, and search and seizure of goods
licensing or certification requirements
privacy and confidentiality
relevant commonwealth, state and territory legislation, codes and national standards for:
anti-discrimination
cultural and ethnic diversity
environmental issues
equal employment opportunity
industrial relations
OHS
relevant industry codes of practice
trespass and the removal of persons.
Organisational requirements may relate to:
access and equity policies, principles and practices
business and performance plans
client service standards
code of conduct, code of ethics
communication and reporting procedures
complaint and dispute resolution procedures
emergency and evacuation procedures
employer and employee rights and responsibilities
OHS policies, procedures and programs
own role, responsibility and authority
personal and professional development
privacy and confidentiality of information
quality assurance and continuous improvement processes and standards
resource parameters and procedures
roles, functions and responsibilities of security personnel
storage and disposal of information.
Assessmentmay involve an analysis of:
access to weapons
available resources and team backup
known information about people involved in the incident
known information about the circumstances of the incident
nature of the incident
observation of the environment and physical conditions
potential and triggers for escalation or defusing
range of response options available
safety of self and others.
Response optionsmay include:
arrest of person
cultural support
defusing the situation
request for assistance
restraint of person using handcuffs
sending alarms
separation or isolation
tactical withdrawal
use of empty hand techniques
use of negotiation techniques
use of specialists or experts.
Personal safetyneeds may include:
access to emergency services
access to specific security equipment
additional training
appropriate vehicle
clarification of own responsibility and competence
maintaining regular communication
personal protective equipment
provision of back-up support
working in a team.
Social and cultural differencesmay relate to:
dress and personal presentation
food
language
religion
social conventions
traditional practices
values and beliefs.
Interpersonal techniques may involve:
active listening
being non-judgemental
being respectful and non-discriminatory
constructive feedback
control of tone of voice and body language
culturally aware and sensitive use of language and concepts
demonstrating flexibility and willingness to negotiate
effective verbal and non-verbal communication
maintaining professionalism
providing sufficient time for questions and responses
reflection and summarising
two-way interaction
use of plain English
use of positive, confident and cooperative language.
Protective equipmentmay include:
body armour
fire extinguisher
fire proof clothing
first aid kit gloves
head protection
masks
safety glasses.
Tactical positioningmay include:
access to cover and concealment
capacity to reload and unload
capacity to restrain and arrest subject
capacity to withdraw
safety of self and others
stances (eg standing, kneeling, prone).
Documentationmay include:
activity logs
incident reports
request for assistance forms
vehicle and personnel movements
written and electronic reports.
Effects of stressmay include:
frustration
inability to concentrate
increasing aggression
over-talking
tiredness
uncoordinated movements.
Stress management techniquesmay include:
conscious use of personal recreational activities
counselling
formal debriefing processes
informal exploration of incidents with team members and supporters
review of practice and resources.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of:
demonstrating correct procedures for selecting, fitting, wearing and maintaining protective equipment including soft body armour
demonstrating safe handling skills of spray including maintaining consistent accuracy when discharging spray
identifying current and potential risk factors which might impact on the safety and security of self and others and implementing appropriate response measures
maintaining licensing requirements relating to the use of spray
using effective communication techniques to provide warnings and clear directions to subject, and conduct basic negotiation to defuse conflict in a manner which engages minority groups
reacting in a timely manner to the application of spray
selecting response options using spray within specified legal and strategic limits.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment includes:
a setting in the workplace or environment that simulates the conditions of performance described in the elements, performance criteria and range statement.
Resource implications for assessment include:
access to plain English version of relevant statutes and procedures
access to a registered provider of assessment services
access to a suitable venue and equipment
assessment instruments including personal planner and assessment record book
work schedules, organisational policies and duty statements.
Reasonable adjustments must be made to assessment processes where required for people with disabilities. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.
Method of assessment
This unit of competency could be assessed using the following methods of assessment:
observation of processes and procedures
questioning of underpinning knowledge and skills.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and suitable to the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the competency being assessed. In all cases where practical assessment is used, it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.
Oral questioning or written assessment may be used to assess underpinning knowledge. In assessment situations where the candidate is offered a choice between oral questioning and written assessment, questions are to be identical.
Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence from existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of:
demonstrating correct procedures for selecting, fitting, wearing and maintaining protective equipment including soft body armour
demonstrating safe handling skills of spray including maintaining consistent accuracy when discharging spray
identifying current and potential risk factors which might impact on the safety and security of self and others and implementing appropriate response measures
maintaining licensing requirements relating to the use of spray
using effective communication techniques to provide warnings and clear directions to subject, and conduct basic negotiation to defuse conflict in a manner which engages minority groups
reacting in a timely manner to the application of spray
selecting response options using spray within specified legal and strategic limits.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment includes:
a setting in the workplace or environment that simulates the conditions of performance described in the elements, performance criteria and range statement.
Resource implications for assessment include:
access to plain English version of relevant statutes and procedures
access to a registered provider of assessment services
access to a suitable venue and equipment
assessment instruments including personal planner and assessment record book
work schedules, organisational policies and duty statements.
Reasonable adjustments must be made to assessment processes where required for people with disabilities. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.
Method of assessment
This unit of competency could be assessed using the following methods of assessment:
observation of processes and procedures
questioning of underpinning knowledge and skills.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and suitable to the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the competency being assessed. In all cases where practical assessment is used, it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.
Oral questioning or written assessment may be used to assess underpinning knowledge. In assessment situations where the candidate is offered a choice between oral questioning and written assessment, questions are to be identical.
Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence from existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3788 | PRSSO319A | Defend persons using spray | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAP46 | CPPSEC3126 | Defend persons using spray | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W973 | CPP30411 | Certificate III in Security Operations | Qualification |