Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 4:55 PM AWST
22/07/2026 4:55 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.
Protect self and others using basic defensive techniques
Protect self and others using basic defensive techniques
Unit of competency
National Code
CPPSEC2017A
CPPSEC2017A
State Code
D1392
D1392
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
31/10/2008
Field of Education
099905 - Security Services
Original Release Date
31/10/2008
Nominal Hours
16
Description
This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to apply basic defensive techniques in a security risk situation. It requires the ability to use basic lawful defensive techniques to protect the safety of self and others. This unit may form part of the licensing requirements for persons engaged in security operations in those states and territories where these are regulated activities.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1Identify need to use defensive techniques.
- 1.1 Applicable provisions of legislative and organisational requirements relevant to the application of defensive techniques are identified and complied with.
- 1.2 Factors which might impact on own or others safety are identified and appropriate response procedures evaluated against use of force guidelines.
- 1.3 Causes of conflict and harmful behaviour are anticipated and appropriate responses to prevent escalation are implemented.
- 1.4 Alternative response options are assessed for viability and withdrawal options are identified and incorporated into defensive options.
- 1.5 Personal safety needs are identified and assistance sought from relevant persons as required.
2Apply basic communication and negotiation techniques.
- 2.1 Effective interpersonal techniques are used to facilitate an effective exchange of information.
- 2.2 Communication is conducted in a courteous manner and reflects sensitivity to individual social and cultural differences.
- 2.3 Basic negotiation techniques are used to maintain positive interaction and divert and minimise aggressive behaviour.
- 2.4 Contradictions, ambiguity, uncertainty or misunderstandings are identified and clarified.
- 2.5 Factors which might impact on the safety and security of self and others are anticipated and contingency measures are formulated and implemented as required.
3Apply basic defensive techniques.
- 3.1 Appropriate basic defensive techniques are selected to maintain safety and are applied within use of force guidelines.
- 3.2 Movements and actions of subject are monitored to anticipate movement and aggressive actions.
- 3.3 Stance and distance from subject is maintained to maximise ability to apply recognised hold techniques quickly and discontinue contact at cessation of threat.
- 3.4 Assistance requirements are determined and requested in accordance with organisational procedures.
- 3.5 The need to restrain, secure or escort subject is established and appropriate response implemented.
- 3.6 Relevant documentation is completed and securely maintained in accordance with organisational procedures.
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
Occupational Health and Safety (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.
Factors may relate to:
access to weapons
biological hazards, industrial gases and other chemicals
conflicts between members of the public
electrical faults and power failures
explosives
fire and flammable materials
persons suffering from emotional or physical distress
persons under the influence of intoxicating substances
persons with criminal intent
persons, vehicles and packages in unsuitable locations
physical threats
security breaches
terrorism
violence.
Responsemay involve:
defusing the situation
evacuating the premises
isolating area of potential risk
isolating risk
notifying relevant emergency services agencies
providing access for emergency services
provision of first aid
request for support and assistance
restraint of person
tactical withdrawal
use of basic defensive techniques
use of empty hand techniques
use of negotiation techniques.
Personal safetyrequirements may relate to:
appropriate vehicle
provision of back-up support
regular communication
specific security equipment
taking an alternative route
working in a team.
Relevant personsmay include:
clients
colleagues
emergency services personnel and agencies
security personnel
supervisor.
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
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.
Social and cultural differencesmay relate to:
dress and personal presentation
food
language
religion
social conventions
traditional practices
values and beliefs.
Basic negotiation techniquesmay include:
demonstrating flexibility and willingness to negotiate
interpreting and assessing actions for risk
interpreting non-verbal and verbal messages
observation techniques
questioning to clarify and confirm understanding
use of clear presentations of options and consequences.
Basic defensive techniquesmay include:
avoidance techniques
blocking techniques
body positioning
body safety
empty hand techniques
impact techniques
locking and holding techniques
take-down techniques.
Documentationmay include:
activity logs
incident reports
request for assistance forms
vehicle and personnel movements
written and electronic reports.
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
Occupational Health and Safety (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.
Factors may relate to:
access to weapons
biological hazards, industrial gases and other chemicals
conflicts between members of the public
electrical faults and power failures
explosives
fire and flammable materials
persons suffering from emotional or physical distress
persons under the influence of intoxicating substances
persons with criminal intent
persons, vehicles and packages in unsuitable locations
physical threats
security breaches
terrorism
violence.
Responsemay involve:
defusing the situation
evacuating the premises
isolating area of potential risk
isolating risk
notifying relevant emergency services agencies
providing access for emergency services
provision of first aid
request for support and assistance
restraint of person
tactical withdrawal
use of basic defensive techniques
use of empty hand techniques
use of negotiation techniques.
Personal safetyrequirements may relate to:
appropriate vehicle
provision of back-up support
regular communication
specific security equipment
taking an alternative route
working in a team.
Relevant personsmay include:
clients
colleagues
emergency services personnel and agencies
security personnel
supervisor.
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
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.
Social and cultural differencesmay relate to:
dress and personal presentation
food
language
religion
social conventions
traditional practices
values and beliefs.
Basic negotiation techniquesmay include:
demonstrating flexibility and willingness to negotiate
interpreting and assessing actions for risk
interpreting non-verbal and verbal messages
observation techniques
questioning to clarify and confirm understanding
use of clear presentations of options and consequences.
Basic defensive techniquesmay include:
avoidance techniques
blocking techniques
body positioning
body safety
empty hand techniques
impact techniques
locking and holding techniques
take-down techniques.
Documentationmay include:
activity logs
incident reports
request for assistance forms
vehicle and personnel movements
written and electronic reports.
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:
applying empty hand techniques that avoid vital areas of the body
identifying current and potential risk factors which might impact on the safety and security of self and others and implementing appropriate response measures
reacting in a timely manner to the application and termination of force
selecting response options within specified legal and strategic limits
using basic negotiation techniques to defuse conflict
using effective communication techniques to give clear and accurate information in a form which is preferred and understood by the receiver and which engages minority groups.
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:
applying empty hand techniques that avoid vital areas of the body
identifying current and potential risk factors which might impact on the safety and security of self and others and implementing appropriate response measures
reacting in a timely manner to the application and termination of force
selecting response options within specified legal and strategic limits
using basic negotiation techniques to defuse conflict
using effective communication techniques to give clear and accurate information in a form which is preferred and understood by the receiver and which engages minority groups.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3852 | PRSSO222A | Protect self and others using basic defensive techniques | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAP65 | CPPSEC2106 | Protect self and others using basic defensive techniques | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC789 | CPPSS00044 | Provide Security Services in a Health Care Environment | Skill set |
| J351 | CPP20212 | Certificate II in Security Operations | Qualification |