Elements and Performance Criteria

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.
Basic obedience must include:
about turn
change of pace (normal pace, fast pace, slow pace)
drop
halt
heel off/on lead
left turn
right turn
sit
Emergency stop must include:
canine responding quickly upon the stop command from the canine search specialist, slowing to a stop position
position in which canine stops after being given the emergency stop command is suggested to be the down position
Recall must include:
canine quickly returning to canine search specialist and sitting in front of canine search specialist until released
Distractions may include:
banging pot lids
clapping hands
noises such as talking
walking past in front or behind canine
Agility course must include:
climbing
elevated plank
tunnel
unpleasant surface
unstable surface
and must be constructed as per the requirements of the Australian Urban Search & Rescue Canine Capability Best Practice Guideline (canine search specialist can remain in close proximity to canine but must not go in front of canine)
Required timeframe includes completing:
agility course within five minutes
alert exercise within two minutes from release of canine to the commencement of the bark alert
canine direction and control course within five minutes
simulated search within 20 minutes
Controlled, safe and appropriate manner may include:
canine search team being confident, calm and methodical
canine working off lead
managing canine in unsafe and high risk environments
working in accordance with relevant legislation, policy and guidelines
Elevation is defined in:
Australian Urban Search and Rescue Canine Capability Best Practice Guideline
Distance is defined as:
between 20 and 25 metres
Commitment to live human scent includes:
commitment to the scent
not leaving victim location
very good penetration drive
Directions may include:
back
centre/Middle
forward
left
right
Bark alert includes:
spontaneous repetitive barking for twenty seconds, which may be interspersed with digging and attempts to penetrate
Interviews must include questions that determine:
definition of search area
time of the structural collapse
type of occupancy of the structure (school, office, apartment, building, etc.)
number of suspected missing
if structure has been searched before
if structural engineer has checked the building and findings
if structure is safe to enter
if blueprints are available
if HAZMAT has checked the area and findings
if utilities have been isolated, how and by whom
if heavy rescue is available
if medical is available
if a veterinarian is available
Site assessment techniques may include:
identifying any exclusion zones
identifying hazards
incident action plan
prevailing wind and weather conditions
results of initial reconnaissance
Search strategy must include:
delineation of primary and secondary search areas based on:
information gathered from interview/s
site assessment
Canine actions, indications and characteristics must include:
ability to handle any distractions that may occur
ability to work scent cones
canine does not avoid obstacles
canine identifies live human scent with a bark alert
canine searches independently of canine search specialist
canine traverses all surfaces efficiently
canine covers search site as directed
high levels of search drive/eagerness/willingness to work
Canine actions indications and characteristics may include:
false alert
passive alert behaviours
Assistance may include:
assisting canine to traverse difficult obstacles
guiding canine
helping canine onto unstable elevated surfaces
intervening to prevent accident or injury to canine
providing motivation and support where necessary, however during an alert, support and motivation can only be provided after the canine has initiated the bark alert
stopping and restarting the search
taking appropriate breaks, rest and water
Appropriate canine care may include:
checking condition of feet pads
fatigue management
irrigating canine's eyes to remove dust
treatment as required
watering of canine as required
Legislation, policy and guidelines may include:
Australian Standards
Australian Urban Search & Rescue Canine Capability Best Practice Guideline
guidance notes
national codes of practice
organisational policies and procedures
state/territory and federal animal welfare legislation
state/territory occupational health, safety and welfare legislation and regulations
Post-search examination must include:
examining:
ears
eyes
legs
mouth
nails and bones of the foot of the canine
pads
toes
webbing between toes

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:
construct direction and control course as per the requirements of the Australian Urban Search&Rescue Canine Capability Best Practice Guideline
follow the Australian Urban Search&Rescue Canine Capability Best Practice Guideline
implement USAR canine search methods and techniques
conduct a search of one search area
handle a canine to maintain control and prevent accidents or injury to self and/or other/s including members of the public
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated over time under a range of conditions that would be expected in the workplace.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency must be assessed in a controlled, simulated workplace environment.
Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
Australian Urban Search&Rescue Canine Capability Best Practice Guideline
facilities as outlined in the Australian Urban Search&Rescue Canine Capability Best Practice Guideline
canines training to work in a USAR environment
two assessors
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 according to the workplace environment.
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