Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:31 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.

Maintain safety at an incident scene

Maintain safety at an incident scene

Unit of competency
National Code
PUAOHS002B
State Code
D2983
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
3.00
Current Release Date
02/05/2013
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
04/08/2014
Field of Education
061301 - Occupational Health And Safety
Original Release Date
04/08/2014
Nominal Hours
25
Description
This unit covers the competency to recognise potential health and safety risks and take action to eliminate or control those risks at incident scenes, to prevent injury to self, other personnel or members of the public.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Determine hazards at incident site
  • 1.1 Issues affecting safety of self and other personnel are established by identification of hazards and assessment of risks, and by liaison with others at the scene.
  • 1.2 Relevant operational safety procedures are implemented in accordance with organisation's policies.
  • 1.3 Duties are undertaken in line with organisational health and safety codes of practice and relevant legislation.
2. Implement hazard controls at incident scene
  • 2.1 Hazards are identified and mitigation procedures are selected in line with work instructions and procedures.
  • 2.2 Hazardous situations rectified where possible and reported and/or recorded according to organisation's policies and procedures.
  • 2.3 Changes in situation and/or conditions are reported immediately to designated person.
  • 2.4 Hazard controls are monitored and communicated to relevant personnel to ensure continuing effectiveness.
  • 2.5 Hazard control and mitigation measures are implemented with minimum damage to the environment, while maintaining safety of self and others.
  • 2.6 Incident/accident scene is effectively secured to preserve the scene and maintain public safety in line with legislative requirements.
3. Maintain personal safety
  • 3.1 Personal protective clothing and equipment is selected and checked according to organisational procedures to ensure it is operational prior to entry into incident situation.
  • 3.2 Personal protective clothing and equipment appropriate to dealing with the hazard is worn/fitted and used in accordance with organisation's policies and procedures and manufacturer's guidelines.
  • 3.3 Water and food intake, rest breaks and shelter requirements are maintained.
  • 3.4 Survival technique strategies are implemented in accordance with organisation's policies and guidelines.
4. Contribute to maintaining safety of other work group members
  • 4.1 Impact of own actions on safety of others is recognised.
  • 4.2 Contact is maintained at all times with other work group members.
  • 4.3 Signals are correctly used, interpreted, confirmed and acted upon in a timely manner.
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.
Working environment may be:
hazardous
unpredictable
subject to time pressure
chaotic and expose responders to risk
Public Safety workplaces include:
any location where a Public Safety incident occurs
Response situation include:
single and multi agency response situations
Hazards include:
all potential sources of injury or damage to property or the environment including identified and potential hazards to persons
equipment or the environment
Risk is:
the likelihood of injury or damage occurring and the potential consequences of any injury or damage
Incidents may include:
a variety of natural or man made events including but not limited to rescues and extrications
flood
storm
tempest
natural disaster
vehicle
aircraft
rail
industrial
civil defence
fires:
structural
wild
prescribed burning
search and rescue :
urban
rural
sea
hazardous materials and dangerous goods
Hazards may be identified by:
scene assessment
visual inspections
plan reviews
recognising hazard warnings
accessing data bases
interviewing others at scene
seeking expert advice
Others at scene may include:
organisational personnel
personnel from other organisations
general public
Hazardous materials may include:
thermal
mechanical
explosives
toxic
corrosive
asphyxiant
radiation
etiological hazards
mutagenic materials
Biological hazards may include:
bacteria
viruses
fungi and yeasts
including exotic organisms
Physical hazards may include:
noise
slippery surfaces
poor visibility
smoky environments
fallen/falling objects
fatigue
Electrical hazards may include:
pole fires
electrical fires
electricity in damaged/burning structures
energised vehicles/structures due to downed wires
photovoltaic generation systems
Manual handling hazards may include:
heavy objects
content and shape of containers
Environmental hazards may include:
temperature
darkness
fire
snow
floods
winds
rain
hail
flora
fauna
postural restrictions and access
terrain
traffic
Hazard control measures may include:
erection of barriers
establishment of control zone
use of spill clean up kits
use of electrically insulated tools and equipment
vehicle protection hoses and devices
life support equipment (heat radiation shielded crew cabin
vehicle cabins with/without sprays)
entry control procedures to hazardous areas
decontamination
isolation of electricity supply
Relevant legislation may include:
state or territory occupational health and safety acts and regulations
Personal protective clothing and equipment may include:
breathing apparatus
personal lines
air lines
personal distress units
respiratory protection
protective hoods
goggles
hearing protectors
sunscreen
chemical protective clothing
personal flotation devices
wet suits
turnout uniform
gloves
hard hat
safety boots
overalls
chainsaw chaps
bullet proof vests
firearms
batons
handcuffs
Hazard control equipment may include:
atmospheric monitoring equipment
meteorological equipment
radiation monitoring equipment
oxygen meters
flammable gas detectors
Reporting may include:
verbal
written reports
completing standard forms
logs
sitreps
note taking
logging entry to hazardous areas
Designated person may include:
supervisor
team leader
workplace occupational health and safety representative
officer in charge
Survival strategies which may be applied in:
buildings
wildfire situations
water
extreme heat or cold
Factors which may require monitoring may include:
traffic
weather conditions
vegetation type
spectators
temperature
structural integrity
relative humidity
slope
terrain
water supply/pressure
fire development
stream flows
suspect atmospheres
Contact with other personnel may include:
visual
vocal
touch
radio
audible warnings
signalling
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
It is essential for this unit that competence be demonstrated in maintaining personal safety and safety of others.
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
A real life incident, exercise or simulation, or series of tasks are required to demonstrate competence in this unit. This may involve setting scenarios to be completed either individually or as a member of a team. Written or verbal questions may be used as supporting evidence.
Specific resources for assessment
A range of protective clothing and equipment may be required.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OAX42 PUAWHS002 Maintain safety at an incident scene Unit of competency