Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:10 AM AWST
22/07/2026 6:10 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.
Protect and preserve incident scene
Protect and preserve incident scene
Unit of competency
National Code
PUALAW001B
PUALAW001B
State Code
D3774
D3774
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Transition (Replaced)
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
07/11/2014
Field of Education
091105 - Police Studies
Original Release Date
07/11/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit covers the competency required, on arrival at the scene of an accident or incident, to conduct initial assessment, take action to maintain public safety and preserve the scene, and note and record details and information.The unit is particularly applicable in cases where organisation personnel are the first to arrive at the scene of an accident or incident.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Secure and preserve scene
- 1.1 Initial assessment is participated in to identify factorswhich will impact on public safety and scene preservation.
- 1.2 Incident/accident scene is effectively secured to preserve the scene and maintain public safety in line with legislative requirements.
2. Record and report details of incident scene
- 2.1 Details of the scene are noted, recorded and reported according to organisation's policies and procedures.
- 2.2 Witness details and information volunteered are recorded in accordance with organisational and legislative requirements.
- 2.3 Information is communicated to relevant personnel in line with organisation's procedures.
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.
Incident scene may include:
urban fire
wild fire
vehicle fire
crime scene
search for missing persons or evidence
vehicle accident
natural disaster
industrial/mining accident
incident involving death or injury to person or damage to property
urban scene
rural scene
indoor scene
outdoor scene
animal incident
marine
aircraft
train
explosions
hazardous materials
Assessment of scene may be conducted:
at scene
en route to and from scene
Factors impacting may include:
public safety risk factors including factors that could impact on the safety of investigators
response team
the security/preservation of the actual site
the security and preservation of situational evidence
traffic
tactical factors affecting the quality of the investigation including environmental circumstances
chronology of events
access to scene
number of persons at scene
availability of support services
boundaries
Persons at scene may include:
incident scene specialists
forensic experts
potential witnesses
victims
other bystanders
personnel from other organisations
media
coroners
pathologists
medical practitioners
undertakers
forensic accountants
information technology consultants
legal officers
owners and/or occupiers
Security of scene may be affected by:
topography
climatic conditions
human interference
animal interference
preservation of life/property
structural integrity
availability of personnel
Securing scene may include:
removing non-emergency personnel from scene
isolating scene
erecting barriers
Details of scene may include:
date
time
location
damage
persons present
property involved
possible causes
items of evidence
injuries
status of utilities services such as broken water pipes
animal species present
flora
fauna
size and construction of building
occupancy
insurance details
Witness details may include:
name
contact details
other details in accordance with organisation’s policies and procedures
Relevant personnel may include:
supervisor
team leader
police
investigating officer
other organisation’s personnel
Communication may include:
verbal
completing standard forms
written
Recording and reporting may include:
taking notes
completing standard forms
making sketches
taking photographs
taping
electronic videoing
Preserving scene may include:
preserving evidence and the area of origin
Organisational and legislative requirements may vary between sectors and organisations and may include:
legislation relevant to the operation/incident/response
legislation relevant to the organisation
operational
corporate and strategic plans
operational procedures
operational performance standards
organisation’s personnel practices and guidelines
organisation’s quality standards
Incident scene may include:
urban fire
wild fire
vehicle fire
crime scene
search for missing persons or evidence
vehicle accident
natural disaster
industrial/mining accident
incident involving death or injury to person or damage to property
urban scene
rural scene
indoor scene
outdoor scene
animal incident
marine
aircraft
train
explosions
hazardous materials
Assessment of scene may be conducted:
at scene
en route to and from scene
Factors impacting may include:
public safety risk factors including factors that could impact on the safety of investigators
response team
the security/preservation of the actual site
the security and preservation of situational evidence
traffic
tactical factors affecting the quality of the investigation including environmental circumstances
chronology of events
access to scene
number of persons at scene
availability of support services
boundaries
Persons at scene may include:
incident scene specialists
forensic experts
potential witnesses
victims
other bystanders
personnel from other organisations
media
coroners
pathologists
medical practitioners
undertakers
forensic accountants
information technology consultants
legal officers
owners and/or occupiers
Security of scene may be affected by:
topography
climatic conditions
human interference
animal interference
preservation of life/property
structural integrity
availability of personnel
Securing scene may include:
removing non-emergency personnel from scene
isolating scene
erecting barriers
Details of scene may include:
date
time
location
damage
persons present
property involved
possible causes
items of evidence
injuries
status of utilities services such as broken water pipes
animal species present
flora
fauna
size and construction of building
occupancy
insurance details
Witness details may include:
name
contact details
other details in accordance with organisation’s policies and procedures
Relevant personnel may include:
supervisor
team leader
police
investigating officer
other organisation’s personnel
Communication may include:
verbal
completing standard forms
written
Recording and reporting may include:
taking notes
completing standard forms
making sketches
taking photographs
taping
electronic videoing
Preserving scene may include:
preserving evidence and the area of origin
Organisational and legislative requirements may vary between sectors and organisations and may include:
legislation relevant to the operation/incident/response
legislation relevant to the organisation
operational
corporate and strategic plans
operational procedures
operational performance standards
organisation’s personnel practices and guidelines
organisation’s quality standards
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Demonstrated ability to effectively secure scene and record and report details in accordance with the organisation's policies and procedures.
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
Performance at an incident, exercise or simulation is required to demonstrate competence in this unit. Written or verbal questions may be used as supporting evidence.
Specific resources for assessment
No special requirements.
Demonstrated ability to effectively secure scene and record and report details in accordance with the organisation's policies and procedures.
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
Performance at an incident, exercise or simulation is required to demonstrate competence in this unit. Written or verbal questions may be used as supporting evidence.
Specific resources for assessment
No special requirements.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C3873 | PUALAW001A | Protect and preserve incident scene | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAY31 | PUALAW001 | Protect and preserve incident scene | Unit of competency |