Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:12 AM AWST
22/07/2026 7:12 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.
Undertake trench rescue
Undertake trench rescue
Unit of competency
National Code
PUASAR030A
PUASAR030A
State Code
D5535
D5535
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Transition (Replaced)
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
18/08/2011
Field of Education
091105 - Police Studies
Original Release Date
18/08/2011
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit covers the competency required to undertake trench rescue as member of a single agency or multi-disciplinary team.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for trench rescue operation
- 1.1 Operation and task incident information is obtained and analysed.
- 1.2 Shoring, propping and excavating equipment is identified and prepared for use.
- 1.3 Personal protective equipment and trench rescue equipment is selected relevant to trench rescue operation.
- 1.4 Any further details of the nature of the rescue are received en route.
- 1.5 Anticipated hazards and associated risks are discussed with rescue team members while on route.
2. Assess and manage a trench rescue scene
- 2.1 Physical features of a trench rescue are assessed before deploying rescue resources.
- 2.2 Trench rescue scene is managed to control access and to maintain a safe and effective operational environment.
- 2.3 Scene management procedures are followed in accordance with organisational procedures and legal requirements.
- 2.4 Communication with other personnel on site is established and maintained.
- 2.5 Situational and environmental hazards are assessed, minimised and controlled.
3. Stabilise the trench
- 3.1 Trench collapse pattern and signs of further collapse are identified.
- 3.2 Action to minimise further trench collapse is undertaken.
4. Locate and gain entry into a collapsed trench
- 4.1 Assessment is undertaken of incident scene to determine possible location of casualties.
- 4.2 Appropriate resources are used to assist in location of casualties.
- 4.3 Condition of casualties and nature of entrapment is ascertained where possible in accordance with organisational procedures.
- 4.4 Appropriate excavation techniques are employed to gain access to casualties.
- 4.5 Located casualties are treated in consultation with medical personnel and in accordance with organisational policies.
- 4.6 Hygiene procedures are followed in accordance with organisational procedures.
5. Remove casualties
- 5.1 Entrapped casualties are released, treated and stabilised in accordance with organisational procedures.
- 5.2 Released casualties are removed using recognised techniques.
- 5.3 Appropriate actions are taken to preserve incident scene, where required.
6. Conclude rescue operations
- 6.1 Equipment is recovered, cleaned and maintained according to organisational procedures and manufacturer's guidelines.
- 6.2 Signs and symptoms of operational stress are recognised and promptly reported.
- 6.3 Operational documentation is completed to organisational standards.
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.
Personal protective equipment may include:
breathing apparatus/airline
gloves
hearing protection aids
helmets
safety glasses
safety lines
spillage/hazmat clothing
Trench is defined as:
specified in state/territory legislation
Trench rescue equipment may include:
atmospheric monitoring
excavating equipment
hand tools
pumps
shoring shields and propping equipment
ventilation equipment
Scene management may include:
establishing and monitoring safety zones
establishing barriers and perimeter access controls
liaising with medical services
managing bystanders and media
preserving evidence
Situational and environmental hazards may include:
exposure to toxic, biological or substance
falls from heights or into depths
further trench collapse
heat exhaustion or hypothermia
moving machinery either electrical or mechanical
tides
vibrations from external sources
water
weather
Recognised removal techniques may include:
propping
shielding and excavating
shoring
Operational documentation may include:
field notes
incident reports
legislation
notebooks, logbooks
organisational policies and procedures
post operational report
related legal requirements
Personal protective equipment may include:
breathing apparatus/airline
gloves
hearing protection aids
helmets
safety glasses
safety lines
spillage/hazmat clothing
Trench is defined as:
specified in state/territory legislation
Trench rescue equipment may include:
atmospheric monitoring
excavating equipment
hand tools
pumps
shoring shields and propping equipment
ventilation equipment
Scene management may include:
establishing and monitoring safety zones
establishing barriers and perimeter access controls
liaising with medical services
managing bystanders and media
preserving evidence
Situational and environmental hazards may include:
exposure to toxic, biological or substance
falls from heights or into depths
further trench collapse
heat exhaustion or hypothermia
moving machinery either electrical or mechanical
tides
vibrations from external sources
water
weather
Recognised removal techniques may include:
propping
shielding and excavating
shoring
Operational documentation may include:
field notes
incident reports
legislation
notebooks, logbooks
organisational policies and procedures
post operational report
related legal requirements
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:
shore, prop and shield
recognise further signs of trench collapse
apply safe work practices
extricate casualty minimising further injury to self or others
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual and/or simulated workplace environments.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed in an industry-approved simulated and/or workplace environment involving trench rescues using a range of equipment.
Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
appropriate location/venue/trench
organisational rescue equipment
personnel for team-based activities
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.
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
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
shore, prop and shield
recognise further signs of trench collapse
apply safe work practices
extricate casualty minimising further injury to self or others
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual and/or simulated workplace environments.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed in an industry-approved simulated and/or workplace environment involving trench rescues using a range of equipment.
Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
appropriate location/venue/trench
organisational rescue equipment
personnel for team-based activities
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.
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
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D3004 | PUASAR006B | Undertake trench rescue | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAX62 | PUASAR030 | Undertake trench rescue | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C600 | PUA30601 | Certificate III in Public Safety (Firefighting and Emergency Operations) | Qualification |