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.

Performance Criteria

1. Secure and preserve scene

1.1. Initial assessment is participated in to identify factors which 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

Key Competencies

Communicating ideas and information

• Communicate ideas and information to reporting procedures (verbal and written) 

Collecting analysing and organising information

• Collect, organise and understand information related to recognising and reporting situations

 Planning and organising activities 

• Plan and organise activities which implement and follow standard procedures 

Working with others and in teams

• Work with others and in a team by assisting and cooperating with team members 

Using mathematical ideas and techniques 

• Use mathematical ideas and techniques to document and report numbers for emergency procedures

Solving problems 

• Establish diagnostic processes which recommend improvements for OH&S issues

Using technology 

• Use workplace technology related to the use of technology to assist with safe work practices

Range Statement

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

Evidence Guide

Critical Aspects of Evidence

Demonstrated ability to effectively secure scene and record and report details in accordance with the organisation’s policies and procedures.

Underpinning Knowledge

• legislative and organisation requirements relating to scene preservation
• methods of securing scene
• organisation requirements for taking witness details and information
• regulatory requirements for taking witness details and information
• techniques for estimating distance
• techniques for removing public from scene
• types of information which may assist in investigations

Underpinning Skills

• listening
• note taking
• observation
• questioning
• reporting

Resource implications

• No special requirements

Consistency in performance

• Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments

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