SKILL  KNOWLEDGE  SAFETY

PUASES010A - Plan, activate and maintain a communications network

Description

This unit covers the competency required to plan, activate and maintain a communications network in routine and operational situations

This unit replaces PUASES004B Establish and maintain a communications network

Pre Requisites

 Nil

Application

The application of this unit would inform roles and responsibilities for individuals who plan, activate and maintain a communications network which has existing and established arrangements and equipment.

The requirements for the communications network and associated tasks will be determined by the nature of the routine and operational situation/context, legislative requirements, emergency management plans and organisational policies and procedures.

Applicable roles and jobs may involve emergency services personnel, conservation and land management agencies, tourism operators, search and rescue operators, local government agencies, contractors and volunteer organisations.

Performance Criteria

 1. Identify operational communications needs    
1.1 Operational communications considerations and requirements are identified based on operational needs
1.2 Operational and task information is used to determine communications network and equipment requirements
1.3 Agencies, organisations and individuals involved in operation/s are identified
1.4 Established arrangements and equipment for communications are identified
1.5 Hazards and environmental conditions likely to impact on communications requirements are identified, assessed and controlled
    
2. Establish communications plan    
2.1 Communications plan is prepared based on identified operational communications needs
2.2 Appropriate communications strategies and equipment are included in communications plan and network
2.3 Personnel are briefed on requirements of the communications plan
2.4 Communications plan is implemented, monitored and modified to meet changes in operational situation
    
3. Activate and maintain communications network    
3.1 Prior to activation of the communications plan, communications network is set up and tested as outlined in communications plan and faults are addressed
3.2 Communications network is activated
3.3 Communications network performance is monitored, analysed and adjusted to ensure effective and efficient communications
3.4 Communications network is modified to meet changes in operational situation and network capacity
    
4. Terminate communications network    
4.1 Communications network is closed down in accordance with organisational policies and procedures and operational requirements
4.2 Communications network is dismantled and refurbished in accordance with organisational procedures and manufacturers' guidelines
4.3 Maintenance requirement are recognised, recorded and reported according to organisational procedures
4.4 Operational documentation is completed in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
4.5 Efficiency of the communications plan and network is review
    

Required Skills & Knowledge

 Required Skills
  • analyse communications network performance
  • communicate technical information clearly and concisely
  • interpret topographic, meteorological and geophysical data and its impact on communications
  • plan, solve problems and make decisions
  • prepare, implement and monitor communications plan

Required Knowledge
  • factors that influence communications network performance
  • features of different communications equipment
  • installation and performance of communications equipment
  • operational context and communications pre-plans
  • organisational communications policy and requirements
  • organisational communications resources and capabilities
  • organisational documentation requirements
  • organisational policies and procedures (such as relevant legislation; operational, corporate and strategic plans; operational performance standards; operational policies and procedures; organisational personnel and occupational health and safety practices and guidelines; organisational quality standards; organisation's approach to environmental management and sustainability)
  • relevant internet and mobile communication technologies and systems
  • resources and capabilities of other communications providers
  • role and responsibilities of communications providers
  • security issues for operational communications networks

Range Statement

 Operational communications considerations may include    
  • Access to an established operations centre or operating in a field situation
  • Adverse radio or telecommunications conditions
  • Hazardous or adverse environmental or weather conditions
  • Limited resources
  • Pre-planned communications networks
  • Scope, size and nature of response
  • Single or multi-agency responses

Networks may include    
  • Computer based networks linked together by electronic means
  • Radio networks linking two or more stations directly or by using relays
  • Repeaters
  • Satellite and commercial paging
  • Telecommunication networks
  • Trunking systems or a combination of these
  • Wireless area network/local area network, computer based networks

Equipment may include    
  • Computers
  • Generators and solar power panels
  • Operational radio communications equipment
  • Portable radio repeaters
  • Signalling devices
  • Telecommunications equipment

Appropriate communications strategies may include    
  • Activating pre-planned emergency telecommunication arrangements
  • Contracting arrangements
  • Establishing fixed and mobile communication networks
  • Establishing radio networks
  • Linking telecommunication networks
  • Utilising other communications methods

Communications network performance may include    
  • Congestion and network overload
  • Equipment failures
  • Network accessibility and clarity
  • Procedure failures

Evidence Guide

 Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit    
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
  • establish and maintain an efficient and effective communications network.
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments.
    
Context of and specific resources for assessment    
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed in an actual operation, exercise or simulation.

Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
  • organisational communications equipment
  • simulation of network congestion, which may require special approval.

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.

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