Description

This unit covers the competency required to confine small workplace emergencies.

Small workplace emergencies may include such incidents as a small fire that can be controlled using a nearby fire extinguisher; or a chemical spill that can be controlled using workplace personal protective clothing and equipment, and a small spill kit; or a workplace vehicle accident where there is no significant injury or damage.

This unit:

• has been developed to cover the broad range of emergencies and workplaces as considered in Australian Standard 3745—2002
• is part of a suite of eleven workplace emergency response units of competency that has three streams
• is part of the initial response stream

This unit does not cover the competency required for first aid; there are other units that cover first aid competence such as PUAEME001A Provide emergency care.

Unit Sector

Initial Response

Pre-Requisites

Nil

Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for emergency situations
1.1 Possible workplace emergency situations and appropriate responses, within the range of current skills and relevant workplace emergency procedures, are identified
1.2 Relevant emergency resources are identified and their location is ascertained in the work area
1.3 Any problems with the serviceability of the emergency resources are identified and reported to relevant people in accordance with workplace procedures

2. Identify and assess the emergency
2.1 Emergency situation or potential emergency situation and risks are identified and the likely effectiveness of initial response action is considered
2.2 Advice in relation to emergency situation is sought according to workplace emergency procedures
2.3 Where initial response actions are considered unsafe or inappropriate, action is taken according to workplace emergency procedures

3. Safely confine emergencies where possible
3.1 Emergencies are confined to the immediate area according to workplace emergency procedures
3.2 Emergency resources are used within the individual’s limitations imposed by current skills, relevant workplace procedures and relevant legislative requirements
3.3 Emergency resources used to confine emergency situation are used in a manner that will promote and enhance safe work conditions

4. Use initial response equipment
4.1 Initial response equipment is checked to ensure its serviceability prior to use
4.2 Appropriate equipment is selected for use in emergency situations
4.3 Initial response equipment is used according to accepted safe practices and training
4.4 Use of equipment is coordinated with other emergency actions

5. Report workplace emergency response
5.1 Emergency situation response is documented and reported in accordance with workplace procedures
5.2 Use of initial response equipment is documented and reported according to workplace procedures
5.3 Initial response equipment is marked or positioned after use and reported to relevant personnel or authority to indicate if it requires servicing or replacing

Key Competencies

• Collect, Analyse & Organise
• Information Communicate Ideas & Information
• Plan & Organise Activities
• Work with Others & in Teams
• Use Mathematical Ideas & Techniques
• Solve Problems
• Use Technology

Range Statement

Emergencies must include those emergencies identified by the workplace hazard analysis where the impact on the work area is limited, which may include:

• Animal or livestock emergencies
• Bomb threat
• Building invasion/armed invasion
• Chemical, biological and radiological
• Civil disorder
• Criminal acts
• Cyclones, including storm surge
• Deliberate self-harm
• Earthquake
• Failure of utilities
• Fire
• Flood
• Hazardous substances incidents
• Hostage situations
• Industrial accident
• Letter bomb
• Medical emergency
• Severe weather/storm damage
• Structural instability
• Terrorism
• Transport accident
• Toxic emission
• Veterinary emergencies
• Wildfire

Workplaces include:

• Workplaces, buildings and structures as outlined in Australian Standard 3745—2002

Emergency resources may include:

• Personal access bar codes/swipe cards
• Barricades
• Communication systems
• Fire protection equipment
• First-aid kits
• Mechanical ventilation and air handling equipment
• Personal protective equipment
• Spill control kits
• Surveillance equipment
• Warning signs

Initial response action may include:

• Activation of response team
• Activation of suppression systems
• Alerting others
• Containing the emergency
• Evacuating the area
• Removing people from danger
• Removing the emergency
• Rendering basic aid as required
• Shut down procedures
• Use of containment systems
• Use of portable fire extinguishers, fire blankets or hose reels

Checking initial response equipment may involve:

• Manufacturers’/company instructions
• Relevant standards
• Workplace procedures
• Written instructions

Documentation and records may be used to:

• Ensure equipment is restored to service
• Initiate incident investigations
• Record details of emergencies
• Report follow-up action
• Review own actions/performance appraisal
• Upgrade initial response equipment or procedures

Marking or positioning equipment after use may include:

• Correctly disposing of contaminated spill absorbent
• Labelling/tagging with an appropriate label or tag
• Laying extinguishers on their side
• Not replacing extinguishers on hooks
• Replenishing equipment

Evidence Guide

Critical aspects of evidence:

• Assessment must confirm the ability to correctly identify the type of emergency that has occurred; to identify and take action to avoid or control any associated hazards; to use initial response equipment and techniques to safely and effectively control or contain the emergency

Underpinning knowledge:

• Actions to be followed when initial response action is not safe
• Appropriate initial response equipment
• Facilities that may be used to confine emergencies
• Hazards involved with initial response action
• Implications of the incorrect use of equipment
• Limitations of initial response equipment
• Limitations of use of emergency control equipment or facilities
• Methods of extinguishment
• Safe use of initial response equipment
• Situations that must not be responded to because of the risk
• Types of emergencies
• Workplace procedures

Confine small workplace emergencies

• Give and follow instructions
• Implement workplace procedures
• Re-stow initial response equipment
• Risk management
• Use initial response equipment
• Resource implications Access to scenarios that reflect a range of emergency situations that may be expected in the workplace

Consistency in performance

• Competency should be demonstrated over time with a range of emergencies that could be expected in the workplace using initial response equipment

Context of assessment:

• Competency should be assessed in a simulated environment under conditions that safely replicate workplace emergency situations