Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 1:02 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
PUASAR006B
State Code
D3004
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
09/02/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
06/08/2014
Field of Education
091105 - Police Studies
Original Release Date
06/08/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit covers the competency to undertake trench rescue as member of a single agency or multi-disciplinary team.
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 is selected relevant to trench rescue operation
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 maintain a safe and effective operational environment
  • 2.3 Communication with other personnel on site is established and maintained
  • 2.4 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 to confined space
  • 4.1 Assessment is undertaken of incident scene to determine possible location of casualties
  • 4.2 Appropriate resources are used to assist in the location of casualties
  • 4.3 The 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 casualty
  • 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 the incident scene, where required
6. Conclude rescue operations
  • 6.1 Equipment is recovered, cleaned and maintained according to organisational standards and manufacturer's guidelines
  • 6.2 Where identified signs and symptoms of operational stress are recognised and promptly reported
  • 6.3 Operational documentation is completed to organisational standards
RANGE STATEMENT
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.
Trench is defined as
Under State/territory legislation
Trench rescue equipment may include
shoring shields and propping equipment
excavators
excavating equipment
pumps
hand tools
ventilation equipment
atmospheric monitoring
Situational or environmental hazards may include
exposure to toxic or biological or substance
moving machinery either electrical or mechanical
heat exhaustion or hypothermia
further trench collapse
vibrations from external sources
weather
water
tides
falls from heights or into depths
Personal protective equipment may include
gloves
helmets
safety glasses
hearing protection aids
spillage/Hazmat clothing
safety lines
breathing apparatus/airline
Recognised removal techniques may include
shoring
propping
shielding and excavating
Operational documentation may include
incident field notes
post operational report
incident report
organisational procedures and related legal requirements
Scene management may include
establishing barriers and perimeter access controls
management of bystanders and media
establishing and monitoring safety zones
medical liaison/preservation of evidence
EVIDENCE GUIDE



Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
It is essential for this unit that competence be demonstrated in:
ability to shore, prop and shield
ability to recognise further signs of trench collapse
application of safe work practices
extrication of casualty minimising further injury to self or others

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
Evidence should be gathered by observing an individual in an actual or simulated rescue context
Specific resources for assessment
Assessment of this competency requires access to an appropriate training location/venue/trench
Organisation's rescue equipment and personnel for teams-based activities

Guidance information for assessment
Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
D5535 PUASAR030A Undertake trench rescue Unit of competency