Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 4:02 PM AWST

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Respond to workplace emergencies

Respond to workplace emergencies

Unit of competency
National Code
PUAWER004B
State Code
D5575
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
17/08/2012
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
28/11/2012
Field of Education
061301 - Occupational Health And Safety
Original Release Date
28/11/2012
Nominal Hours
5
Description
This unit covers the competency required to recognise emergencies in the workplace, to report emergencies and to take appropriate action.For this unit workplace is defined as the area encompassed by an individual’s responsibilities.This unit has been developed to cover the broad range of emergencies and workplaces as considered in Australian Standard 3745—2010.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for emergency situations
  • 1.1 Current workplace emergency procedures to be used by employees and other workplace occupants are identified and followed.
  • 1.2 Emergency resources in the workplace are identified and located.
  • 1.3 Emergency response exercises are participated in according to workplace emergency procedures.
2. Report emergencies and potential emergencies
  • 2.1 Emergencies and potential emergencies are identified and reported according to workplace emergency procedures.
  • 2.2 People in any immediate danger from the emergency or potential emergency are alerted according to workplace emergency procedures.
3. Respond to emergency warnings and advice
  • 3.1 Emergency warnings and advice are responded to according to workplace emergency procedures.
  • 3.2 Instructions from emergency control response personnel are complied with during an emergency.
  • 3.3 Sources of additional information are identified and information is sought from relevant people if the situation is not clear.
4. Evacuate from the work area
  • 4.1 Need to evacuate from the work area is determined according to the level of immediate danger or instruction issued under the workplace emergency procedures.
  • 4.2 Work area is prepared for evacuation according to workplace emergency procedures and the nature of the emergency.
  • 4.3 Area of danger is evacuated according to workplace emergency procedures.
  • 4.4 Where it is safe to do so, assistance is provided to people who may require assistance.
  • 4.5 Evacuation procedures and instructions from emergency control organisation or emergency response personnel are followed.
  • 4.6 Alternative pathways or methods of evacuation are identified, assessed and chosen according to workplace emergency procedures if usual means of evacuation are blocked or endangered.
  • 4.7 Communication systems are used according to workplace procedures.
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.
Emergency response exercises may include
briefings
debriefings
emergency exercises, simulations and reviews
table/desk top exercises
Emergency warnings may include
audible/visual alarms
audible or vibrating pagers
coded or uncoded public address announcements
e-mail
screen alerts
stench alarms
verbal alert
People who may require assistance may include
babies and children
people with a mobility, intellectual, visual, auditory or sensory impairment, either temporary or permanent, who require assistance during an emergency response
people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds
people who are injured
people who are not able to comprehend the instructions given
pregnant women
the elderly
Emergency response personnel may include
emergency control organisation members
counsellors
emergency response team members
police, fire and emergency services
peer support
recovery team
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to apply workplace procedures; to maintain own safety and the safety of others in emergency situations; and to follow workplace emergency procedures and the advice of emergency control organisation members.
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated over time with a range of emergencies that could be expected in the workplace including assisting people who may need assistance.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace.
Specific resources for assessment
Access to:
scenarios that reflect a range of emergency situations that may be expected in the workplace
appropriate emergency resources
range of communication equipment relevant to the workplace
workplace emergency procedures and documentation
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OAZ11 PUAFER004 Respond to facility emergencies Unit of competency