Elements and Performance Criteria

Storm and water damage operations may include
Storm damage operations affect rural and urban environments, and range in intensity and effect from localised thunderstorm or windstorm events to tropical cyclones
Similar damage characteristics can result from other causes, such as vehicles crashing into properties. Storm damage operations can involve wind damage to trees, wind and/or hail damage to structures
Flooding, whether caused by slow river rise, storm waters or flash flooding, has similar impact in terms of water damage Techniques for minimising the effects of water entry are common to storm, flood and other water damage events, and they are dealt with in this unit

Operation and task information may include
location, magnitude and type of event
extent and nature of damage
access and egress routes
weather forecast
potential hazards
command, control and coordination arrangements.

Scene reconnaissance may include
A systematic information seeking process where operation and task information is gathered on route to and after arrival at the scene

Hazards and environmental conditions may include
utilities including electricity, gas, water and sewerage threatening trees
damaged structures
mud
adverse weather (particularly high winds and rain)
after dark operations
difficult terrain
debris
time pressure

Public warnings and information may include
warnings may be provided by face-to-face or telephone contact with householders
by public address systems, such as loud-hailers
warnings will be defined by operations managers and delivered under direction
information to encourage self-help will be provided to householders either directly or over the phone

Temporary structural repair methods may include
Repair to structure, walls, and/or roofing (especially metal sheeting), replacing tiles, using tarpaulins or other covering materials. Techniques are outlined in detail in the Australian Emergency Manual, Storm Damage Operations. Repairs can be made to all styles of domestic and commercial structures. Temporary shoring and propping may be used as described in the Australian Emergency Manual, General Rescue. Techniques may include tying back trees to prevent them falling on structures.

Flood safety precautions may include
universal precautions against infection
protective clothing including gloves and footwear
avoiding exposure to contaminated water and mud where possible
reporting cuts and abrasions for cleaning promptly

Evacuation
Evacuation may result from storm or water damage. In this unit evacuation refers to the use of readily available transport. Evacuation and rescue by boat are not dealt with as part of this unit, but are included in the unit Undertake flood and inland waterway rescue boat operations.

Systems for working at heights
Are defined in organisational policies, and must, as a minimum, conform to the system described in the Australian Emergency Manual, Storm Damage Operations.

List of equipment used may include
personal protective equipment
rescue harnesses and ropes
cold or wet weather clothing and sun protection
hand tools (including hammers, nails, screwdrivers, screws and portable power tools such as drills)
tarpaulins of various types and materials plus their fixings
water proofing tapes and sealant materials
pumps
petrol and electric
submersible and non- submersible
props (including "acrow props") and shoring materials
sandbags and sand bagging machines

Critical aspects of evidence
Ability to provide temporary structural waterproofing repairs and lay sandbags to redirect water are critical

Interdependent assessment of units
Pre-requisite Units: Nil
Co-requisite Units:
PUASAR001A Participate in a rescue operation.
PUACOM001A Communicate in the workplace.
PUATEA001A Work in a team.
PUAOHS001A Follow defined occupational health and safety policies and procedures.

Underpinning knowledge
storm damage and flood mitigation concepts, as described in the Australian Emergency Manual - Storm Damage Operations
local operating procedures
relevant SES public information and warning strategies
local community and demographic factors such as language and culture
relevant occupational health and safety principles and practices
the nature of potential hazards including hazardous materials and electricity
hazard minimisation and control techniques
building construction techniques and building types
roofing materials, associated hazards and repair methods
techniques for temporary repair of damaged buildings
techniques for minimising ingress of waters
principles of pumping
temporary flood mitigation measures
legal issues surrounding entry into other person's home or workplace
local documentation requirements
local operational briefing and debriefing procedures
awareness of the need to return equipment to operational readiness after use.
signs and symptoms of operational stress.

Underpinning skills
appropriate personal protective equipment worn correctly
work with others in a team
operate effectively under direction
recognise and use hand and power tools
use ropes, anchors and rigging systems
appropriate safety precautions for working at heights, including establishment of roof safety systems
take precautions against electrical hazards
use ladders
apply temporary roof coverings
use pumps
construct sandbag barriers.

Resource implications
A real life incident, exercise or simulation, or series of tasks is required to demonstrate competence in this unit. The relative infrequency of storm or water damage events makes relying on on-the-job assessment impractical, so training and assessment will usually involve setting scenarios to be completed either individually or as a member of a team. Access to equipment used in storm and water damage operations is essential

Consistency in performance
Candidates should present evidence from practical demonstration in one daytime and one night-time exercise, simulated emergency environment or job

Context of assessment
Effective performance is demonstrated by actually completing storm damage and flood mitigation operations, exercises or scenarios. Assessment will normally be as a member of a team, acting under direction and general supervision, although some skills may be demonstrated individually. Assessment may incorporate questioning during and after an exercise, simulation or on-the-job, hypothetical questioning and written or oral descriptions, discussions and feedback during a debrief