Elements and Performance Criteria

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.
Interviews must include questions that determine:
time of the structural collapse
type of occupancy of the structure (school, office, apartment, building, etc.)
number of suspected missing
if structure has been searched before
if structural engineer has checked the building and findings
if structure is safe to enter
if blueprints are available
if HAZMAT has checked the area and findings
if utilities have been isolated, how and by whom
if heavy rescue is available
if medical is available
if a veterinarian is available
Site assessment techniques may include:
identifying any exclusion zones
identifying hazards
incident action plan
prevailing wind and weather conditions
results of initial reconnaissance
Search strategy must include:
delineation of primary and secondary search areas based on:
information gathered from interview/s
site assessment
Risks may include:
climatic conditions
distractions
lighting
other animals present
protruding objects
slippery floors
steps
terrain and obstacles to be traversed
Environmental conditions may include:
building configuration and size
cold
heat
rain
time delay
wind
Safe and appropriate manner may include:
canine search team being confident, calm and methodical
canine working off lead
managing canine in unsafe and high risk environments
working in accordance with relevant legislation, policy and guidelines
Maintaining control may include:
recalling the canine
canine being responsive to direction controls
canine responding to an emergency stop
canine directing away from canine search specialist on command
Working independently may include:
canine working at a distance from canine search specialist
canine working out of sight of canine search specialist
Distractions may include:
noises such as:
running generators
machinery
rescue tools
other distractions such as:
personnel
smoke
food
Assistance may include:
assisting canine to traverse difficult obstacles
guiding canine
helping canine onto unstable elevated surfaces
intervening to prevent accident or injury to the canine
providing motivation and support where necessary, however during an alert, support and motivation can only be provided after the canine has initiated the bark alert
stopping and restarting the search
taking appropriate breaks, rest and water
Canine actions, indications and characteristics must include:
ability to handle any distractions that may occur
ability to work scent cones
canine does not avoid obstacles
canine identifies live human scent with a bark alert
canine searches independently of canine search specialist
canine traverses all surfaces efficiently
canine covers search site as directed
high levels of search drive/eagerness/willingness to work
Canine actions indications and characteristics may include:
false alert
passive alert behaviours
Correctly indicating location of live human scent with a bark alert must include:
canine remaining at location of victim after indication of scent
canine search specialist notifying assessor of find
Required timeframe is defined as:
twenty minutes to search each search area after the completion of the briefing
Relevant information to be recorded may include:
details of areas searched
details of search and its conclusion
potential victim locations and any influencing factors
unidentified hazards
Sketch of search area must include:
alert locations
compass orientation
prominent features
Recommendations may include:
alternate search strategies (such as technical search, additional canine resources)
improving search processes
potential extrication points for victims
Relevant personnel may include:
member of incident management team
other canine search specialists
USAR canine search team leader
Legislation, policy and guidelines may include:
Australian Standards
Australian Urban Search & Rescue Canine Capability Best Practice Guideline
guidance notes
national codes of practice
organisational policies and procedures
state/territory and federal animal welfare legislation
state/territory occupational health, safety and welfare legislation and regulations
Basic care must include:
examining pads, webbing, toes, nails and bones of the foot of the canine
irrigating canine's eyes in an appropriate manner
treating minor injuries and contamination such as cuts, abrasions, foreign bodies, torn nails, fractures, sprains, irritant substances

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
follow the Australian Urban Search&Rescue Canine Capability Best Practice Guideline
implement USAR canine search methods and techniques
handle a canine to maintain control and prevent accidents or injury to self and/or other/s including members of the public
apply emergency first aid techniques for canines
only accompanying the canine on the rubble pile when find is indicated or when directed by the assessor
conduct four searches within a 24 hour period; two searches must be conducted consecutively
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated over time under a range of conditions that would be expected in the workplace.