CPPSEC2103 — Q&A Reference
WHS · EMERGENCY RESPONSE · EVACUATION PROCEDURES — 67 QUESTIONS · 15 TOPICS
Duty of Care
4 questions
Q01Explain how a Security Officer's duty of care applies during an emergency evacuation.
AnswerA Security Officer must take reasonable steps to protect the safety of occupants, visitors and colleagues during an emergency. This includes providing clear instructions, identifying hazards, assisting vulnerable persons where safe to do so and following emergency procedures.
Q02Why is duty of care important when managing a security emergency?
AnswerDuty of care helps ensure people are protected from foreseeable harm and that emergency responses are conducted safely and professionally.
Q03Provide four examples of duty of care responsibilities during an evacuation.
Answer
- Directing people to safe exits
- Reporting hazards immediately
- Assisting persons with mobility limitations
- Ensuring assembly areas are used correctly
Q04How can a Security Officer breach their duty of care during an emergency?
AnswerBy ignoring hazards, failing to report risks, giving incorrect instructions or abandoning responsibilities without justification.
Limits of Own Authority
4 questions
Q05Why must Security Officers understand the limits of their authority during emergencies?
AnswerTo ensure actions remain lawful, safe and consistent with workplace procedures.
Q06What should a Security Officer do if an emergency situation exceeds their authority?
AnswerSeek assistance from supervisors, emergency services or other authorised personnel.
Q07Give three examples of actions that may exceed a Security Officer's authority.
Answer
- Directing firefighting operations beyond training
- Conducting specialist rescue operations
- Providing medical treatment beyond first aid qualifications
Q08Why should Security Officers avoid acting outside their competence?
AnswerTo prevent injury, legal liability and operational failures.
Workplace Health & Safety
4 questions
Q09What is the purpose of WHS legislation in the security industry?
AnswerTo protect workers and others from workplace hazards and risks.
Q10How does WHS contribute to effective emergency management?
AnswerIt provides processes for hazard identification, risk assessment and safe work practices.
Q11List four common WHS hazards that may arise during an evacuation.
Answer
- Smoke
- Slippery surfaces
- Electrical hazards
- Falling objects
Q12What should a Security Officer do after identifying a workplace hazard?
AnswerAssess the risk, implement controls if possible and report the hazard according to workplace procedures.
Hazard & Risk
5 questions · 1 new
Q13Define the term "hazard."
AnswerA hazard is a situation or thing with the potential to cause injury, illness, damage or loss.
Q14Define the term "risk."
AnswerRisk is the possibility that harm — death, injury or illness — might occur when a person is exposed to a hazard, combined with the severity of that harm.
Q15Provide three examples of hazards in a commercial building.
Answer
- Exposed electrical wiring
- Wet floors
- Obstructed emergency exits
Q16Why is it important to distinguish between a hazard and a risk?
AnswerUnderstanding the difference assists in selecting appropriate control measures.
Q17What four core steps make up the WHS risk management process?New
Answer
- Identify hazards
- Assess risks
- Control risks
- Review control measures
Hierarchy of Control
5 questions · 1 new
Q18What is the purpose of the hierarchy of control?
AnswerTo manage hazards using the most effective control measures available, ranked from most to least reliable.
Q19List the hierarchy of control from most effective to least effective.
Answer
- Elimination
- Substitution
- Isolation
- Engineering controls
- Administrative controls
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Q20Provide an example of elimination as a control measure.
AnswerRemoving a damaged electrical appliance from service.
Q21Why is PPE considered the least effective control?
AnswerBecause it does not remove the hazard at the source and instead relies on correct, consistent use by individuals.
Q22Under WHS Regulations, is applying the hierarchy of control optional or mandatory when a hazard cannot be eliminated?New
AnswerIt is mandatory. Duty holders must always aim to eliminate the risk first; where elimination is not reasonably practicable, the WHS Regulations require working through the remaining levels of the hierarchy in order rather than defaulting straight to administrative controls or PPE.Source: Safe Work Australia, Code of Practice — How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks (Nov 2024)
Emergency Warning Systems
4 questions
Q23What is the purpose of an Emergency Warning and Intercommunication System (EWIS)?
AnswerTo provide instructions and warnings during emergencies.
Q24Why must Security Officers understand workplace emergency signals?
AnswerTo respond correctly and provide accurate instructions to occupants.
Q25What information may be communicated through an emergency warning system?
Answer
- Evacuation instructions
- Emergency locations
- Safety directions
- Status updates
Q26Why should emergency announcements be clear and concise?
AnswerTo reduce confusion and support orderly evacuation.
Evacuation Procedures
4 questions
Q27Why is it important to know evacuation routes?
AnswerTo assist people in reaching safety quickly and efficiently.
Q28What is an assembly area?
AnswerA designated safe location where occupants gather after evacuation.
Q29What actions should occur after arriving at an assembly area?
Answer
- Conduct accountability checks
- Await instructions
- Report missing persons
Q30Why should people not re-enter a building after evacuation?
AnswerRe-entry should not occur until authorised by emergency services or responsible personnel, as conditions inside may still be unsafe.
Modified Evacuation Procedures
4 questions
Q31When may evacuation routes need to be modified?
AnswerWhen exits are blocked, unsafe or affected by the emergency.
Q32Provide three examples where evacuation procedures may change.
Answer
- Fire blocking an exit
- Chemical spill near an assembly area
- Structural damage to part of a building
Q33Why is flexibility important during evacuations?
AnswerConditions can change rapidly and require alternative actions.
Q34What should Security Officers do if a primary evacuation route becomes unsafe?
AnswerImplement alternative evacuation procedures and communicate the change.
Emergency Communications
4 questions
Q35Why are approved call signs used during emergencies?
AnswerTo clearly identify personnel and improve communication efficiency.
Q36What information should be provided when requesting emergency assistance?
Answer
- Location
- Nature of emergency
- Hazards present
- Assistance required
Q37Why is radio discipline important during emergencies?
AnswerTo ensure critical messages are transmitted clearly and efficiently.
Q38How can poor communication affect emergency response?
AnswerIt can cause delays, confusion and increased risk.
Dynamic Risk Assessment
4 questions
Q39What is a dynamic risk assessment?
AnswerAn ongoing assessment of risks in a changing situation.
Q40Why is dynamic risk assessment important during emergencies?
AnswerBecause conditions can change rapidly and require immediate reassessment.
Q41Provide an example of dynamic risk assessment during a fire emergency.
AnswerChanging evacuation routes after discovering smoke has spread into a stairwell.
Q42What factors should be continually monitored during a dynamic risk assessment?
Answer
- Hazards
- Behaviour of people
- Environmental changes
- Available resources
Terrorism Awareness & Crowded Places
5 questions · 1 new
Q43What is meant by a crowded place?
AnswerA location that is easily accessible by large numbers of people on a predictable basis, and may be vulnerable to attack.
Q44Why are crowded places considered attractive targets?
AnswerBecause the high volume and concentration of people, rather than the location itself, can cause significant casualties, disruption and fear.
Q45What is the purpose of Australia's Strategy for Protecting Crowded Places from Terrorism?
AnswerTo strengthen preparedness, prevention, protection and response capabilities, and to make crowded places more resilient while preserving public use and enjoyment of these places.
Q46What are three examples of crowded places?
Answer
- Shopping centres
- Stadiums
- Transport hubs
Q47What is Australia's current National Terrorism Threat Level, and what does it mean?New
AnswerThe threat level is PROBABLE, reflecting ASIO's assessment that individuals and groups continue to possess both the intent and the capability to conduct a terrorist attack in Australia. It is reviewed regularly and is not specific to any one city or event.Source: National Security Hotline / nationalsecurity.gov.au
Active Armed Offenders
6 questions · 2 new
Q48What is an active armed offender?
AnswerA person actively attempting to cause serious harm using weapons.
Q49What are common characteristics of active armed offender incidents?
AnswerRapid development, unpredictability and high risk to life.
Q50What should a Security Officer prioritise during an active armed offender incident?
AnswerPreservation of life and immediate communication with emergency services.
Q51Why is early reporting critical during active armed offender incidents?
AnswerIt allows emergency services to respond quickly.
Q52What is the national public safety message used to guide behaviour during an armed attack?New
Answer"Escape. Hide. Tell." — escape the area if it is safe to do so, hide and stay quiet if escape isn't possible, and tell police by calling 000 once safe.Source: Australia-New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee / NSW Police
Q53If it is safe to assist others while escaping an armed attack, what should an officer keep in mind?New
AnswerHelp others only if it is safe to do so, and continue to stay aware of surroundings while providing assistance.Source: NSW Police, Escape. Hide. Tell. guidance
Hostile Vehicles
2 questions
Q54What is a hostile vehicle attack?
AnswerThe deliberate use of a vehicle to cause injury, damage or disruption.
Q55Identify three indicators of a potential hostile vehicle threat.
Answer
- Unusual vehicle movements
- Attempts to access restricted areas
- Vehicles left unattended in suspicious locations
Chemical Weapons & Hazardous Substances
2 questions
Q56What signs may indicate a chemical attack?
Answer
- Difficulty breathing
- Unusual odours
- Eye irritation
- Multiple casualties with similar symptoms
Q57What is the recommended response to a suspected chemical release?
AnswerMove away from the area, notify emergency services and follow emergency procedures.
Improvised Explosive Devices
3 questions
Q58What is an improvised explosive device (IED)?
AnswerA homemade device designed to cause explosion and harm.
Q59Identify four indicators of a suspicious package.
Answer
- Unusual wires
- Excessive packaging
- Strange odours
- No return address
Q60What should a Security Officer do if a suspicious package is discovered?
AnswerDo not touch it, isolate the area, notify emergency services and follow procedures.
Behavioural Anomalies & Suspicious Behaviour
5 questions
Q61What is a behavioural anomaly?
AnswerBehaviour that appears unusual or inconsistent with the environment.
Q62What behaviours may indicate hostile reconnaissance?
Answer
- Taking detailed photographs of security measures
- Repeated visits without clear purpose
- Monitoring staff routines
Q63Why should suspicious behaviour be reported promptly?
AnswerEarly reporting may prevent criminal or terrorist activity.
Q64What observations should be included when reporting suspicious behaviour?
Answer
- Physical description
- Actions observed
- Location
- Time and date
Q65How can Security Officers balance vigilance with professionalism when observing suspicious behaviour?
AnswerBy remaining objective, avoiding assumptions, recording facts and following workplace procedures.