Habc Level 4 Certificate for an Explosive Detection Dog Handler
FACT SHEET
HABC LEVEL 3 CERTIFICATE FOR A
FIRE INVESTIGATION SEARCH DOG HANDLER
Introduction
The HABC Level 3 Certificate for Fire Investigation Search Dog Handlers aims to provide the learner with the basic skills, knowledge and understanding required to ensure the provision of a professional level of service as an Ignitable liquid Detection Dog Team.
This HABC Level 3 Certificate is delivered by the Association of Fire Investigation Dog Handlers (AFIDH) and has been developed by the National Association of Security Dog Users (NASDU) as an HABC Approved Centre in conjunction with AFIDH to compliment the National Occupational Standards (NOS’s) for a Detection Dog Handler and the training requirements contained within BS 8517-2:2010, (in that) it is an assessment of the learners (handlers) ability to read the indications given by a dog and to meet the required performance criteria.
For Whom Suitable
This programme meets the requirements of those learners who are serving Fire Officers or employed by a Local Authority Fire Service and wish to become a Fire Investigation Search Dog Handlers.
Awarding Body
HABC – An awarding organisation approved by the Regulatory Authority OFQUAL and recognised by the SIA
Level
Level 3 Certificate
Course Duration
Training would be delivered over a number of weeks and would be of sufficient duration to ensure competency, having a minimum of 150 guided learning hours (GLH's).
GLH's are recorded hours of direct training, structured learning and assessment given to an individual learner by their tutor(s) and not the duration of a course.
Programme Structure
The programme is flexible with a mixture of theory and practical tuition and is made up of 5 units all of which are compulsory (see content).
Prior Learning
All learners should have had completed an I.F.E recognised Fire investigation Course.
The learner should be competent in the handling of a dog. The dog should possess the suitable drives required for its role and have had basic obedience training.
Learners who have proven Fire Investigation Search dog handling experience or who has attended a Police Accredited Course within the last 5 years may apply for accreditation of prior learning (APL).
A minimum of 15 GLH’s shall be required for final assessment and examination and to confirm understanding of Fire Investigation Search Dog Handling.
It is required that the learner and their dog are assessed prior to commencement of training by an AFIDH Approved Instructor/Trainer for which additional GLH’s may be identified.
Assessment
The mode of assessment shall be by ongoing practical assessment, by question and answer sessions, by a written examination and final practical examination.
Verification
Course assessment and on-going verification shall be carried out by an Approved AFIDH Instructor/Trainer; internal moderation shall be carried out by AFIDH/NASDU;external moderation shall be carried out by HABC.
Final assessment/examination regarding the indication of target scents and safe systematic search shall be carried out by a suitably qualified examiner (i.e. ACPO) that does not have an interest in the learner passing the qualification.
Instructors
All dog handling Instructors/Trainers shall be AFIDH approved or ACPO approved.
Certification
Certificate(s) shall be for the handler and also as a Team i.e. handler and dog.
Progression
The successful learner can proceed onto an AFIDH Accredited Instructors qualification
Content
Unit 1(20 GLH)Roles and Responsibilities of a Fire Investigation Search Dog Handler
•Underpinning Knowledge
Unit 2(20 GLH)Control a Fire Investigation Search Dog under Operational Conditions
•Selection
•Control
•Recall
Unit 3 (100 GLH)Operational Control
•Prior Assessment
•Locating – Building Search
•Locating – Open Terrain Search
•Locating – Item Search
•Indication – Building Search
•Indication – Open Search
•Indication – Item Search
•Safe Systematic Search
Unit 4(10 GLH)Health & Safety
•Health & Safety Assessment
•Grooming
•Load & Unload
•Emergency First Aid
Unit 5(10 GLH)Management
•Operational Management
•Storage, Use & Transportation
•Progression of Training
Further Information
Please contact the AFIDH Certification/Qualifications Officer for a list of Approved Instructors/Trainers authorised to deliver this qualification, also course tutorial fees and registration/certification fees.
September 2014