Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Interpret and comply with legal and industry requirements relating to service operations.

1.1 Apply knowledge and understanding of legislative requirements , including relevant state and territory building codes, manufacturer documentation and Australian standards to work procedures  and clarify where necessary with relevant persons .

1.2 Apply knowledge and understanding of ODS and SGG  legislative and industry requirements to inspect and test gaseous fire suppression systems.

1.3 Apply knowledge and understanding of the operation of fire protection systems to determine system key functional requirements and operation within design limitations.

1.4 Identify potential and actual breaches  of legislative and industry requirements and take action according to organisational requirements , and ODS, SGG and OHS policies and procedures .

2 Identify requirements and components of the gaseous fire suppression system.

2.1 Identify gaseous fire suppression system  application and method of operation.

2.2 Identify and locate system components  of the gaseous fire suppression system according to function, manufacturer manuals, Australian standards and installer documentation.

2.3 Verify system layout is in accordance with installation drawings .

2.4 Identify isolation devices  for gaseous fire suppression systems  and interface controls to other systems.

2.5 Identify potential and actual breaches of the gaseous fire suppression equipment and system performance according to Australian standards, relevant state and territory building codes, and manufacturer documentation.

3 Prepare to inspect, test and maintain gaseous fire suppression systems.

3.1 Organise all necessary work permits  prior to entering customer premises.

3.2 Advise relevant persons  and occupants of protected areas and areas surrounding test site, of intended test and procedures required by Australian standards and manufacturer recommendations.

3.3 Assess system and surrounding work area for hazards .

3.4 Identify and assemble tools , equipment and testing devices  for inspect, test and maintain procedures according to work procedures  and organisational requirements .

3.5 Switch alarm signalling equipment (ASE) to test mode where back -to -base facilities  transmit a signal to monitoring centre during test tasks.

3.6 Physically isolate equipment and gaseous fire suppression function to ensure testing or maintenance procedures do not cause discharge of extinguishing agent.

3.7 Electrically isolate equipment and interface controls to other systems so no alarms are unduly generated.

3.8 Install and calibrate test equipment to verify operation of components and system.

4 Inspect installed gaseous fire suppression system.

4.1 Identify and locate system components  of gaseous fire suppression system according to function and manufacturer manuals.

4.2 Complete mechanical  inspection tasks  specified for maintenance schedule periods  described in the current Australian standards, manufacturer specifications and procedures, service manual instructions and service bulletins.

4.3 Follow all safety procedures during inspection.

4.4 Complete documentation , record inspection results and report faulty equipment according to Australian standards, work procedures , technical specifications and customer requirements .

5 Test installed gaseous fire suppression system.

5.1 Complete mechanical test tasks  specified for maintenance schedule periods described in the current Australian standards, manufacturer specifications and procedures, service manual instructions and service bulletins.

5.2 Follow all safety procedures during testing.

5.3 Complete documentation , record test results and report faulty equipment according to Australian standards, work procedures , technical specifications and customer requirements.

6 Conduct preventive maintenance on installed gaseous fire suppression system.

6.1 Complete the mechanical preventive maintenance tasks  specified for maintenance schedule period  described in the current Australian standard, according to legislative requirements , manufacturer specifications and procedures, service manual instructions and service bulletins.

6.2 Repair or replace faulty equipment according to Australian standards, work procedures , technical specifications and customer requirements.

6.3 Organise transportation and refilling of gaseous agent containers by authorised refilling station.

6.4 Follow all safety procedures during preventive maintenance.

6.5 Complete documentation  and record preventive maintenance results, repairs and replacements of faulty equipment according to Australian standards, work procedures , technical specifications and customer requirements.

7 Reinstate installed gaseous fire suppression system.

7.1 Reinstate  installed gaseous fire suppression system to fully operational state.

7.2 Leave customer premises in a clean and tidy condition on completion of work.

Key competency 

Example of application 

Performance level 

How are ideas and information communicated?

Gather information from a number of sources, including regulatory, manufacturer, organisational and customer sources, to enable accurate inspecting, testing and maintenance activities to occur.

2

How can information be collected, analysed and organised?

Discuss and confirm customer requirements and complete administrative documentation.

2

How are activities planned and organised?

Plan mechanical inspection and maintenance activities to assemble appropriate tools and hardware for on-site services and organise work schedules to suit customer and organisational requirements.

2

How is teamwork used?

Apply consultative and collaborative approaches through support and assistance provided to customers and work groups.

1

How are mathematical ideas and techniques used?

Apply mathematical techniques to on-site mechanical inspection, test and maintenance tasks.

2

How are problem-solving skills applied?

Identify potential problems throughout mechanical inspect and test activities especially with regard to ambiguous information received from information sources, and identify processes to be followed when unusual faults are detected.

3

How is the use of technology applied?

Demonstrate sound technical knowledge of equipment functions to allow accurate inspection, testing and maintenance to occur.

2

Overview of assessment 

• Competency in this unit underpins competency in other aspects of the candidate's role in managing work tasks.
• This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units of competency relevant to the job function.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

• Competency is to be demonstrated through at least one practical demonstration covering the full range of performance criteria.
• Type of gaseous fire suppression system tested should correlate to the workplace setting of the candidate.
• Ability to transfer skills to other situations described in the range statement may be inferred from this assessment. (Oral questioning may be used to provide evidence of this ability.)
• A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of:

• locating, interpreting and applying relevant information, standards and specifications
• complying with OHS and ODS and SGG regulations (where required) and state and territory legislation applicable to workplace operations
• complying with organisational policies and procedures, including quality requirements
• communicating and working effectively and safely with others.

• In a minimum of two different settings:

• identifying potential risks and hazards
• identifying risk reduction measures
• adhering to safety procedures during inspect, test and maintain procedures
• identifying installed gaseous fire suppression system
• identifying and locating system components
• identifying, selecting and using tools, equipment and materials effectively to perform inspect, test and maintain procedures on an installed gaseous fire suppression system
• matching installed system to installation drawings
• identifying isolation devices and interface controls to other systems
• switching alarm signalling equipment to test mode
• physically isolating equipment and gaseous fire suppression system
• electrically isolating equipment and interface controls to other systems
• installing and calibrating test equipment
• completing specified mechanical inspection tasks, documenting results and reporting faulty equipment
• completing specified mechanical test tasks, documenting results and reporting faulty equipment
• completing specified mechanical preventive maintenance tasks, repairing or replacing faulty equipment and documenting results
• reinstating system to operational state
• completing workplace housekeeping requirements.

Specific resources for assessment 

• The following resources should be available:

• access to customer premises or a simulated workplace environment
• assessment documentation
• all necessary tools, specialist equipment, manuals and relevant documentation, including ODS and SGG policies and work procedures
• training and assessment record books.

• Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
• Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.
• Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Context of assessment 

• For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, competency should be demonstrated over a period of time and be observed by the assessor (or assessment team working together to conduct the assessment).
• Competency is to be demonstrated in a range of situations, reflecting the practical requirements of the workplace which may include customer and workplace interruptions and involvement in related activities normally experienced in the workplace.
• Assessment of competency over the full range of performance criteria should be made through practical demonstrations at a customer's premises. However, at times this may not be practicable, and in these situations, the conditions normally available to the candidate may be simulated in an environment suitable for assessment.
• Candidates should also be given the opportunity to practise and undertake self-assessment of performance before requesting formal assessment.

• Oral questioning or a written assessment may be used to assess underpinning knowledge. (In assessment situations where the candidate is offered a preference between oral questioning and written assessment, questions are to be identical.)
• Assessment of evidence should establish the candidate's ability to perform the job to the standard required in the workplace.
• Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence or reports from supervisors or team leaders. Other forms of evidence may include audit reports, customer survey reports and appraisal reports.
• Candidate should be encouraged to compile a portfolio of examples of completed documentation relevant to candidate's organisation. One accurate example of each completed document is suggested as sufficient to infer competency and the ability to transfer appropriate skills to each document type when required in the workplace. (Oral questioning may contribute as evidence of this ability.)
• Information derived from enterprise policies and practices must be treated as commercial-in-confidence.
• In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.
• Questioning will be undertaken in such a manner as is appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy levels of the candidate and any cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions. It will reflect requirements of the unit of competency and the work being performed.
• Where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (RCC or RPL), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents current competency demonstrated over a period of time.

• Performance and assessment of this unit must be carried out within the relevant requirements of the following legislative and industry framework:

• building Acts, regulations and codes
• Australian and international standards identified as relevant to the required inspect, test and maintain procedure
• environmental regulations
• manufacturer specifications
• organisational requirements, including policies and procedures relating to ODS, SGG and OHS
• ODS and SGG legislation, codes and regulations
• OHS legislation, codes and regulations.

Legislative requirements  may include:

• relevant federal, state and territory building Acts, regulations and codes
• OHS legislation, codes and regulations
• relevant current Australian standards, such as AS 1851, AS 1603, AS 1670, AS 4214, AS 4428 and AS 2030
• ODS and SGG legislation, codes and regulations, such as Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Amendment Regulations , 2005 
• fire protection industry codes of practice
• manufacturer system manuals
• dangerous goods regulations
• licensing arrangements
• environmental regulations
• building surveyor requirements
• other relevant legislation relating to fire protection equipment, including international, shipping and marine codes
• Australian petroleum industry requirements.

Work procedures  may include:

• instructions from colleagues, supervisors and managers
• specific customer requirements
• work instructions to prevent the emission of ODS and SGG in the workplace
• assignment instructions
• equipment manufacturer requirements
• reporting and documentation requirements
• personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.

Relevant persons  may include:

• team leaders
• supervisors
• managers
• colleagues
• building owners or nominated representatives
• customers.

ODS and SGG  materials are listed using the format: Product name  (other names); use. Check the latest amendments to the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act  for the current list of ODS and SGG extinguishing agents which may include:

• Blitz III  (HCFC Blend D); used in flooding systems
• CFC 11  (trichlorofluoromethane, CCl3 F); may be found as a propellant in some powder fire extinguishers (this product is banned in Australia)
• FC-2-1-8  (CEA-308, CF3 CF2 CF3 ); used in flooding systems
• FC-3-1-10  (CEA-410, C4 F10 ); used in flooding systems
• FC-5-1-14  (CEA-614, C6 F14 ); used as a streaming agent
• FE-227  (heptafluoropropane, HFC-227ea); used as a total flooding extinguishing agent - is a replacement for Halon 1301 

• FE-25  (pentafluoroethane, HFC-125); used in inerting and explosion suppression applications and retro-fit to existing Halon 1301 systems 
• FE-36  (hexafluoropropane, HFC-236fa); used in portable fire extinguishers - is a replacement for Halon 1211 and Halon 1301 
• FE-13  (trifluoromethane, HFC-23); used as a total flooding agent 
• FE-241  (chlorotetrafluoroethane, HCFC-124); used as a total flooding agent for non-occupied spaces and as a streaming agent 
• FM100 ®  (HBFC-22B1); used in portable fire extinguishers
• FM200 ®  (heptafluoropropane, HFC-227ea); used in chemical storage areas, clean rooms, communications facilities, laboratories, museums, robotics and emergency power facilities
• Halotron  (HCFC Blend B); used as a total flooding agent and streaming agent
• Halon 1211  (BCF); used as a streaming agent - requires a special permit in Australia
• Halon 1301  (BTM); used as a total flooding agent - requires a special permit in Australia
• Halon 2402  (dibromotetrafluoroethane , C 2 Br 2 F 4 ); limited use in military systems - requires a special permit in Australia
• HCFC 22  (chlorodifluoromethane , CHClF 2 ); used as a propellant in some powder fire extinguishers (this product is banned in Australia)
• HFC 134a  (unsymmetric tetrafluoroethane, CH2 FCF3 ); used as a propellant in some powder fire extinguishers
• NAF-S-III  (HCFC Blend A); used as a total flooding agent - is a replacement for Halon 1301
• NAF-P-III  (HCFC Blend C); used as a streaming agent - is a replacement for Halon 1211
• NAF-P-IV  (HCFC Blend E); used as a streaming agent
• SF6  (sulfurhexofluoride, SF6 ); used as an inerting agent for sealed high voltage switchgear.

Key functional requirements relate to  interpreting the system functions within design limitations, such as:

• system is total flooding or local
• gaseous system suppression of fire mechanism in relation to the fire triangle
• gaseous flooding discharge time and holding time, and factors that can effect these key design requirements, including:

• pipe blockages
• nozzle location
• orifices
• openings in protected enclosure

• understanding of environmental and occupational hazards caused by gaseous agents.

Potential and actual breaches  could be identified by:

• direct observation
• workplace quality assurance teams.

Organisational requirements  may be located in quality assurance and/or procedures manuals and relate to:

• legal and organisational policies and guidelines
• personnel practices and guidelines outlining work roles, responsibilities and delegations
• legislation relevant to service operations
• OHS policies, procedures and programs
• ODS and SGG policies, procedures and programs
• documentation and information systems and processes
• use of electronic job scheduling and communication devices.

OHS policies and procedures  may relate to:

• employer and employee rights and responsibilities
• the OHS hierarchy of control
• assessing the work site for hazards and risks prior to preparing it for the work procedure
• displaying signs and using barriers in work area
• hazard and risk identification and reporting
• risk assessment and control measures
• incident and accident investigation
• OHS audits and safety inspections
• safe operating procedures and instructions, including:

• working safely around electrical wiring, cables and overhead powerlines
• working safely around tools and equipment
• working safely on ladders and raised platforms
• risk and hazard recognition
• emergency procedures
• awareness of electrical hazards
• following confined spaces procedures
• using PPE, including:
• safety glasses or goggles
• safety boots or shoes
• hard hats
• earmuffs or plugs
• appropriate gloves and overalls
• sunhats
• dust masks

• equipment maintenance and use
• use and storage of hazardous substances
• first aid.

Gaseous fire suppression systems :

• may include:

• liquefied gas extinguishing agents
• non-liquefied gas extinguishing agents

• amount of extinguishant in each container may be determined by weighing methods or using liquid level detectors
• gaseous extinguishants may vary according to the specific installation.

System components  may include:

• fire alarm system interface components, such as:

• anti-tamper switches
• gaseous system controls and indicators on control and indicating equipment (CIE), such as fire indicating panels (FIP) approved to AS 1603 or AS 4428
• positional monitoring switches
• pressure switches
• pyrotechnic actuators (detonators)
• remote gas control points
• solenoid valve actuators

• warning system equipment, such as:

• alarm bells
• warning lights and strobes
• warning speakers

• fixed gaseous agent fire protection equipment, such as:

• actuation control devices mounted (installed) on the container valve assembly to actuate the container valve, such as:
• electrical operation: signal generated from CIE panel as part of a fire alarm detection system
• pneumatic operation: from fire detector (typically heat)
• mechanical operation: via signal from Local Control Station or fire detector
• manual operation: by direct push lever or pull cable system
• agent discharge nozzles
• container discharge valves
• discharge piping and fittings, and supports
• flexible discharge hose and fittings
• gaseous agent containers
• pilot and slave tubes
• fittings
• pressure relief and directional valves
• system lock-off valves
• system operational indication devices.

Installation drawings  may include:

• installation drawings that meet the requirements of AS 4214 and AS 1670, including:

• 'for construction' drawings
• 'as installed' or 'as built' drawings.

Isolation devices  may include:

• CIE including:

• gas control panels
• fire indicating panels

• pneumatic isolation devices
• mechanical isolation devices.

Work permits  may include permits to:

• enter a work site
• enter a restricted area within a work site
• enter a work site at specific times
• ensure that specific OHS requirements are met before entering a work site.

Hazards  may include:

• ergonomic, such as incorrect manual handling methods
• environmental, such as improper use of ODS and SGG, hazardous materials and other chemicals
• environmental risks from ODS and SGG emissions that could be caused by:

• transporting, storing and manual handling ODS and SGG containers
• servicing and maintaining container valve assemblies
• installing and removing container valve assembly, manifold connection components and actuation control devices
• conducting interface tests between container actuation control devices, CIE and fire alarm system during inspect, test and maintain procedures

• obstructive, such as blocked access to emergency entry or exit points
• hazards associated with electrical or mechanical faults
• any source of potential harm
• any situation with a potential to cause loss
• equipment in a work site
• people in a work site
• work methods, plans and procedures.

Tools , equipment and testing devices  may include:

• hand tools, including:

• hammers
• pliers
• screwdrivers
• spanners
• spirit levels

• power tools, including:

• battery-powered drills
• hammer drills

• manual handling aids, including:

• hand trucks
• lifting straps
• trolleys

• servicing tools and testing devices, including:

• actuator simulators
• barcode readers
• container contents test equipment
• electrical multi-meter
• re-charging and pressurising equipment
• safety equipment
• scales
• service tag punch

• fire equipment spare parts, including:

• aerosol test smoke
• anti-tamper seals
• clamps
• service tags.

Back -to -base facilities :

• monitoring equipment that is connected by alarm signalling equipment (ASE) from the CIE to a communication path (telephone line or a radio link) and then to a monitoring centre
• monitoring centres can be operated by or on behalf of a fire authority for the purposes of mobilising and directing firefighting resources to site where CIE is installed.

Mechanical inspection tasks  may include:

• actions to complete mechanical inspection tasks according to AS 1851, such as:

• check that gas discharge pipe lock-off valve (if fitted) is correctly labelled and accessible
• visually check that all gas containers are secure, accessible and free from damage
• inspect each container pressure indicator to check that the pressure is within the prescribed limits
• where there is no container pressure indicator, check that system discharged indicator has not operated
• check that all release mechanisms, including drop weights, are undamaged, accessible and unimpeded
• check gas container enclosure is accessible, adequately illuminated, ventilated and secured against unauthorised entry

• check integrity of all pneumatic piping and fittings
• check that entire protected area enclosure complies with original design
• check that all discharge nozzles are clear and unobstructed, correctly aimed and secured
• check all actuating devices for any condition that is likely to adversely affect their operation, such as excessive deposits of dust or paint coating
• inspect all areas adjacent to protected area to ensure that migration of gas does not create a hazard to personnel
• inspect protected area to check that the risk has not changed from original design, such as computer room to combustible storage and equipment
• check that all pipework, flexible connectors and manifolds are free from damage and adequately secured
• check that discharge from all pressure-relief devices and vent valves does not create a hazard to personnel
• check that all directional valves and check valves are correctly orientated
• check to determine if cylinder valve overhaul is due
• check to determine if cylinder hydrostatic pressure test is due in accordance with AS 2030.1 or AS 1851
• check age of pyrotechnic actuator to determine if due for replacement.

Maintenance schedule periods  may be:

• monthly
• six-monthly
• yearly
• five-yearly
• ten-yearly.

Documentation  may include:

• service test record logbooks
• job cards
• customer recommendation forms
• service agreements
• expense claims
• application for credit forms
• equipment recommendation forms
• motor vehicle fleet cards
• corrective action reports
• petty cash vouchers
• certificates of inspection
• product documentation
• maintenance record systems.

Customer requirements  may include:

• providing routine services
• providing non-routine or urgent services
• confirming or varying service instructions
• sighting work permits
• sign-in and sign-out procedures for entry to or exit from premises
• written or verbal confirmation of services provided and future maintenance schedule.

Mechanical test tasks  may include:

• actions to complete mechanical test tasks according to AS 1851, such as:

• simulate a system operation and confirm that discharge actuators and directional valves operate correctly
• test operation of all mechanical manual discharge release systems
• test operation of mechanical automatic discharge release systems not operated through CIE, such as fusible links
• operate system lock-off valve and confirm that the system inoperative visual warning device (VWD) operates
• confirm by weighing or other acceptable means that each gas container is charged with correct quantity of extinguishing agent
• test to ensure correct operation of all automatic pneumatic controls
• simulate operation of agent release detection device and confirm indication of agent release at system control panel.

Mechanical preventive maintenance tasks  may include:

• actions to complete routine mechanical maintenance tasks according to AS 1851, such as:

• check operation of mechanical container actuator and lubricate as necessary
• check operation of remote mechanical release system and lubricate as necessary
• check operation of automatic mechanical release system and lubricate as necessary
• replace pyrotechnic container actuator that will exceed its listed lifetime prior to next scheduled maintenance
• clean dampers and nozzles that are subject to deposit of contaminants, such as cooking oil, hot wax, etc.

• actions to conduct non-routine maintenance, such as general isolation to CIE so that building works can be done, then resetting systems after works are completed.

Reinstate process  may involve:

• confirming all interface actuation control devices are isolated and appropriate signage, documentation and lock-off are in place
• removing transport caps on actuation outlets, plugs and locking devices according to manufacturer and organisational requirements
• re-installing pneumatic actuators and pilot and slave tubes and fittings according to finalised design documentation and installation drawings
• checking pneumatic actuator and pilot and slave tubes connection are free from kinks and physically checking for tightness
• re-installing electrical and mechanical actuators according to finalised design documentation and installation drawings
• physically checking tightness of electrical and mechanical actuators and that they are correctly set to operate
• re-installing manual actuators according to finalised design documentation and installation drawings
• physically checking tightness of manual actuators and that they are correctly set to operate with safety device engaged

• activating all interface actuation control devices and removing signage, documentation and lock-off for functional testing
• advising relevant persons that system is fully operational and providing appropriate technical, maintenance or handover instructions on operation of system
• leaving work site clean and tidy with materials disposed of or recycled according to state or territory legislative and industry requirements.