Unit of competency details

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PUA12 V2.1

Editorial changes.

1

PUA12 V2

New unit.

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. Identify burn areas and burn objectives 

1.1 Areas requiring prescribed burning are identified in the prescribed burn plan  in accordance with organisational procedures

1.2 Burn objectives  and actions required are developed in accordance with organisational procedures

1.3 Target groups  are identified and consultation process is initiated in accordance with organisational procedures

2. Prepare plans for prescribed burning 

2.1 Fuel types and quantities within the burn area are determined

2.2 Fire behaviour and intensity required to meet burn objectives are determined

2.3 Burn ignition strategies and tactics  suited to the location and that provide the fire behaviour required to meet objectives, are nominated in accordance with organisational procedures

2.4 Result of consultation undertaken and input is factored into the planning process in accordance with organisational procedures

2.5 Legislative requirements are identified and complied with

2.6 Hazards,  the safety of people,  and protection of property , assets,  and the environment  are taken into account through proposed ignition and control strategies and tactics

2.7 Required preparatory hazard mitigation and asset protection works are identified

2.8 Type and quantity of resources  required are identified

2.9 Conditions for implementation of the strategies and tactics are specified in accordance with organisational procedures

2.10 Contingencies are outlined in prescribed burn plan

3. Gain prescribed burn approval  

3.1 Burn plan is submitted for approval in accordance with legislative requirements and organisational procedures

3.2 Modifications and amendments to burn plan are made based on feedback received

3.3 Burn plan approval is gained

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills 

• assess fuel types and quantities
• assess risk
• communicate effectively in writing
• consult and liaise with the community
• predict fire behaviour
• prepare plans
• read maps
• recommend actions to be taken and communicate these actions with others

Required Knowledge 

• effects of fire on vegetation, fauna and accumulated fuels
• effects of fire on areas and places of cultural significance
• fire behaviour for fuel type being prescribed
• legislation relevant to the application of prescribed fire
• prescribed burning ignition and suppression strategies
• safe work practices
• organisational procedures
• wildfire hazards

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:

• develop timelines for burn planning and conduct of burn
• identify risks and hazards
• develop burn objectives
• develop strategies and tactics to meet burn objectives
• identify actions required to minimise unacceptable impacts of burn preparation and conduct
• identify and consult with target groups

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated in a range of actual and/or field-based workplace environments.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in an agency approved simulated and/or workplace environment.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• area requiring the application of fire under prescribed conditions
• existing management plans and data relevant to the area being prescribed

Method of assessment 

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an agency-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

• direct observation
• interviewing the candidate
• journals and workplace documentation
• third party reports from supervisors
• written or oral questions

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.

Prescribed burn plan  includes:

• approval of the plan for the conduct of prescribed burning
• map identifying the area to be burned
• specifications and conditions under which the operation is to be conducted

Burn objectives  may address:

• asset protection
• community protection
• habitat management
• hazard reduction
• management of cultural sites and activities
• vegetation management

Target groups  may include:

• adjacent land owners and/or managers
• commercial operations within the impact zone
• community groups with specific interests
• government organisations including local, state and federal
• other groups and people within the prescribing organisation

Burn ignition strategies and tactics  may include:

• contingency planning
• fire behaviour to be achieved
• ignition methods, lighting patterns, sequencing and timing of ignition

Hazards  may include:

• adjoining land use, proximity to urban areas
• adverse terrain or weather conditions
• falling trees and limbs
• flammable vegetation
• flammable hazardous materials
• road traffic

People  may include:

• people involved with burn implementation
• people on areas adjacent to the burn area
• people permanently or temporarily in the burn area
• smoke vulnerable communities

Property and assets  may include:

• commercial crops or other assets on the burn area
• cultural sites, historical buildings, etc.
• property and assets adjacent to or within the burn area
• stock

Protection of the environment  may include:

• consideration of location of native flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species
• safe use of chemical fire suppressants
• smoke management
• soil conservation
• water quality

Resources  may include:

• crews for ground ignition and suppression
• equipment back-up
• ignition and suppression equipment and supplies
• logistical support
• other vehicles
• tankers