Modification History
Not Applicable
Unit Descriptor
Unit descriptor |
This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to evaluate smoke detection and fire prevention, protection and control systems for buildings up to three storeys and not exceeding a maximum floor area of 2000 square metres. It includes evaluation of firefighting equipment in buildings, integration of active and passive fire protection systems, and the determination of sprinkler and drencher requirements according to the Building Code of Australia (BCA), relevant legislation and Australian standards. |
Application of the Unit
Application of the unit |
This unit of competency supports the attainment of the understanding and skills to apply fire technology to buildings up to three storeys within the context of relevant legislation, the BCA and Australian standards. |
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not Applicable
Pre-Requisites
Prerequisite units |
Nil |
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Employability Skills Information
Employability skills |
This unit contains employability skills. |
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Evaluate smoke control in buildings. |
1.1. Psychological effects of smoke on people exposed to building fires are researched. 1.2. Mechanisms of smoke movement in building are identified and recorded. 1.3. Smoke control systems identified to meet the requirements for buildings are documented in accordance with legislative requirements. 1.4. Application of computer-packaged smoke control systems is analysed and reported. |
2. Analyse passive five protection systems for buildings. |
2.1. Compartmentation purposes are reported. 2.2. Separation requirements for buildings from other buildings and structures are identified and recorded. 2.3. Requirements for escape from buildings are documented according to BCA requirements. |
3. Determine suitability of fire detection systems for buildings. |
3.1. Range of devices for active fire protection, such as alarms and detectors, is identified and selected for purpose use. 3.2. Acts and building regulations that govern the installation of active fire protection systems are identified and recorded for building projects requiring assessment of fire technology systems. 3.3. Requirements for fire detection systems in buildings are identified and selected. 3.4. Requirements for fire detection systems for buildings that present unusual fire hazards are identified and documented. 3.5. Agencies responsible for maintenance of fire safety systems in buildings are identified and listed according to state or territory legislation. |
4. Determine the requirements for a range of firefighting equipment in buildings. |
4.1. Legislation that governs the installation of firefighting equipment is identified and documented. 4.2. Extinguishing mediums used by firefighting agencies and their applications are identified and recorded. 4.3. Properties of extinguishment for the various mediums are identified and documented. |
5. Check and identify fire alarms. |
5.1. Various alarm systems and their operating conditions are identified and documented. 5.2. Various forms of detection and suppression systems are identified in accordance with BCA and relevant Australian standards and are assessed for compliance. 5.3. Components and their function in the operation of a sprinkler system are checked for pertinence in accordance with BCA and relevant Australian standards. |
6. Determine the requirements for sprinklers and drenchers in buildings. |
6.1. Functions of sprinkler and drencher systems are recorded. 6.2. Sources of water supply to a sprinkler system are identified and documented in accordance with BCA. 6.3. Components and their function in the operation of a sprinkler system are interpreted. |
7. Integrated active fire protection systems and passive fire protection are evaluated to ensure a safe and economical building. |
7.1. Active and passive fire protection systems are identified and selected. 7.2. Building examination is carried out to determine the effectiveness of the active and passive fire protection systems according to BCA. |
Required Skills and Knowledge
REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE |
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit. |
Required skills |
Required skills for this unit are:
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Required knowledge |
Required knowledge for this unit is:
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Evidence Guide
EVIDENCE GUIDE |
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The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package. |
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Overview of assessment |
This unit of competency could be assessed in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment, provided that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate construction workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures. |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the ability to:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
This competency is to be assessed using standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints. Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge will usually be conducted in an off-site context. Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards' requirements. Resource implications for assessment include:
Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support. |
Method of assessment |
Assessment methods must:
Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:
Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed. Supplementary evidence of competency may be obtained from relevant authenticated documentation from third parties, such as existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff. |
Range Statement
RANGE STATEMENT |
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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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included. |
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Installation of active fire protection systems includes: |
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Building projects requiring assessment of fire technology systems include: |
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Buildings are limited to: |
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Fire safety systems include: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Unit sector |
Construction |
Co-requisite units
Co-requisite units |
Nil |
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Functional area
Functional area |