Unit of competency details

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DEF12V2

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DEF12V1

Primary release.

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. Prepare for fire starting 

1.1 Tinder  is collected, dried and protected 

1.2 Kindling  is collected, prepared and stored in a dry location

1.3 Fuel  is collected, prepared and stored in a dry location

2. Start and maintain fire 

2.1 A fire safe area is sited and prepared 

2.2 Fire is started from improvised means 

2.3 Fire is prevented from extinguishing 

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

Required Skills 

• implement fire safety

Required Knowledge 

• chemical and electrical hazard awareness
• fire safety
• hypothermia
• range of applications of fire in a survival situation
• rescue signals

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to produce fire from traditional means and friction; to nurture the ember (from the traditional means only) into a robust flame (i.e. a small bonfire) through the careful and sequential additions of tinder, kindling and fuel; and to maintain a fire continuously regardless of weather conditions (which must include rain) demonstrating due regard to the safety of persons and equipment, and the surrounding environment.

Consistency in performance 

Competency must be demonstrated once under the range of methods detailed in the establishment of fire but the maintenance of fire should be assessed over time.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency must be assessed in a simulated workplace environment.

While a person can demonstrate the technical ability to start and maintain a fire, doing so in a survival situation is crucial; consequently it is strongly recommended that holistic assessment be conducted with other associated survival units.

Assessment under simulated survival conditions should include:

• food restrictions (food should be restricted to half the recommended daily caloric intake)
• the absence of normal living conditions and amenities such as showers, beds and bedding (warmth to be provided by fire), kitchens etc. with the attendant levels of personal discomfort and fatigue
• a significant period of time - the recommendation is four days.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access to assessment area with access to a sufficient quantity of suitable dry organic material to start fires; friction method fire starting resources including bootlace (as bow-string); and a knife.

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.

Tinder  may include:

• Dried filaments of grass and fibre
• Extremely fine/ground shavings
• Fluff/down from clothing
• Punk from traditional drillings

Protecting tinder  may include:

• Using purpose waterproof container or improvised equivalent
• Preventing unnecessary absorption of atmospheric water

Kindling  may include:

• Leaves
• Grass
• Shavings
• Small twigs

Fuel  includes:

• Branches
• Logs

Preparing a fire safe area  includes:

• Minimising threat to the survivor
• Minimising threat to the survivor's effects and equipment
• Preventing escape of the fire into surrounding vegetation

Improvised means  may include:

• Chemical:

• brake fluid and potassium permanganate
• glycerine and potassium permanganate
• potassium permanganate and sugar

• Electrical:

• dry cell and steel wool
• car battery and jumper leads

• Friction:

• flint/striker systems

• Solar:

• focal point of headlight dish
• magnifying glass/lens

• Traditional:

• bow
• bowstring (bootlace)
• hand drill
• plough

Preventing a fire from extinguishing  includes:

• All weather conditions