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 installation operations.

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

1.2 Apply knowledge and understanding of ODS and SGG  emission legislative and industry requirements to the installation of gaseous agent containers and actuation devices.

1.3 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 Receive system components.

2.1 Check procurement details and specifications of system components and materials  against finalised design documentation  and installation drawings .

2.2 Check all pre -tested or prefabricated components  have correct documentation identifying compliance with Australian standards.

2.3 Confirm components and materials are in acceptable condition  and meet quality control checks.

2.4 Assemble labour, tools , equipment and materials , and hardware components  at work site.

3 Prepare for installation of gaseous agent containers and actuation devices.

3.1 Organise necessary work permits  prior to entering customer premises.

3.2 Adhere to safety procedures  according to organisational requirements , customer requirements  and manufacturer requirements.

3.3 Identify potential risks and hazards .

3.4 Identify, select and check required tools , equipment and materials , and use safely and efficiently.

3.5 Confirm installation site as appropriate with relevant persons  and finalised design documentation  and installation drawings .

3.6 Check appropriate safety measures are in place prior to the installation process.

4 Install gaseous agent containers and actuation devices.

4.1 Fix support systems, components and fittings according to finalised design documentation  and installation drawings .

4.2 Correctly support containers and fix support frame according to installation drawings .

4.3 Install container bank manifold and connection components.

4.4 Physically check flexible hose connections are free from kinks and check for tightness.

4.5 Remove transport caps on actuation outlets, plugs and locking devices according to manufacturer and organisational requirements.

4.6 Safely install manual and pneumatic actuation control devices , pilot and slave tubes and fittings.

4.7 Install auxiliary shutdown fire system and equipment  interface and alarm device connections.

4.8 Physically check pilot and slave tube connections are free from kinks and check for tightness.

4.9 Check actuation control devices  are set to operate and engage safety device, as needed.

4.10 Leave installation site clean and tidy with materials disposed of or recycled in accordance with state or territory legislative and industry requirements.

4.11 Complete documentation  according to work procedures .

Key competency 

Example of application 

Performance level 

How are ideas and information communicated?

Discuss and confirm customer requirements in a clearly structured and defined manner and complete administrative documentation accurately and clearly.

2

How can information be collected, analysed and organised?

Gather information from a number of sources, including regulatory, manufacturer and organisational sources ensuring all work falls within service technician's scope of responsibility.

3

How are activities planned and organised?

Design planning of installation activities with regard to assembling appropriate tools and hardware for on-site services and organising work schedules to suit customer and organisational requirements.

3

How is teamwork used?

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

2

How are mathematical ideas and techniques used?

Apply mathematical techniques and time management principles for on-site installation activities and reporting requirements while adhering to designated work schedules.

1

How are problem-solving skills applied?

Identify and apply problem-solving and systematic techniques throughout installation activities while considering ambiguous information received from information sources, potential risks and due processes to be followed when unusual problems are encountered.

3

How is the use of technology applied?

Demonstrate sound technical knowledge of features of equipment and accuracy throughout installation activities while being able to use, organise, record and present information using technology.

3

Overview of assessment 

• Competency in this unit underpins competency in other aspects of the candidate's role in managing their 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 

• 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 site safety plan, OHS regulations 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 risk reduction measures
• identifying, selecting and assembling hardware and components
• identifying, selecting and using tools, equipment and materials effectively to perform installation procedures on gaseous agent containers and actuation devices
• checking procurement details and specifications of gaseous agent containers, actuation devices and materials
• applying quality control checks to gaseous agent containers, actuation devices and materials
• adhering to safety procedures during installation procedures
• installing system components, fittings, actuation control devices, activating mechanisms and auxiliary shutdown interface as required by installation guidelines

• completing workplace housekeeping requirements
• creating appropriate records and documentation.

Specific resources for assessment 

• Resource implications for assessment include access to:

• actual or simulated work environment, including gaseous agent containers and actuation devices
• finalised design documentation and installation drawings for a gaseous fire suppression system
• assessment documentation, including training and assessment record books
• all necessary tools, specialist equipment, materials and spare parts
• relevant manuals and other documentation, including Australian standards.

• 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 may be made through practical demonstrations. Consideration should be given to assessing consistency of outcome over an appropriate period of time.
• Candidates should also be given the opportunity to practise and undertake self-assessment of performance before requesting formal assessment.

• All safety requirements must be adhered to during all practical activities.
• 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 that demonstrate an understanding of the requirements for receiving and installing gaseous agent containers and actuation devices.
• 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 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 installation procedures
• environmental regulations
• manufacturer specifications
• organisational requirements, including policies and procedures relating to ODS, SGG and OHS
• OHS legislation, codes and regulations
• ODS and SGG legislation, codes and regulations.

Legislative requirements  may include:

• relevant current Australian and international standards e.g. AS 4214, NFPA 12 and NFPA 12A
• relevant federal, state and territory building Acts, regulations and codes e.g. Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 
• Building Code of Australia (BCA)
• building surveyor requirements
• OHS legislation, codes and regulations
• dangerous goods regulations
• licensing arrangements
• environmental regulations, including ODS and SGG legislation, codes and regulations
• 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
• assignment instructions
• equipment manufacturer requirements
• reporting and documentation requirements
• ODS, SGG and OHS requirements
• personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.

Relevant persons  may include:

• team leaders
• supervisors
• managers
• colleagues
• 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.

Potential and actual breaches  could be identified by:

• direct observation
• workplace quality assurance teams.

Organisational requirements  may include:

• legal and organisational policies and guidelines
• personnel practices and guidelines outlining work roles, responsibilities and delegations
• legislation relevant to the installation operation
• OHS policies, procedures and programs
• procedures and work instructions to prevent the emission of ODS and SGG in the workplace
• documentation and information systems and processes
• use of electronic job scheduling and communication devices.

OHS policies and procedures  may include:

• 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.

System components and materials  may include:

• actuation control devices (pneumatic, electrical, mechanical and manual operation)
• agent discharge nozzles
• agent distribution pipework and hose networks
• container bank manifold connections
• container discharge valves
• control equipment
• detection devices
• extinguishing agent containers (tanks and cylinders)
• flexible discharge hose and fittings, including hose check valve connected between container valve and fixed pipework manifold arrangement
• pilot and slave tubes
• fittings between container valves.

Finalised design documentation  may include:

• finalised design documentation that meets the requirements of AS 4214 or equivalent that may include information about:

• system concentration and calculations
• technical bulletins
• material safety data sheets on agents and equipment
• manufacturer information.

Installation drawings  may include:

• installation drawings that meet the requirements of AS 4214 or equivalent and may include information about:

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

Pre -tested or prefabricated components  may include:

• container with valve assembly
• flexible discharge hose with fittings.

Acceptable condition  may include:

• use of transport caps
• use of safety devices.

Tools , equipment and materials  may include:

• hand tools, including:

• hammers
• spirit levels
• pliers
• screwdrivers
• spanners

• power tools, including:

• battery drills
• hammer drills
• nail guns

• manual handling aids, including:

• hand trucks
• hooks
• lifting magnets and straps
• suction grips
• trolleys
• wheelbarrows

• servicing tools and equipment, including:

• hydrostatic test equipment
• re-charging and pressurising equipment
• safety equipment
• scales
• service tag punch

• fire equipment spare parts, including:

• anti-tamper seals
• hoses
• labels
• nozzles
• pressure indicators
• seals
• service tags
• valves

• non-licensed mechanical handling aids, including:

• cranes
• hoists
• manually operated forklifts and pallet trucks.

Hardware components  may include:

• actuation control devices
• agent discharge nozzles
• agent distribution pipework and hoses
• bolts and nuts
• container valves
• control equipment
• double-sided tape
• extinguishing agent containers (tanks and cylinders)
• hex nipples
• identifying signs
• liquid adhesives
• nails
• pipe adaptor bush fittings
• plugs
• pneumatic detection devices
• screws
• support brackets
• thread sealant.

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.

Safety procedures  may include:

• confirmed acceptable floor loading
• container handing techniques
• job safety analysis (JSA) performed for installation, in particular, manual handling.

Customer requirements  may include:

• providing routine services
• providing non-routine or urgent services
• confirming installation instructions
• confirming variations to installation 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 services, such as maintenance.

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, such as from ODS and SGG emissions that could be caused by:

• transporting, storing and manual handling containers containing ODS and SGG agents
• servicing and maintaining container valve assemblies
• installing and removing container valve assembly, manifold connection components and activating mechanisms
• conducting interface tests during commissioning, servicing and decommissioning procedures between container activating mechanisms, control and indicating equipment (CIE) and fire alarm system

• 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.

Actuation control devices  (also known as actuators) may include:

• electrical  operation: signal generated from the 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.

Auxiliary shutdown fire system and equipment :

• may include auxiliary shutdown valves that interrupt fuel or electricity supplies before the extinguishing agent is discharged
• may interact with:

• air conditioning equipment
• fire dampers
• lock out switches for gas extraction.

Documentation  may include:

• corrective action report
• customer recommendation forms
• equipment recommendation forms
• expense claims
• job cards
• maintenance record system
• manufacturer system documentation
• product documentation
• service agreements
• test results and test reports.