Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit covers the competency required to carry out initial response to suppress a fire. It also includes the ability to identify the nature and classification of the fire, report the fire and carry out evacuation procedures.

The unit does not cover the competencies needed to become a professional or volunteer firefighter; these competencies are covered in other units in the Fire sector of the Public Safety Training Package.

Application of the Unit 

This competency normally applies to the individual who may be required to provide the initial response to fire that may occur in an open field, building or storage area; and may be located on land, on board a ship at sea or in harbour, in the air; and may occur in the day or night and under any weather conditions.

Pre-requisite Unit /s 

Nil

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

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 Required Skills and Knowledge and/or the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare for fire 

1.1 Procedures related to a fire emergency are accessed, interpreted and rehearsed

1.2 Location of firefighting equipment  is identified and the equipment is checked in accordance with organisational  procedures and referred for maintenance/replacement as required

2. Carry out initial notification and assessment 

2.1 Nature and scope of the fire is identified, confirmed and reported to appropriate personnel

2.2 Fire situation is assessed and appropriate course of action is determined in keeping with requirements for personal safety

2.3 Notification of fire threat is undertaken in accordance with authorised procedures

2.4 Emergency evacuation procedures are followed, where appropriate, and in accordance with organisational procedures

3. Extinguish fires 

3.1 Fires are extinguished using the appropriate equipment, materials and procedures

3.2 Extinguisher is applied to ensure fast knockdown of fire

3.3 Extinguisher is used at the appropriate range and time

3.4 Extinguisher is used to minimise damage to equipment and facilities and to minimise risk of injury to personnel

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required Skills 

• access, read and interpret local emergency procedures
• apply evacuation procedures
• assess fire situation and notify authorities
• carry out periodic checks on firefighting equipment
• identify emergency alarms and match with response requirement
• identify, select and use firefighting equipment
• participate in a team
• use a variety of verbal and non-verbal communication techniques

Required Knowledge 

• composition of teams, and roles and responsibility of team members
• fire alarm systems
• local area emergency procedures
• principles of teamwork, team aims and objectives
• site emergency plan
• techniques for supporting others/team members
• types, operations and application of firefighting equipment including extinguishers, hosereels and, where appropriate, monitors
• verbal and non-verbal communication techniques including language, language style, active listening

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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:

• adhere to relevant occupational health and safety (OH&S) requirements and operational safety in a manner which maximises individual safety and the safety of others
• identify and locate firefighting equipment in a local area
• conduct periodic checks of firefighting equipment
• assess the fire situation
• notify fire situation to relevant authorities
• apply evacuation procedures
• identify, select and use firefighting equipment.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated in a range of actual or simulated explosive ordnance contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or under conditions that accurately simulate a realistic workplace in accordance with all relevant legislation and organisational requirements.

The assessment environment should include open field/at sea conditions, during the day or night and under a representative set of weather conditions.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• facilities and resources used in responding to fire in a facility where packaging, storage, distribution and maintenance of explosive ordnance is undertaken, including a licensed explosive site.

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 industry-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.

RANGE STATEMENT 

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.

Firefighting equipment may include 

Extinguishers

Fire blankets

Fire hose reels

Fire hydrants

Firefighting vehicles

Personal protection equipment (PPE)

Monitors

Organisation may include 

Defence organisation

Enterprises that work with explosive ordnance

Other government departments or instrumentalities that work with explosive ordnance