Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit covers the competency required to prepare proof firing points to support proof and trial testing of munitions and weapon systems.

The practitioner is responsible for ensuring the available firing point technologies and equipment best meet the design outcomes of the required test, not for planning the proof or trial outcome being tested.

Application of the Unit 

This unit was developed for firing point specialists working within proof and experimental organisations in Defence but is applicable to any individual in this field of work.

Typically these individuals must demonstrate the ability to work as part of a team under direct and/or indirect supervision, use discretion and judgement, and take responsibility for the quality of their output. All activities are carried out in accordance with relevant organisational policies and procedures.

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Pre-requisite Unit /s 

Nil

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 proof or trial firing 

1.1 Proof or trial instruction  is read and clarified where necessary in accordance with standard procedures

1.2 Relevant range regulations  are identified and applied in accordance with standard procedures

1.3 Occupational health and safety (OH&S) requirements and recognised safety precautions including organisational procedures, are applied throughout the task

1.4 Required stores and equipment  are identified, resourced and checked for calibration, serviceability and safety

1.5 Liaison with relevant parties  is conducted

1.6 Agreement is obtained on firing point preparation in consultation with stakeholders and resources, in accordance with organisational procedures

2. Establish firing point 

2.1 Equipment is installed in accordance with the proof or trial instruction and in compliance with relevant safety instructions and directions

2.2 Installation of data acquisition equipment by relevant personnel is monitored

2.3 Safety traces are checked against the set-up to confirm safety parameters are being adhered to

2.4 Functionality of the equipment is checked and identification data, condition and calibration are recorded

3. Monitor firing point equipment 

3.1 Performance of equipment is monitored 

3.2 Performance of equipment is documented and reported in accordance with organisational procedures

3.3 Observations of equipment are documented and reported

4. Recondition firing point 

4.1 Safety checks are undertaken in accordance with organisational procedures

4.2 Equipment calibration is confirmed and recorded

4.3 Equipment condition is recorded and reported in accordance with organisational procedures

4.4 Firing point is reconditioned in accordance with proof or trial instruction and/or in accordance with organisational instructions

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required Skills 

• analyse and evaluate information
• communicate with stakeholders
• identify relevant information
• liaise effectively with stakeholders
• prepare and present simple reports
• provide and receive feedback in a constructive manner
• review literature
• use appropriate information technology and software
• use a variety of verbal and non-verbal communication techniques

Required Knowledge 

• analysis process
• effect of small arms, other calibre and explosive fire/detonation
• information sources
• licensing requirements
• organisational guidelines and standards
• proof and trial tests involving explosive ordnance
• regulatory requirements
• relevant codes of practice
• relevant legislation
• simple research techniques
• standards relevant to organisational operations
• verbal communication techniques
• workplace safety including the handling of explosive ordnance
• written communication to a level required in the preparation of simple reports

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

• prepare, install and recondition the equipment necessary to prepare proof firing points
• monitor these during proof firings.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over time in a variety of environments and tests/trials.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated work environment, in accordance with all relevant legislation and organisational requirements.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• live fire range and live ammunition
• pyrotechnics
• explosives.

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.

Proof or trial instruction may include 

Proof or trial mounting instructions

Relevant technical publications or attachments

Sponsor proof or trial objectives

Technical policy or instructions relevant to the proof or trial

Range regulations may include 

Ammunition technical instructions

Range, area and organisational standing orders

Relevant weapon, ammunition and equipment publications

Safety manual

Equipment may include 

Devices/equipment supporting measurement at firing points

Devices to support static or person fired tests/trials and may include custom made weapon holding/firing structures

Devices supporting test/trial initiation at firing points

Relevant parties may include 

Ammunition preparation staff

Data acquisition personnel

Range staff including:

• range conducting officer
• range environmental staff
• range maintenance staff
• range safety staff

Stakeholders

Monitoring performance of equipment may include 

Observation of equipment and site during test directly

Remote monitoring