Unit of competency details

Release 

TP Version  

Comments 

2

PUA12 V2

Application of the Unit added

Performance Criteria 2.3 expanded

Performance Criteria 3.5 expanded

Range statements revised to reflect current work requirements

Method of assessment added

1

PUA00 V8.1

Primary release on TGA

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. Conduct pre-donning checks and tests on breathing apparatus 

1.1 Breathing apparatus  is inspected  for immediate use in accordance with the organisation's procedures

1.2 Faulty or damaged equipment is reported and recorded in accordance with the organisation's procedures

2. Don and check breathing apparatus 

2.1 Breathing apparatus is donned in accordance with the organisation's procedures

2.2 Breathing apparatus is started and checked in accordance with organisational procedures

2.3 Breathing apparatus control procedures  are followed in accordance with the organisation's procedures

2.4 Ancillary equipment required for the task is selected for use

3. Operate breathing apparatus 

3.1 Hazards  are identified, monitored and controlled in accordance with the organisation's procedures

3.2 Communication  is established and maintained with members and other appropriate personnel throughout the activity

3.3 Activities are undertaken as a member of a team, demonstrating effective application of breathing apparatus in accordance with the organisation's procedures

3.4 Entrapment procedures  are implemented in accordance with the organisation's procedures

3.5 Personal safety is maintained at all times

4. Conclude operations 

4.1 Breathing apparatus set is closed down in accordance with organisational procedures

4.2 Breathing apparatus set is removed in accordance with the organisation's procedures

4.3 After use cleaning and maintenance of breathing apparatus is undertaken in accordance with the organisation's procedures

4.4 Equipment is made ready for operational use in accordance with organisational procedures

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

Required Skills 

• implement emergency procedures
• inspect, don, operate, remove, clean and maintain breathing apparatus
• return breathing apparatus to operational status

Required Knowledge 

• characteristics, component parts, operation of compressed air breathing apparatus
• operating breathing apparatus
• operational testing, standard operating procedures and safe work practices when wearing breathing apparatus
• organisational entrapment procedures
• personal protective equipment
• relevant Australian Standards (AS)
• respiratory system, effects of irrespirable atmospheres on the body and how breathing apparatus supports personal protection
• types of irrespirable atmospheres (heated, smoke or other suspended particles)
• use of procedures, personal lines and tallies
• use of the Distress Signal Unit
• use of the breathing apparatus control equipment

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:

• comply with relevant Australian Standards /New Zealand Standards (AS/NZS) such as AS/NZS 1715:2009 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment and AS/NZS 1716:2003 Respiratory protective devices
• appropriately conduct pre-donning tests
• correctly don breathing apparatus
• operate breathing apparatus
• move in conditions of reduced visibility
• implement breathing apparatus emergency procedures
• follow organisational procedures
• correctly remove breathing apparatus
• return breathing apparatus to operational status

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed on-the-job and/or in a range of simulated environments.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• range of controlled or simulated scenarios
• breathing apparatus and associated equipment

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 workor in an agency-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.

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.

Types of breathing apparatus  must include:

• open circuit

and may also include:

• airline equipment
• escape sets

Breathing apparatus is inspected  must include:

• ancillary equipment
• cylinder pressure
• integrity of air flow system
• integrity of components
• serviceability of components

Breathing apparatus control procedures  must include:

• principles of breathing apparatus control
• organisational procedures
• stage 1 (one entry point)
• stage 2 (multiple entry points)
• entry/exit control point
• entry/exit control officer
• timing device

Breathing apparatus control equipment  must include:

• control boards
• breathing apparatus set tallies
• entry control officer identification
• guideline and branch line tallies
• procedures
• personal lines

Hazards  must include:

• disorientation in smoke/darkness or confinement
• entrapment
• exhaustion of air supply (regular gauge monitoring)
• failure to maintain a face seal
• fire
• malfunction of equipment
• manual handling
• structural hazards and/or hazardous materials

Communications  must include:

• distress signal unit
• portable radio

and may also include:

• communications sets
• hand signals
• signal lines

Entrapment procedures  must include:

• activating the distress signal unit
• calling for assistance
• ceasing all strenuous activity
• relocating to safest available place
• remaining calm

Co-requisite Unit /s 

Nil