Unit of competency details

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PUA12 V2.1

Editorial changes.

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PUA12 V2

New unit.

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. Proceed to fire 

1.1 Information received about the location and type of fire  is recorded in accordance with organisational requirements.

1.2 Appropriate personal protective clothing  is donned in accordance with organisational procedures.

1.3 Most effective route to the fire is identified.

2. Prepare extinguishing media and/or equipment for use 

2.1 Water supplies  at the incident to support firefighting are located.

2.2 Equipment  to access and supply water to the firefighting operations is identified and assembled in accordance with organisational procedures.

2.3 Nominated extinguishing media  and/or equipment is identified, obtained and or accessed.

3. Combat fires 

3.1 Personal safety is maintained at all times in accordance with organisational procedures for responding to isolated structure fires, and occupational health and safety guidelines.

3.2 Hazards  are identified and reported to supervisors in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.3 Firefighting strategies are implemented under the direction of the supervisor and in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.4 Safe escape routes are identified and maintained at all times.

3.5 Access to the location of the fire  is gained, protecting life and minimising damage to the environment  and property in accordance with organisational procedures

3.6 Extinguishing media and equipment are used in accordance with manufacturers’ specifications and organisational procedures.

3.7 Communication with other team members and supervisor is maintained throughout the incident in accordance with organisational procedures.

4. Observe and report changes in conditions at the fire 

4.1 Changing conditions at the fire  are observed and the effects on fire behaviour are noted and reported.

4.2 Firefighting tactics are adapted to meet changing conditions and fire behaviour.

5. Participate in ancillary operations 

5.1 Ancillary activities  to complement firefighting operations and prevent further damage to the structure are undertaken.

5.2 Assistance is given to complete and record appropriate incident information.

6. Conclude firefighting operations 

6.1 Firefighting equipment is collected and stowed.

6.2 Incident scene is made safe for the public.

6.3 Defective or missing equipment is identified and reported.

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

Required Skills 

• apply extinguishing media to the fire
• obtain water from reticulated/static water supplies
• operate a branch
• operate a fire extinguisher

Required Knowledge 

• behaviour of a building/structure in a fire
• causes and signs of structural collapse
• extinguishing media
• fire behaviour
• fire tetrahedron
• firefighting foams
• firefighting techniques and procedures
• fireground signals (audible and visual)
• hazards
• methods of heat transfer
• organisational procedures
• portable fire extinguishers
• principles and methods of extinguishment
• procedures for working with ladders, ropes and lines
• safe work practices
• tying knots

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:

• identify signs of structural collapse
• apply firefighting techniques
• select and use appropriate personal protective clothing
• select and use firefighting equipment
• implement actions at the incident to avoid the risk of injury

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 fires
• firefighting equipment
• extinguishing media

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 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.

This unit may be assessed with the following unit/s:

• PUATEA001B Work in a team

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.

Type of fire  must include:

• structure fires

Personal protective clothing  must include:

• appropriate personal protective clothing for the task
• turnout uniform and gloves

and may also include:

• eye protection
• hearing protection
• (but does not include breathing apparatus)

Water supplies  may include:

• open water supply
• reticulated water systems
• static water supplies

Equipment  must include:

• branches
• fire extinguishers
• hoses and hose fittings
• nozzles
• radios
• rope lines
• site entry tools such as cutting tools, axes, bolt cutters
• small gear and ancillary equipment

and may also include:

• hydrants
• monitors
• standpipes

Extinguishing media  must include:

• water
• foam

and may also include:

• other fire extinguishing substances

Hazards  must include:

• electricity
• gas
• hazardous products and materials
• machinery, equipment, products
• smoke, darkness and heat
• structural collapse

Access to the location of the fire  must include:

• appropriate entry techniques
• normal entry
• and does not include entry to a structure

Damage to the environment  may include:

• air
• flora and fauna
• soil
• water

Changing conditions at the fire  may include:

• fire spread
• flame colour and size
• signs of structural collapse
• smoke colour
• weather conditions

Ancillary activities  may include:

• assisting with:
• damming water run off
• making-up equipment
• securing the area