Unit of competency details

Release

TP Version  

Comments 

2

PUA12 V2

Content reviewed

Application of the Unit added

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. Locate installed fire safety system/s and any associated controls and panels 

1.1 Installed fire safety system/s  are located for pre-fire planning , inspection, reports and/or onsite cues.

1.2 Installed fire safety system’s control/indicating panels, where applicable, are located, used and monitored in accordance with procedures, to facilitate their use in supporting firefighting operations.

2. Utilise installed fire safety system/s to maximise effectiveness of firefighting operations and occupant evacuation 

2.1 Installed fire safety system/s are used  in accordance with organisational procedures to facilitate locating the fire; to support occupant evacuation, rescue and fire suppression; and to minimise damage.

2.2 Any faults with the system are reported to supervisor.

3. Utilise building evacuation systems and procedures 

3.1 Building emergency procedures and emergency response structures are identified and implemented in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.2 Wardens are consulted in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.3 Building evacuation systems  are effectively operated  in consultation with appropriate building facility personnel.

4. Reinstate installed fire safety system/s to service 

4.1 System is reinstated to service after operation.

4.2 Any faults with the system are reported in accordance with organisational procedures.

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

Required Skills 

• identify fire suppression and detection systems
• operate a smoke control system
• operate an emergency warning and intercommunication system (EWIS)
• operate an installed hydrant system
• operate an installed suppression system
• report fire safety system equipment faults

Required Knowledge 

• components of a fire detection/suppression system (controls, dampers, EWIS panel, fans and motors, fire indicator panel, heat and smoke detectors, sprinkler controls and components, sprinkler heads)
• function and components of hydrant systems
• function of component parts of smoke control systems
• operating principles of air handling systems
• operating principles of an EWIS
• operation of fire detection/suppression systems
• organisational procedures for reinstating fire safety systems
• organisational responsibility regarding fire detection and suppression systems
• purpose of control and indicating equipment
• safety procedures relating to chemical/gaseous suppression systems
• warden roles and responsibilities

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:

• locate, identify, operate and restore fire detection systems, fire suppression systems, hydrant systems, evacuation systems, smoke hazard management systems
• implement organisational operating procedures relating to fire suppression
• check, operate and reinstate fire safety systems under supervision.

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 or in a simulated workplace environment.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• appropriate equipment and systems

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

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.

Fire safety system/s  may include:

• alarms and communications, which must include:

• emergency warning
• emergency warning and intercommunication
• fire phones

• WIP phones
• fire detection systems, which must include:

• flame
• gas
• heat
• smoke

• fire hydrant systems, which must include:

• boosters
• high rise hydrant systems
• pumps
• ring main hydrant systems
• street hydrants

• fire sprinkler
• fire suppression systems, which must include:

• foam
• gaseous (carbon dioxide, nitrogen and inert gas)
• vaporising liquid

• fire suppression systems, which may include:

• aerosol
• powder
• water mist

• gas detection
• smoke control

Pre-fire planning may  include:

• hydrant location
• identification of hazards onsite/nearby
• location of fire safety systems
• maps, floor plans
• site features
• structural features
  utilities

Using fire safety systems  must include:

• interrelated activities utilising the installed fire safety systems in the presence of smoke, heat or fire including:

• alarm systems
• communication systems
• fire suppression systems
• fire detection systems
• hydrant systems
• smoke control systems (which may include control and indicating equipment, mechanical venting, natural venting, zone/stair pressurisation)

Evacuation systems  must include:

• emergency control organisation as set out in Australian Standard 3745–2010 Planning for emergencies in facilities
• health care emergency management structures as set out in Australian Standard AS 4083–2010 Planning for emergencies–Health care facilities

Operating evacuation systems  must include compliance with:

• organisational procedures
• relevant standards

and may also include:

• manufacturer specifications
• site fire safety strategy