Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

1 )

1 .1 ) Descriptor 

This unit covers programming fire protection systems that include multiple connected detection, warning and fire control devices and remote monitoring. It encompasses working safely, applying knowledge of fire protection scenarios, using fire protection standards and protocols, entering system instructions, testing functionality of fire protection components and system operation, and documentation of commissioning activities.

Application of the Unit 

4 )

This unit is intended for competency development entry-level employment based programs incorporated in approved contracts of training or approved training programs. It may be used to augment previously acquired competencies.

1 .2 ) License to practice 

The skills and knowledge described in this unit do not require a license to practice in the workplace. However, practice in this unit is subject to regulations directly related to occupational health and safety and where applicable contracts of training such as apprenticeships.

Note:1. Compliance with permits may be required in various jurisdictions and typically relates to the operation of plant, machinery and equipment such as elevating work platforms, powder operated fixing tools, power operated tools, vehicles, road signage and traffic control, lifting equipment and the like. Permits may also be required for some work environments such as confined spaces, working aloft, near live electrical apparatus and site rehabilitation.2. Compliance may be required in various jurisdictions relating to currency in First Aid, confined space, lifting and risk safety measures.

Prerequisite Unit (s )

2 )

2 .1 ) Competencies 

Granting competency in this unit shall be made only after competency in the following unit(s) has/have been confirmed.

UEENEEH062B Verify compliance and functionality of fire protection installations

For the full prerequisite chain details for this unit please refer to Table 2 in Volume 1, Part 2

Employability Skills 

3 )

This unit contains Employability Skills

The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of Employability Skills. The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit of competency is packaged will assist in identifying Employability Skill requirements.

6 ) Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the Element. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1

Prepare to enter operating instructions.

1.1

OHS procedures for a given work area are identified, obtained and understood through established routines and procedures.

1.2

Established OHS risk control measures and procedures are followed in preparation for the work.

1.3

Safety hazards that have not previously been identified are reported and advise on risk control measures are sought from the work supervisor.

1.4

The extent of programming work is determined from job specifications and in consultation with appropriate person(s).

1.5

Tools, equipment and testing devices needed to carry out the work are obtained and checked for correct operation and safety.

1.6

Device installation is checked for compliance with job specification and regulations where they apply.

2

Enter software operating instructions.

2.1

Established OHS risk control measures and procedures for carrying out the work are followed.

2.2

Circuits/machines/plant are checked as being isolated where necessary in strict accordance OHS requirements and procedures

2.3

The required status of each function of the device is entered and their parameters set in accordance manufactures programming instructions.

2.4

Entered data are checked as meeting those specified by the work job specification.

2.5

Methods for dealing with unexpected situations are decided on the basis of safety and required work outcomes.

2.6

Programming is carried out efficiently without waste of materials and energy or damage to apparatus, the surrounding environment or other services.

3

Test device operation and report.

3.1

Device operation is tested in strict accordance OHS requirements and procedures.

3.2

Operating anomalies are identified and corrected in accordance with established routines.

3.3

OHS work completion risk control measures and procedures are followed.

3.4

Work site is cleaned and made safe in accordance with established procedures.

3.5

Work completion is reported and an appropriate person or persons notified in accordance with established routines.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Evidence shall show that knowledge has been acquired of safe working practices and verifying programs in preparation for commissioning fire protection systems.

All knowledge and skills detailed in this unit should be contextualised to current industry practices and technologies.

The extent of the essential knowledge and associated skills (EKAS) required is given in Volume 2 - Part 2.2 EKAS. It forms an integral part of this unit.

2.4.51

Fire protection system programming methods

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

9 ) 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. .

The Evidence Guide forms an integral part of this unit. It must be used in conjunction with all parts of the unit and performed in accordance with the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Overview of Assessment 

9 .1 )

Longitudinal competency development approaches to assessment, such as Profiling, require data to be reliably gathered in a form that can be consistently interpreted over time. This approach is best utilised in Apprenticeship programs and reduces assessment intervention. It is the Industry-preferred model for apprenticeships. However, where summative (or final) assessment is used it must include the application of the competency in the normal work environment or, at a minimum, the application of the competency in a realistically simulated work environment. It is recognised that, in some circumstances, assessment in part or full can occur outside the workplace. However, it must be in accord with industry and regulatory policy.

Methods chosen for a particular assessment will be influenced by various factors. These include the extent of the assessment, the most effective locations for the assessment activities to take place, access to physical resources, additional safety measures that may be required and the critical nature of the competencies being assessed.

The critical safety nature of working with electricity, electrical equipment, gas or any other hazardous substance/material carries risk in deeming a person competent. Sources of evidence need to be 'rich' in nature to minimise error in judgment.

Activities associated with normal everyday work influence decisions about how/how much the data gathered will contribute to its 'richness'. Some skills are more critical to safety and operational requirements while the same skills may be more or less frequently practised. These points are raised for the assessors to consider when choosing an assessment method and developing assessment instruments. Sample assessment instruments are included for Assessors in the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

9 .2 )

Before the critical aspects of evidence are considered all prerequisites shall be met.

Evidence for competence in this unit shall be considered holistically. Each Element and associated performance criteria shall be demonstrated on at least two occasions in accordance with the 'Assessment Guidelines - UEE07'. Evidence shall also comprise:

• A representative body of work performance demonstrated within the timeframes typically expected of the discipline, work function and industrial environment. In particular this shall incorporate evidence that shows a candidate is able to:

• Implement Occupational Health and Safety workplace procedures and practices, including the use of risk control measures as specified in the performance criteria&range
• Apply sustainable energy principles and practices as specified in the performance criteria and range statement
• Demonstrate an understanding of the essential knowledge and associated skills as described in this unit. It may be required by some jurisdictions that RTOs provide a percentile graded result for the purpose of regulatory or licensing requirements.
• Demonstrate an appropriate level of skills enabling employment
• Conduct work observing the relevant Anti Discrimination legislation, regulations, polices&workplace procedures

• Demonstrated consistent performance across a representative range of contexts from the prescribed items below:

• Enter and verify programs in preparation for commissioning fire protection systems as described in 8) and including:

A

Understanding required operating functions and parameters.

B

Identifying non-compliance conditions of device installation.

C

Entering functions and parameters correctly.

D

Correcting programming anomalies.

E

Testing and verify device operation.

F

Program backups, version controls and documentation.

G

Dealing with unplanned events by drawing on essential knowledge and skills to provide appropriate solutions incorporated in a holistic assessment with the above listed items.

Note:
Successful completion of relevant vendor training may be used to contribute to evidence on which competency is deemed. In these cases the alignment of outcomes of vendor training with performance criteria and critical aspects of evidence shall be clearly identified.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

9 .3 )

This unit should be assessed as it relates to normal work practice using procedures, information and resources typical of a workplace. This should include:

• OHS policy and work procedures and instructions.
• Suitable work environment, facilities, equipment and materials to undertake actual work as prescribed by this unit.

These should be part of the formal learning/assessment environment.

Note:

Where simulation is considered a suitable strategy for assessment, conditions must be authentic and as far as possible reproduce and replicate the workplace and be consistent with the approved industry simulation policy.

The resources used for assessment should reflect current industry practices in relation to entering and verifying programs in preparation for commissioning fire protection systems

Method of assessment 

9 .4 )

This unit shall be assessed by methods given in Volume 1, Part 3 'Assessment Guidelines'

Note:
Competent performance with inherent safe working practices is expected in the industry to which this unit applies. This requires that the specified essential knowledge and associated skills are assessed in a structured environment which is primarily intended for learning/assessment and incorporates all necessary equipment and facilities for learners to develop and demonstrate the essential knowledge and skills described in this unit.

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units 

9 .5 )

There are no concurrent assessment recommendations for this unit.

The critical aspects of occupational health and safety covered in unit UEENEEE001B and other discipline specific occupational health and safety units shall be incorporated in relation to this unit.

RANGE STATEMENT 

8 ) This relates to the unit as a whole providing the range of contexts and conditions to which the performance criteria apply. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.

This unit shall be demonstrated in relation to entering and verifying programs in preparation for commissioning fire protection systems in at least two types of microprocessor fire protection control and indicating equipment. Programming shall include the following parameters:

• At least 50 input devices
• At least 20 output device
• At least 1 system interface control
• At least 2 logic timers
• System variables

Note:
1. Input devices can be conventional alarm zones, analogue or analogue addressable fire detectors, flow switch connections or switch connections and the like.

2. Output devices can be shutdown signal, door or system release controls, solenoid valve controls and the like.

3. System interface controls can be communication signals to remote Control and indicating equipment, Building monitoring systems, paging system, Colour graphics and or the like.

4. Logic times can be software programs that control the operation of non-latching detectors, timer periods before operation of fire system suppression systems and or the like.

5. System variables can be standard software functions that operate AS 1668 smoke detector controls, dual zone alarm configurations, alarm and fault global functions and the like.

Generic terms used throughout this Vocational Standard shall be regarded as part of the Range Statement in which competency is demonstrated. The definition of these and other terms that apply are given in Volume 2, Part 2.1.

2 .2 ) Literacy and numeracy skills 

Participants are best equipped to achieve competency in this unit if they have reading, writing and numeracy skills indicated by the following scales. Description of each scale is given in Volume 2, Part 3 'Literacy and Numeracy'

Reading

4

Writing

4

Numeracy

4

Competency Field 

5 )

Electronics