Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1

Demonstrate correct use of portable fire extinguishers to extinguish simulated fires.

1.1

Fire type  and classification  are determined.

1.2

Fire extinguishers  are selected to attack different fires.

1.3

Safe use of fire extinguishers is demonstrated according to manufacturers’ instructions and relevant OHS and workplace policies and procedures .

2

Demonstrate correct use of fire hose reels.

2.1

Safe use of hose reels  is demonstrated according to manufacturers’ instructions and relevant OHS and workplace policies and procedures.

2.2

Water is turned off in the approved sequence and hose reel is checked for leaks.

2.3

Hose reel is rewound correctly after use.

3

Demonstrate correct use of fire blanket.

3.1

Safe use of fire blankets is demonstrated according to manufacturers’ instructions and relevant OHS and workplace policies and procedures.

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• decision-making skills to select correct first attack firefighting equipment for different types of fires
• effective customer service
• language, literacy and numeracy skills to:

• communicate with others in a clear and concise manner
• read and comply with work instructions and specifications

• interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social and cultural backgrounds
• skills to work safely when:

• applying recommended manufacturers’ techniques for operating equipment and fire fighting
• using firefighting equipment

Required knowledge 

• basic methods of locating a fire
• correct use of fire extinguishers and hose reels on different classes of fire and implications of incorrect use
• how fire can be spread by conduction, convection, radiation and direct burning
• how water pressure influences the discharge distance for hose reels
• key actions in a fire emergency, commonly known by the acronym RACE:

• rescue
• activate alarm
• confine fire
• evacuate or extinguish

• meaning of secondary damage
• reasons for cooking oil and fat fires requiring special attention
• theory of fire, including the triangle of combustion
• types and operation of fire protection equipment classified as first attack equipment

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

This unit of competency could be assessed by practical demonstration, using simulated fire situations. Due to safety and cost factors, methods of extinguishing class D, E and F fires are confined to oral explanations and role play or simulations only.

All practical demonstrations involving the use of simulated fires must adhere to the safety and environmental regulations relevant to each state or territory.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the required skills and knowledge specified in this unit.

In particular the person should demonstrate the ability to:

• select correct portable firefighting equipment for a particular type of fire
• demonstrate the use of portable firefighting equipment
• use portable firefighting equipment safely and correctly.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge may be conducted in an off-site context. It is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards’ requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

• actual or simulated work environment
• portable firefighting equipment.

Method of assessment 

Assessment methods must:

• satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Property Services Training Package
• include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application
• reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles
• confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.

Guidance information for assessment 

Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function, for example:

• CPPFES2004A Identify types of installed fire safety equipment and systems
• CPPFES2006A Prepare for installation and servicing operations.

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Fire types  may include:

• combustible metals
• cooking oils and fats
• energised electrical equipment
• flammable and combustible liquids
• flammable gases
• ordinary combustibles.

Classifications  of fires include:

• classes A, B, C, D, E and F.

Fire extinguishers  may include:

• carbon dioxide
• foam
• powder
• vaporising liquid
• water
• wet chemical.

OHS and workplace policies and procedures  may be located in quality assurance and/or procedures manuals relating to:

• appropriate techniques to use in relation to emergency management of fires
• assessing work site for hazards and risks prior to preparing the work site for the work procedure
• displaying signs and using barriers in the work area
• OHS policies, procedures and programs, including:

• risk and hazard recognition
• emergency procedures
• awareness of electrical hazards
• following confined spaces procedures
• first aid

• personnel practices and guidelines outlining work roles, responsibilities and delegations
• safety procedures, including those for working safely:

• around electrical wiring, cables and overhead powerlines
• around tools and equipment
• on ladders and raised platforms

• using personal protective equipment, including:

• safety glasses or goggles
• safety boots or shoes
• hard hats
• earmuffs or plugs.

Hose reel  types may be:

• swing-hinged
• vehicle-mounted
• wall-mounted.