DEFSU008B Produce fire using improvised means in a survival situation

Release 2

DEFSU008B Produce fire using improvised means in a survival situation

Modification History

Release	TP Version	Comments
2	DEF12V2	Layout adjusted. No changes to content.
1	DEF12V1	Primary release.

Unit Descriptor

This unit covers the competency required to initiate and maintain fire in a survival situation.

Fire is one of the most critical survival resources because of the range of applications, from preventing hypothermia, and sterilising water to initiating rescue signals.

The individual is expected to produce fire from improvised means (which may include traditional means if there are no alternatives).

Application of the Unit

As agreed in the creation of this Training Package, applications for units transferred from the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package will be developed as part of continuous improvement plans, and taking into account the change in Unit of Competency format as detailed in templates for Streamlined Training Packages.

Licensing/Regulatory Information

Not applicable.

Pre-Requisites

Not applicable.

Employability Skills Information

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content

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.

Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT	PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
1. Prepare for fire starting	1.1 Tinder is collected, dried and protected 1.2 Kindling is collected, prepared and stored in a dry location 1.3 Fuel is collected, prepared and stored in a dry location
2. Start and maintain fire	2.1 A fire safe area is sited and prepared 2.2 Fire is started from improvised means 2.3 Fire is prevented from extinguishing

Required Skills and Knowledge

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.
Required Skills
implement fire safety
Required Knowledge
chemical and electrical hazard awareness fire safety hypothermia range of applications of fire in a survival situation rescue signals

Evidence Guide

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit	Assessment must confirm the ability to produce fire from traditional means and friction; to nurture the ember (from the traditional means only) into a robust flame (i.e. a small bonfire) through the careful and sequential additions of tinder, kindling and fuel; and to maintain a fire continuously regardless of weather conditions (which must include rain) demonstrating due regard to the safety of persons and equipment, and the surrounding environment. Consistency in performance Competency must be demonstrated once under the range of methods detailed in the establishment of fire but the maintenance of fire should be assessed over time.
Context of and specific resources for assessment	Context of assessment Competency must be assessed in a simulated workplace environment. While a person can demonstrate the technical ability to start and maintain a fire, doing so in a survival situation is crucial; consequently it is strongly recommended that holistic assessment be conducted with other associated survival units. Assessment under simulated survival conditions should include: food restrictions (food should be restricted to half the recommended daily caloric intake) the absence of normal living conditions and amenities such as showers, beds and bedding (warmth to be provided by fire), kitchens etc. with the attendant levels of personal discomfort and fatigue a significant period of time - the recommendation is four days. Specific resources for assessment Access to assessment area with access to a sufficient quantity of suitable dry organic material to start fires; friction method fire starting resources including bootlace (as bow-string); and a knife.

Range Statement

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.
Tinder may include:	Dried filaments of grass and fibre Extremely fine/ground shavings Fluff/down from clothing Punk from traditional drillings
Protecting tinder may include:	Using purpose waterproof container or improvised equivalent Preventing unnecessary absorption of atmospheric water
Kindling may include:	Leaves Grass Shavings Small twigs
Fuel includes:	Branches Logs
Preparing a fire safe area includes:	Minimising threat to the survivor Minimising threat to the survivor's effects and equipment Preventing escape of the fire into surrounding vegetation
Improvised means may include:	Chemical: brake fluid and potassium permanganate glycerine and potassium permanganate potassium permanganate and sugar Electrical: dry cell and steel wool car battery and jumper leads Friction: flint/striker systems Solar: focal point of headlight dish magnifying glass/lens Traditional: bow bowstring (bootlace) hand drill plough
Preventing a fire from extinguishing includes:	All weather conditions

Unit Sector(s)

Not applicable.