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 in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment providing that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate plumbing and services workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.

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:

locating, interpreting and applying relevant information, standards and specifications to install and test special hazard systems

applying safety requirements throughout work sequence, including electrical safety and the use of personal protective clothing and equipment

given the plans and system specifications of a special hazard fire suppression system, identifying the requirements and installing one special hazards fire suppression system (not prescribed ODS or SGG extinguishing agent), incorporating a high pressure carbon dioxide gas storage cylinder, connected by piping to a simple distribution system with one actuating device, to design criteria and standards, ensuring:

application of sustainability principles and concepts

correct identification of requirement, design and details of proposed installation

correct selection and use of appropriate processes, tools and equipment, including those for use with installed gaseous agent containers and actuation devices

completing all work to specification

compliance with regulations, standards and organisational quality procedures and processes, including ODS and SGG regulations, standards, order requirements and organisational quality procedures and processes

decommissioning installed gaseous agent containers and actuation devices using decommissioning guidelines

communicating and working effectively and safely with others.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This competency is to be assessed using standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge will usually be conducted in an off-site context.

Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards' requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

an induction procedure and requirement

realistic tasks or simulated tasks covering the minimum task requirements

relevant specifications and work instructions

tools and equipment appropriate to applying safe work practices

support materials appropriate to activity

workplace instructions relating to safe work practices and addressing hazards and emergencies

material safety data sheets

research resources, including industry-related systems information.

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.

Method of assessment

Assessment methods must:

satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Construction, Plumbing and 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.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace

where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice, with a decision on competency only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's demonstrated ability and applied knowledge

all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence.

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.

Supplementary evidence of competency may be obtained from relevant authenticated documentation from third parties, such as existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

Required skills

communication skills to:

access information

determine requirements

enable clear and direct communication, using questioning to identify and confirm requirements, share information, listen and understand

follow and give instructions

use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences

use and interpret non-verbal communication, such as hand signals

initiative and enterprise skills to identify and report to appropriate personnel any faults in tools, equipment or materials

literacy skills to:

complete workplace documentation

read and interpret:

documentation from a variety of sources

plans and specifications

record test results in writing

numeracy skills to apply measurements and calculations

planning and organising skills to:

plan and sequence tasks with others

plan and set out work

teamwork skills to work with others to action tasks and relate to people from a range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with varying physical and mental abilities

technical skills to install and test special hazard protection system consisting of an extinguishing agent, piping, actuating devices and sprinkler delivery

technology skills to:

access and understand site-specific instructions in a variety of media

use mobile communication technology

Required knowledge

function and operation of system components

hazard categories, classes of fire hazard, extinguishing agents and application methods

job safety analysis (JSA) and safe work method statements (SWMS)

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Factory Mutual performance-based codes of practice

pressure test systems and procedures

procedures for cylinder anchorage

process of installing and testing special hazard systems

relevant statutory and authorities’ requirements related to installing special hazard systems

requirements for room ventilation and integrity

SI system of measurement

structural systems, building materials and building services

workplace and equipment safety requirements

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.

Work health and safety is to be according to commonwealth, state and territory legislation and regulations and may include:

handling of materials

hazard control

personal protective clothing and equipment prescribed under legislation, regulations and workplace policies and practices

safe operating procedures, including recognising and preventing hazards associated with:

electricity

hazardous materials and substances

service lines

surrounding structures and facilities

trip hazards

use of tools and equipment

work site visitors and the public

working at heights

working in proximity to others

use of firefighting equipment

use of first aid equipment

workplace environment and safety.

Environmental requirements cover water quality management and may include:

clean-up protection

complying with ODS and SGG legislation, codes and regulations, e.g. Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989

preventing emissions of prescribed ODS and SGG extinguishing agents

waste management.

Quality assurance requirements may include:

Australian standards

Environment Protection Authority (EPA)

internal company quality assurance policy and risk management strategy

International Standards Organisation

site safety plan

workplace operations and procedures.

Tools and equipment may include:

angle grinders

cutting and threading equipment

elevated work platforms

hand and power tools

ladders

scaffolds

testing equipment

welding equipment.

Special hazard extinguishing systems may include:

carbon dioxide and other gases (such as inergen and argonite)

chemical reaction and explosion suppression systems

dry chemical

foam

prescribed ODS and SGG extinguishing agents (such as halon and NAF S-III)

water

water mist.

Materials may include:

actuating devices

extinguishing agents, including prescribed ODS and SGG materials or other approved materials

pipes

sprinkler and delivery systems.

Actuation control devices (also known as actuators) may include:

electrical operation by signal generated from control and indicating equipment (CIE) panel as part of a fire alarm detection system

manual operation by direct push lever or pull cable system

mechanical operation via signal from local control station or fire detector

pneumatic operation from fire detector (typically heat).

Documentation may include:

corrective action reports

customer recommendation forms

equipment recommendation forms

expense claims

job cards

maintenance record system

manufacturer system documentation

product documentation

service agreements

test results and test reports.

Sustainability principles and concepts:

cover the current and future social, economic and environmental use of resources

may include:

disposing of waste material to ensure minimal environmental impact

efficient energy use

efficient use and recycling of material

selecting appropriate components to ensure minimal environmental impact.

Information may include:

charts and hand drawings

instructions issued by authorised organisational or external personnel

manufacturer specifications and instructions

material safety data sheets (MSDS)

memos

NFPA and Factory Mutual performance-based codes of practice

organisation work specifications and requirements

plans and sketches

regulatory and legislative requirements, particularly those pertaining to:

building codes

WHS and environmental requirements

plumbing regulations

relevant Australian standards

safe work procedures relating to installing special hazard systems

signage

verbal, written and graphical instructions

work bulletins

work schedules, plans and specifications.