Assessor Resource

CPCSFS5008A
Create detailed designs for fire detection and warning systems

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit of competency supports the role of fire systems' designers with responsibility for creating detailed designs for fire detection and warning systems.

Fire systems designs are limited to those within the deemed-to-satisfy provisions of the Building Code of Australia or detailed fire systems designs for alternative solutions designed by fire engineers. This unit does not apply to fire systems for special hazard locations.

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to obtain, process and set up drawings for the detailed design of fire detection and warning systems. The unit also involves assessing and selecting component requirements, setting out the locations of components and creating final notated drawings.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this unit and so the varying state or territory requirements should be confirmed with the relevant body.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

Nil

Co-Requisites

Nil

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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, provided that the simulated or project-based assessment fully replicates workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.

This unit could be assessed as an activity involving the effective performance and application of principles relating to the design of fire detection and occupant warning systems for a range of different types of buildings.

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 within this unit.

In particular the person should demonstrate:

the ability to:

read and interpret a range of design drawings

create, manipulate, save, file and share design drawings

identify, interpret and apply relevant current legislation, codes, standards and regulatory requirements impacting on fire detection and warning system designs

interpret and apply fire engineer's designs for alternative solutions

a comprehensive understanding of technical issues impacting on fire detection and occupant warning system designs

a comprehensive understanding of the relevant regulatory approval and fire systems design certification processes

the ability to produce fully compliant designs which also meet client requirements for fire detection and warning systems for a range of types of sites, including:

low-rise buildings

medium-rise buildings

high-rise buildings (over 25 metres)

buildings over 45 metres in height.

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:

relevant design briefs, drawings, plans and specifications

copies of relevant codes, standards, legislation and regulatory requirements

access to relevant information and communications technology - hardware and software

access to relevant manufacturer's information regarding fittings and components.

Method of assessment

Assessment 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.

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.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

accurate measuring

accurate naming and filing of drawings, including:

formal document control

formal amendments, including:

history

transmittal notices

editing and creating drawings, including:

layout

section

detail

external references

freezing layers

operating computer software packages and systems, including:

word processing

spreadsheet

email

internet

proprietary project management software

proprietary estimating software

parametric modelling of services coordination using proprietary software, such as Navis-Works or MEP-REVIT

using BASIC computer programming language to write logic for electronic system interfaces

numeracy skills for calculating:

voltage drops

battery capacity

battery back-up

power supplies

cabling sizes and types

language and literacy skills for:

listening to and communicating clearly with colleagues, installers, suppliers and contractors

participating in meetings, such as negotiations with fire engineering consultant, architect, builder or other service contractors

researching, accessing, reading, interpreting and applying current relevant legislation, codes and standards

letter writing, especially to formalise:

recognition of conflicts and errors on drawings supplied by other service contractors

agreements with other services, for example whichever service is fitted last must fit around existing services

updating knowledge of products, software systems and technology

reading and interpreting drawings, plans and specifications, including:

architectural

structural

mechanical

hydraulic

electrical

researching and evaluating competing technologies in new products and systems

developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with project team members, workplace colleagues, suppliers, installers and clients

negotiation and conflict management

initiating and running meetings with lead contractor and other service contractors

organising own work, including creating personal systems and checklists for planning, managing and checking work

lateral thinking and problem solving

maintaining concentration, focus and attention to detail for long periods

managing detailed input to concurrent fire systems design projects at different stages of the process and with diverse sets of regulatory requirements

Required knowledge

workplace design tools and processes

level of accuracy required in detailed design drawings

naming conventions for design drawings and drawing register

fire science, including:

fire behaviour and dynamics

impact of fire on structures and materials

products of combustion

fire control strategies

fire retardants

fire detection technologies

fire suppression technologies

fire containment

computer software functions and operation, including:

word processing

spreadsheet

email

internet

proprietary project management software

proprietary estimating software

parametric modelling software, such as Navis-Works or MEP-REVIT

BASIC computer programming language

relevant current legislation, codes and standards, including:

building Acts

building regulations

infrastructure supply regulations

the Building Code of Australia

Australian standards for fire systems

international standards for fire systems

other fire system standards commonly required by building insurers

protection requirements for different buildings

fire detection and warning systems technology and components, including:

emergency warning and intercommunications systems (EWIS)

fire detection and alarm systems

smoke control systems

emergency lighting systems

purpose and operation of fire systems, including:

layout

special products and hazards

system operation

performance requirements

maintenance standards

system activation and operation

characteristics and limitations of products and materials used in fire systems and issues relating to material compatibility

passive fire safety elements:

identification of passive elements

impact of fire systems design on passive elements

specifications required to safeguard integrity of passive fire element performance where penetrations are necessitated by the fire systems design

interconnection of fire systems, including:

cause and effect matrix

interface with other services

basic principles of structural engineering

characteristics of building materials

construction industry terminology

roles and responsibilities of relevant building project personnel, including:

architect

lead contractor

mechanical engineer

hydraulic engineer

electrical engineer

on-site issues that can arise during the construction phase and impose changes to the designs of fire systems and other services

installation methods, including:

access requirements

health and safety requirements

sustainability requirements and ratings, including:

energy conservation

water conservation

mathematic principles, equations and calculation methods, including:

financial calculations, for example to assess cost-effectiveness of fire systems

electrical calculations, including:

voltage drops

battery capacity

battery back-up

power supplies

cabling sizes and types

electrical and electronics theory, including:

units used to measure current (AC and DC), power, capacitance, inductance and sound attenuation

effects of AC and DC current in series and parallel circuit paths that includes resistive, inductive and capacitive loads

relationship between voltage drops around a circuit and applied voltage

definition of voltage ratings as defined in communication and electrical safety regulations, including extra low voltage, low voltage and hazardous voltages

layout of electrical wiring systems to meet communication and electrical safety regulations applicable to fire detection and warning systems

basic operation of common electronic and electrical components used in fire detection and warning systems

basic operation of communication protocols on addressable systems, peripheral devices (printers) and high-level interfaces to other communication devices used in fire detection and warning systems

communication technologies, including:

data transfer

networking

communication protocols

radio frequency technologies

acoustics and speech intelligibility for occupant warning systems

human psychology, especially fire avoidance behaviour

financial management, including:

budgeting

cost-effectiveness

contractual processes

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.

Project drawings and documentation may include:

architectural

structural

mechanical

electrical

hydraulic

water-based fire suppression systems

fire engineer's or estimator's specifications.

Codes and standards may include:

the Building Code of Australia

current relevant Australian standards for fire systems

current relevant international standards for fire systems

codes and standards stipulated by the building insurer.

Efficient and workable layout and location relate to:

selection of cost-effective components and materials

consideration of:

penetrations

conflict with other services

interfaces with other services

occupational health and safety risks

access constraints

installation problems

aesthetic requirements

efficiencies to facilitate work on site and reduce labour costing.

Detection and warning system components may include:

components for:

emergency warning and intercommunications systems (EWIS)

fire detection and alarm systems

smoke control systems

emergency lighting systems

fire alarm and control panels:

conventional

addressable

detectors, including:

heat

smoke

flame sensing

spot

projected beam

aspiration type

power source

batteries

cabling.

Electrical calculations may include the calculation of:

the voltage drop in a wiring path given the required electrical parameters

battery capacity requirements given the required performance parameters

power supply and battery charge capacity requirements given the required performance parameters

Cable Services Australia (CSA)cable size and cabling medium type given the required electrical performance parameters

total power supply consumption requirements of field equipment in normal and active (alarm) state given the required electrical performance parameters of equipment installed

the number of points, circuits and zones on a system given the required performance parameters of a wiring path.

Negotiations regarding amendments to design drawings may arise due to:

non-compliance with applicable legislation, codes and standards

impact on installation risks and constraints

impact on cost-effectiveness.

Fittings and components may include:

smoke alarms

smoke detectors

manual call buttons

fire alarm panels

fireproof cable

batteries

amplifiers

speakers

emergency lighting.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Relevant project drawings and documentation are requested, received, named and filed according to workplace procedures. 
Drawings are cleaned to leave minimal essential information. 
Layers showing designs of other services are imported into clean architectural or structural drawings. 
Details from drawings of the floor of the level above are added if these affect the design. 
The detailed design drawing is named, filed and backed up according to workplace procedures. 
A site visit is conducted if possible to confirm dimensions and assess installation risks and constraints. 
The exact location of detectors is determined and notated on the drawing according to relevant codes and standards. 
The most efficient and workable layout and location of detection and warning system components are determined and notated on the drawing according to workplace procedures. 
Dimensions are calculated, checked and notated on the drawing according to workplace procedures. 
Electrical calculations are completed to assess requirements and confirm cable ranges. 
Specific components most suitable for the application are selected and specified. 
Electronic interfaces with other services are designed and specified. 
Component requirements are communicated to suppliers with detailed drawings, as required, and within project timelines. 
Fire detection and warning system design drawings are submitted to relevant personnel within the scheduled timeframe. 
Required amendments to design drawings are made or negotiated as required. 
Final approved design drawings are processed and distributed according to project and workplace requirements. 
Fittings and components are selected and ordered according to project and workplace requirements. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CPCSFS5008A - Create detailed designs for fire detection and warning systems
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

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I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

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Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Assessment Record Sheet

CPCSFS5008A - Create detailed designs for fire detection and warning systems

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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