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 observation of practical demonstration of inspecting, testing and maintaining non-gaseous pre-engineered fire-suppression systems.

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 for at least one type of non-gaseous pre-engineered fire-suppression system in two different installation locations.

In particular the person should demonstrate the ability to:

locate, interpret and apply relevant information, standards and specifications

comply with organisational policies and procedures, including quality requirements

conduct inspection, testing, and preventive maintenance according to the relevant Australian standard and manufacturers’ documents on at least two installed systems

replace or repair system components, such as:

detector

fire alarm panel

replace (recharge) extinguishing agent and pressurise or reinstate systems to fully operational condition according to manufacturers’ documentation, working on systems with at least two different extinguishing agents

replace or repair system components, such as:

actuator

nozzle

pipe fitting

system container.

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:

access to customer premises or a simulated workplace environment

assessment documentation

necessary tools, specialist equipment, manuals and relevant documentation

training and assessment record book.

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.

Required skills

customer service skills

language, literacy and numeracy skills to:

communicate with others clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing

read and comply with work instructions and specifications

read and record measurements

record and report information neatly and legibly

planning and organising skills to:

estimate time to complete activities

prioritise tasks

interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social and cultural backgrounds

skills to work safely when:

applying workplace housekeeping procedures

handling and transporting containers according to legislation, manufacturers’ procedures and work practices

using hand and power tools

technical skills to:

operate standard controls on proprietary systems to verify system operation to manufacturers’ requirements

pressurise containers in situ, using pressure regulators connected to gaseous containers, such as a nitrogen cylinder

replace extinguishing agents and components in a manner that conforms to OHS requirements, environmental requirements and manufacturers’ specifications

test system components according to manufacturers’ requirements

Required knowledge

action to take when a breach of health, safety or other policy occurs

identification and purpose of the major components in non-gaseous pre-engineered fire-suppression systems for different manufacturers’ proprietary systems

key features of legislation and regulations relevant to non-gaseous pre-engineered fire-suppression systems, including:

implications of:

not applying legislative requirements to job functions

not following safety procedures

incorrect inspection, testing and maintenance functions

limitations of maintenance and repair functions that may be conducted by the fire protection technician

manufacturers’ requirements and standards applicable to inspecting, testing and maintaining non-gaseous pre-engineered fire-suppression systems

procedures for inspecting, testing and maintaining system to verify operation in line with manufacturers’ requirements

purpose of fire-suppression system shutdown and isolation during maintenance

purpose of non-gaseous pre-engineered fire-suppression systems

types of extinguishing agents, their characteristics and use

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.

Legislative and industry requirements may include:

dangerous goods regulations

environmental regulations

fire risk management section of AS 5062 Fire protection for mobile and transportable equipment

licensing arrangements

manufacturers’ system manuals

OHS legislation, regulations and codes

relevant commonwealth and state or territory building Acts, regulations and codes, such as Building Code of Australia (BCA)

relevant Australian standards, such as:

AS 5062 Fire protection for mobile and transportable equipment

AS 3772-2008 Pre-engineered fire protection systems for cooking equipment

AS 1851 Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment

note: Australian standards are frequently revised and users must always check for currency and amendments

other relevant legislation relating to fire protection equipment, including:

international shipping codes

marine codes for different Australian States

system approval listing, such as:

CSIRO ActivFire

Factory Mutual (FM)

Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

Requirements may be confirmed with:

colleagues

managers

supervisors

team leaders.

Organisational requirements may include:

job scheduling systems and communication devices

personnel practices and guidelines outlining work roles, responsibilities and delegations

recording and reporting documentation and systems

relevant OHS policies, procedures and programs

relevant rules and regulations

standard operating procedures, work instructions and manuals.

Non-gaseous pre-engineered fire-suppression systems are:

fire protection systems consisting of:

pipework with nozzle arrangement installed up to a maximum permitted design according to manufacturers’ pre-engineered limitation requirements and applicable Australian standard (note: no hydraulic calculations are required to size pipework or nozzles)

supply of extinguishing agent of predetermined quantity

fitted to:

commercial cooking equipment, including:

exhaust plenums

exhaust systems

associated ducts and filters

fixed plant used in a range of industry sectors, such as mining, marine, and power generation, including:

engine bays

fuel pumping skids

generators

industrial vehicles used in a range of industry sectors, such as mining, forestry and waste management, including:

draglines

earthmovers

graders

trucks

loaders.

Checking system compliance may include:

applying inspection, test and survey requirements to equipment or systems to determine that they are:

capable of operating as originally installed

still suitable for the fire hazard or risk being protected, as no change in occupancy or use of the area protected has occurred since the system was installed or last modified

providing the coverage and protection needed to meet original design or performance requirements.

Action may include:

advising customer

documenting non-compliance

making equipment safe

reporting, as required.

Safety procedures may include:

awareness of electrical hazards

emergency procedures

first aid

following confined spaces procedures

recognising hazards and risks

using personal protective equipment (PPE), including:

safety glasses or goggles

safety boots or shoes

hard hats

ear muffs or plugs

working safely:

around electrical wiring, cables and overhead powerlines

around tools and equipment

on ladders and raised platforms.

Customer requirements may include:

confirming or varying service instructions

following sign-in and sign-out procedures for entry to or exit from premises

industry requirements

insurance requirements

providing non-routine or urgent services

providing routine services

providing written or verbal confirmation of services provided and/or future maintenance schedule

sighting work permits

system specification.

Relevant persons may include:

colleagues

managers

supervisors

team leaders.

Extinguishing agents may be:

foam

powder

water mist

wet chemical

combination of any of the above when compatible.

System components may include:

actuators:

mechanical

pyrotechnic

solenoid

agent discharge nozzles

agent distribution pipework and hose

container valves

control equipment

detection devices

extinguishing agent containers, such as tanks and cylinders

support brackets.

Auxiliary shutdown devices transmit signals and may include:

air conditioning shutdown signal to an electrical contactor to stop air conditioning

cooking fuel line shutdown signal to a gas solenoid valve on main inlet pipe supply to cooking appliances

cooking power supply shutdown signal to an electrical contactor to isolate main electrical supply to cooking appliances

signal from fire system to shut off valve, relay or solenoid to isolate fuel and oil supplies or release pressure from hydraulic tanks

vehicle or plant engine shutdown signal to engine emergency shutdown circuitry.

Testing procedures may include:

discharge

leaks

pressure

recharging

visual inspections.

Maintenance schedules may include:

Australian standards

customer schedules

system manufacturers.

Documentation may include:

certificates of inspection

corrective action reports

customer recommendation forms

equipment recommendation forms

logbooks

maintenance record system

product documentation

service agreements

service reports

system manufacturer’s documentation.

Work procedures may include:

assignment instructions

equipment manufacturers’ requirements

instructions from colleagues, supervisor or manager

PPE requirements

reporting and documentation requirements

specific customer requirements.