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

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

The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:

ability to identify faulty and non-permitted assured fireworks

a capacity to select and use fuses and to manually initiate fireworks in a safe manner

a capacity to select and use (test and ignite fireworks) with electric initiation equipment

a capacity to select and use other display equipment including securing devices and mortar tubes

application of procedures for all aspects of establishing a fireworks display including managing the site, the crowd, other persons, control of unwanted ignitions, environmental changes and lead a work team

operation of a display in a safe manner by continuously assessing risks and implementing additional control measures when required

completion of all post-display activities including returning site to owner, dealing with emergencies and malfunctions, completing record books and statutory notification where required.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Significant health and safety issues impact on the delivery and assessment of skills in pyrotechnics. Assessment of these skills must therefore be undertaken in consultation with State/Territory licensing authorities. Assessors must be aware of and consult with authorities on matters regarding safety of personnel, safety of crowds and spectators, storage and transportation of pyrotechnic materials and weather conditions. Assessors may need to meet additional requirements if any are stipulated by State/Territory regulations.

The assessment context must provide for:

practical demonstration of skills, including equipment-based skills in a range of situations

specific assessment requirements as identified by local licensing authorities.

Method of assessment

Assessment may incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of essential underpinning knowledge, and might include:

assessment in a training or workplace setting that provides for the conditions of performance described in the elements, performance criteria and range statement

written and oral questioning

active participation in group activities.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment of this unit requires access to:

display planning documentation

a selection of fireworks and equipment (display site hardware) including examples of faulty, misfired, damaged fireworks and equipment and/or simulated/representations of these

a selection of electrical firing equipment

typical work procedures for a specific display (as would be presented by a contractor)

a suitable non-display site location (workshop etc) for practical demonstration and use of equipment including electrical firing equipment

a suitable display site

relevant display approvals from the administering authority

relevant legislative, administrative, specific technical material and prescribed forms and documents

actual or simulated malfunctions that cause abnormal clean up activities

personal record keeping book.

Required skills

ability to identify and implement key aspects of planning documentation

ability to apply organisational and legislative procedures and work instructions to a particular display

capacity to use and maintain specific equipment

supervise team members in all relevant activities

continuously monitor the work environment, and evaluate the effectiveness of existing risk control measures

apply additional risk control measures relevant to the situation

provide support to colleagues using training and mentoring skills

Required knowledge

relevant technical issues with fireworks and associated equipment that potentially affects their safe use

knowledge of potential risk factors in the operation of a display including crowd and people behaviour, site specific factors (location, proximity to other hazards and sensitive sites), equipment and fireworks risks, environmental factors

statutory requirements and current industry best practice

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.

Use and operation of fireworks must include consideration of:

environmental effects and relevant control measures

industry best practice

physical and chemical properties of fireworks including:

composition

deflagration

detonation

reduction/oxidation reactions

the initiation 'fire triangle'

the features and operations of different types of fireworks, their operations and classes (ground and aerial) and prohibited fireworks

terminology including:

activation energy and rates of reaction

coloured smoke

fusing

glitter

ignition

noise compositions

priming

propagation

spark

strobe

types of fireworks identified including:

aerial shells of varying sizes

barrages

boxes and cakes

comets

fountains

gerbs

lances and set pieces

mines

roman candles

smoke generators

waterfalls

wheels

Appropriate firing mechanisms and equipment must include consideration of:

additional safety requirements, equipment and control measures to prevent inadvertent ignition of fireworks unique to manual firing

electric matches, their hazards, attachment methods, safety procedures for use

electrical equipment (permitted and non-permitted), safety features, requirements and methods available to initiate fireworks electrically

electrical terminology, Ohm's Law and its application, induced current, equipment and conditions that induce current and associated risks

permitted and non-permitted techniques, specific requirements and equipment used for manual firing

safety controls, features, requirements, approvals, circuits, connections of electric firing equipment and the use of safety distances

safety issues with fuses including cutting

the safety advantages of electrical firing over manual methods

types of pyrotechnic fuses and initiation devices/methods including:

black match

chain fusing

igniter cords

quick match

sticky match

visco

use of electrical equipment, circuit preparation and testing and establishing the no fire current levels, fault finding and remedying

Dangers and safety issues associated with pre-preparation of fireworks off-site may relate to:

adapting transport requirements

chain fusing

interaction with other materials

pre-matching

Procedures for handling, purchasing, storing and transporting fireworks must include consideration of:

identification by UN number and marking, documentation, packaging and associated terminology as per the Australian Explosives Code

licensing, and procedural requirements in relation to sale, purchase, transport and storage

licensing, limitations and procedural requirements in relation to vehicles and equipment used for:

storage

transport

physical features

prohibited activities at storage areas

Safety matters to be addressed while setting up and operating a display include:

continuous assessment of hazards including:

crowd movement

intrusion

lightning

rain

storms

wind

other environmental changes

continuous assessment of parameters that require cessation of display

crowd control methods and techniques

design, securing, loading, use, non-permitted activities and limitations of mortars and their construction materials

establish of work team communication methods during display

immediate pre-commencement check procedures

implementation of control measures in relation to identified hazards above

implementation of personal protective equipment use

inspection and assessment of fireworks

limitations of personnel entry and activities on site while setting up, during and in post display periods

methods to cease unscheduled cessation of display

organisation of first-aid and firefighting resources

periods before, after and during the display when operator is responsible for site activities

permitted techniques for chain fusing

prevention of inadvertent uncontrolled ignition of fireworks

Post display activities include:

assessment of risks on unexploded or malfunctioned fireworks and procedures implemented to eliminate and/or reduce risk

documenting log book with details of fireworks used, site conditions and effectiveness of control measures

log book documented with any emergencies or malfunctions

site clean up and return to owner

statutory notifications completed