The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, required skills and knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment. Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the competency as a whole, as defined by the Elements, Performance Criteria and skills and knowledge.

Assessment will occur using industrial breathing apparatus and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.

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

In accordance with AS/NZ 17151716, it is essential that competence is demonstrated in the ability to:

appropriately conduct pre-donning tests

correctly don breathing apparatus

operate breathing apparatus

move in conditions of reduced visibility

use breathing apparatus in emergency procedures

follow organisation procedures

correctly remove breathing apparatus

return breathing apparatus to operational status.

Assessment method and context

Competence in this unit may be assessed:

by using an appropriate, industrial breathing apparatus and scenarios

in a situation allowing the generation of evidence of the ability to respond to problems

by using a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios

through a combination of these techniques.

In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practical/simulation or similar assessment. Assessors need to be aware of any cultural issues that may affect responses to questions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed.

Specific resources for assessment

This section should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement for this unit of competency. Resources required include suitable access to breathing apparatus and associated equipment that allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios and questions will also be required to the extent that they form part of the assessment method. Questioning may take place either in the workplace, or in an adjacent, quiet facility such as an office or lunchroom. No other special resources are required.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Underpinning knowledge:

respiratory system, effects of irrespirable atmospheres on the body, protective equipment

characteristics, component parts, operation of compressed air breathing apparatus

operational testing, standard operating procedures and safe work practices when wearing breathing apparatus

operating breathing apparatus

use of procedures, personal lines and tallies

pre-use tests and checks, including serviceability of components, integrity of components, cylinder pressure, integrity of air flow system, ancillary equipment.

breathing apparatus control, including principles of BA Control, organisation procedures, Stage 1 (one entry point), Stage 2 (multiple entry points), entry/exit control point, entry/exit control officer, timing device

entrapment procedures, including cease all strenuous activity, activate the distress signal unit, remain calm, relocate to safest available place, call for assistance

communications, including distress signal unit, portable radio, communications sets, signal lines, hand signals.

Underpinning skills:

Inspecting, donning, operating in, removal, cleaning, maintaining and returning to operational status of breathing apparatus.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements

This unit requires the ability to interpret any permits or other documentation associated with the wearing of breathing apparatus for the job.

Writing is required to the level of completing required workplace reports.

Numeracy is required to enable the determination of the available working time from a breathing apparatus set and similar activities.

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any 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.

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version must be used.

Context

This competency applies to anyone required to wear breathing apparatus as part of their job.

Procedures

All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.

Procedures include all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.

Tools and equipment

This competency includes use of breathing apparatus, including:

open circuit

airline equipment.

Hazards

Typical hazards include:

fire

failure to maintain a face seal

exhaustion of air supply

malfunction of equipment

disorientation in smoke/darkness or confinement

structural hazards and/or hazardous materials

entrapment.

Problems

'Respond to routine problems' means 'apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems'.

Variables

Key variables to be monitored for an irrespirable atmospheres include

heated atmospheres

asphyxiating atmosphere (oxygen deficient)

(non-skin absorption) toxic or poisonous atmosphere

smoke or suspended particles/fibres in atmosphere.

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