The evidence guide identifies the requirements to be demonstrated to confirm competence for this unit. Assessment must confirm sufficient ability to use appropriate skills and knowledge to validate commissioning test data against performance documentation. Assessment of performance should be conducted within an agreed timeframe, covering all categories within the range statement applicable to normal work requirements.

Critical aspects of competency

Obtain and assess commissioning test data against documented performance criteria.

Assess and confirm that commissioning testing was performed in accordance with relevant standards, codes and legislative requirements and/or followed a developed test protocol.

Confirm that test data was validated against documented performance criteria.

Check that causes of unacceptable performance and implemented corrective actions are identified and documented.

Review commissioning documentation and identify non-compliance issues and implemented corrective actions.

Obtain and collate fire safety system performance documentation and test data.

Knowledge needed to achieve the performance criteria

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements embedded in performance include those listed below.

Procedures for obtaining and assessing test data.

Procedures for checking that test data was validated against documented performance criteria.

Working knowledge of standards, codes and legislative requirements relevant to the inspection of fire safety systems.

Working knowledge of building elements, chemistry, fluid dynamics and electrical design.

Procedures for documenting test protocols.

Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These include the following.

Recording and storing information.

Active listening techniques.

Effective telephone techniques.

Organising, collecting and collating information.

Confirming that test protocol and documentation for a specific sub-system is in accordance with Australian Standards.

Collating and verifying completeness and compliance of all certificates for each sub-system inspected.

Identifying and documenting unacceptable performances that are not in accordance with test protocol for that sub-system.

Applying engineering knowledge skills to assess installation and commissioning data.

Applying mathematical skills to assess test data.

Language, literacy and numeracy skills necessary to process written and verbal information and perform basic calculations related to the job.

Other units of competency that could be assessed with this unit

This unit of competency can be assessed on its own or in conjunction with any practical unit.

Gaining evidence to assess this unit

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, the competency should be demonstrated over a period of time and be observed by the assessor.

The competency is to be demonstrated in a range of situations, which may include customer/workplace interruptions and involvement in related activities normally experienced in the workplace.

Assessment of competency may be made through practical demonstration in the work environment or in a simulated work environment.

Key competency levels

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life that are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added.

Information below highlights how these processes are applied in this unit of competency.

Refer to Evidence Guide

The range statement links the required knowledge and organisational and technical requirements to the workplace context. It describes any contextual variables that may be used or encountered when applying the competency in work situations. It allows for different work practices and work and knowledge requirements as well as for differences between organisations and workplaces. The following variables are listed in alphabetical order and may be present for this particular unit.

Developed test protocol may include:

fire safety system design drawings

fire system Australian Standards

other fire safety system design documentation

project specifications.

Fire safety sub-systems may include:

dry chemical powder systems

emergency evacuation lighting systems

emergency luminaries and exit signs

emergency warning and intercommunication systems

external wall-wetting sprinklers

fire and smoke control systems

fire brigade hydrant and water supply booster and feed connections

fire brigade intervention plans

fire detection and alarm systems

fire fighting equipment

fire hydrants and fire hose reels

fire pump set systems

fire resistant door-sets and roller shutters

fire resistant sealing service penetrations and control joints

fire resistant separating building elements

fire sprinkler deluge systems

fire sprinkler pre-action and dry pipe systems

fire sprinkler systems - domestic, residential, commercial and industrial

gaseous agent suppression systems

high and medium velocity water spray systems

high expansion foam systems

low expansion foam systems

emergency warning and intercommunication system

portable fire extinguishers

smoke and heat venting systems

water mist systems

wet chemical systems.

Relevant standards, codes and legislation may include:

Australian Communications Authority - cabling provider rules

Australian Dangerous Goods Code

Australian Standards

Building Code of Australia

building surveyor requirements

client and other stakeholder requirements

dispensations from fire and other regulatory authorities

enterprise operating procedures

federal/state/territory/local government authority legislation and regulations, including:

state or territory building legislation and regulations

state or territory environmental regulations

state or territory fire service legislation and regulations

industry codes of practice

international fire system and equipment standards

plumbing codes

product manufacturer's technical manuals and data sheets

updates and interpretations of the Building Code of Australia

workplace codes of practice.

Test data from fire safety system testing measurements and resultant outcomes may include:

pipe work integrity (leak testing and hydrostatic testing)

response times and sequence of events of system and equipment and their interface with other systems

system and equipment input and output measurements

system and equipment settings and tolerances

water supply and system demand flow and pressures

wiring capacity, protection and integrity.

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