Assessor Resource

PUAFIR213
Assist with prescribed burning

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit applies to personnel participating in lighting and conducting prescribed burns under direct supervision.

This unit of covers the competency required to assist with prescribed burning for agricultural, natural resource purposes or hazard mitigation. It requires the ability to assist with preparations for the burn, support the conduct of the burn and participate in clean-up activities.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

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

Prerequisites

PUAFIR215 Prevent injury


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, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

work as a member of a team and follow safe work practices

undertake pre-burn checks

assist in lighting a burn using the relevant equipment

use extinguishing media and equipment in suppression activities

follow directions and respond appropriately to instructions given during the burn

communicate effectively with supervisor and members of the team.

Consistency in performance

Competency must be demonstrated in a range of actual and/or field-based workplace environments.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in an agency approved field-based environment.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

range of controlled fires or prescribed burns

ignition equipment

suppression equipment

Method of assessment

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an agency-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

direct observation

interviewing the candidate

journals and workplace documentation

third party reports from supervisors

written or oral questions


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.

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

Required Skills

assist with preparations for the burn

participate in briefings and debriefings

participate in clean-up activities

participate in conducting the burn

use suppression and ignition equipment

Required Knowledge

burn ignition and suppression tactics and techniques

extinguishing media and equipment

fire behaviour

fire hazards

ignition media and equipment

organisational operating and work health and safety procedures

working safely around fire

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Equipment and media may include:

drip torch

hand tools

hose

knapsack

incendiary devices

matches

small gear pump

tanker

Assets requiring protection may include:

area of rare or sensitive flora and fauna

buildings and other property

crops

public lands

tree plantations

utilities (power and telephone lines, water supply structures, communications towers)

Conditions at the burn may include:

fuel characteristics

fire behaviour including flame height, rate of spread, fire shape and smoke development

terrain

Weather conditions may include:

atmospheric stability

relative humidity

temperature

wind speed and direction

Personal protective equipment may include:

eye protection

gloves

hearing protection

helmet/hat

overalls

respiratory protection

safety boots

Clean-up activities may include:

maintenance of ignition equipment

maintenance of personal protective clothing and equipment

maintenance of suppression equipment

use of vehicles to patrol until the burn is declared safe

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
Equipment and media to be used in the burn are prepared for use as directed. 
Safety equipment is checked and prepared for use. 
Location and extent of the burn is discussed and clarified with supervisor. 
Strategies and tactics for conducting the burn, including contingency plans, are obtained in a briefing and clarification is sought if required. 
Assetsrequiring protection during the burn are recognised and noted. 
Personal role, crew activities and extent of the burn are checked with supervisor. 
Assistance with pre-burn checks is provided as directed by supervisor. 
Burn operations, including lighting and suppression activities, are undertaken in accordance with organisational safety and operating guidelines. 
Ignition devices are used in accordance with organisational safety and operating guidelines. 
Ignition techniques suitable for the burn objectives are implemented in accordance with directions provided. 
Problems or concerns during the burn are raised with supervisor. 
Communication is maintained at all times in accordance with organisational procedures. 
Conditionsat the burn are observed and their effect on fire behaviour and development are noted and reported to supervisor. 
Weather conditions and changes to fire behaviour are observed and reported to supervisor. 
Safe escape route or refuge is identified and maintained at all times. 
Personal protective equipment is utilised throughout the burn in accordance with organisational guidelines. 
Burn perimeter is made safe in accordance with burn plan. 
Hazards remaining in the burn area are noted and reported to supervisor. 
Burn debrief is participated in. 
Clean-up activities are carried out under direction in accordance with organisational procedure. 
Personal protective equipment is cleaned and returned to storage. 
Equipment used in the burn is cleaned, maintained and returned to storage. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PUAFIR213 - Assist with prescribed burning
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

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

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

PUAFIR213 - Assist with prescribed burning

Student name:

Student ID:

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

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: