Assessor Resource

PUAFIR318
Operate specialist appliance

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit applies to personnel required to safely and competently operate specialist appliances.

Achievement of this unit does not mean an individual is competent in the operation of all specialist appliances listed in the Range Statement.

The range of specialist vehicles available means that an operator may be deemed competent in this unit, however must demonstrate competence to organisational standards to be deemed an operator of a specific vehicle.

This unit covers the competency required to operate a specialist appliance at an incident.

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

Not applicable.


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:

operate appliances safely and competently

avoid hazards

implement safe work practices.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed on-the-job or in a simulated workplace environment.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

organisational specialist appliances

site suitable for assessment

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

operate equipment located on the specific appliance

set up the appliance

Required Knowledge

identification and markings of fire appliances

principal features and main components of fire appliances

procedures for obtaining technical advice/information

procedures for operating the equipment stowed on the appliance

impact of weather on operation of the appliance

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.

Hazards may include:

atmospheric conditions such as wind direction/strength

fire explosion

fire spread

hazardous atmospheres, such as smoke and toxic gases

structural collapse

Safe working operations may include:

compliance with

manufacturer specifications

organisational operational procedures

WHS guidelines

Appliance may include:

breathing apparatus unit

catering/refreshment unit

command unit

firefighting appliance (non-water or foam)

foam/water tender

HAZMAT response unit

hose layer

lighting unit

rescue tender

salvage unit

Ancillary equipment may include:

breathing apparatus and servicing

communications

decontamination

firefighting

forcible entry tools

lighting

rescue

Personal protective clothing and equipment may include:

breathing apparatus (self-contained or airline)

chemical splash suits

eye and ear protection

gas suit

helmet and gloves

structural firefighter turnout clothing

Appropriate personnel may include:

appliance supervisor

communications officer

incident controller

officer in charge

operations centre personnel

safety officer

sector commander

Communication may include:

hand signals

radio communications

verbal instructions

whistle signals

Servicing and maintaining equipment may include:

fault finding and rectification

liaising with specialist personnel

replacement of parts

security procedures

service, cleaning and maintenance according to manufacturer specifications

stripping and assembling equipment

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
Hazards which impact on the safe working operations of the appliance and ancillary equipment are identified and appliance is sited to minimise its impact in accordance with organisational procedures. 
Appliance is positioned to support operational requirements in accordance with organisational procedures and to prevent injury to personnel or damage to equipment and facilities. 
Personal protective clothing and equipment are selected and worn in accordance with organisational and work health and safety (WHS) requirements. 
Personnel using appliance equipment are deployed in accordance with organisational standard operating procedures and WHS guidelines. 
Appliance is operated in accordance with organisational procedures and manufacturer specifications. 
Safe clearances are maintained to ensure that personnel are not injured by the operation of the appliance. 
Performance of the appliance is monitored and adjusted, where required, in response to changed conditions and to achieve determined strategies and objectives. 
Action is taken to rectify any deficiencies in the operation of the appliance, where possible. 
Appliance is operated in a manner to prevent injury to personnel or damage to equipment and facilities. 
Fire spread, onsite hazards and atmospheric conditions and their potential impact on the specialist appliance operations are monitored and relevant information is referred to appropriate personnel. 
Communication is established and maintained with the appropriate personnel throughout the operation. 
Ancillary equipment is collected and restowed in accordance with organisational requirements and WHS guidelines. 
Servicing, maintaining, cleaning and repairing equipment is undertaken in accordance with organisational procedures. 
Appliance is checked and maintained, and any faults or deficiencies are reported in accordance with organisational procedures. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PUAFIR318 - Operate specialist appliance
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

PUAFIR318 - Operate specialist appliance

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: