Required skills

analytical skills to assess performance features and suitability of system technologies and components

operating computer software packages and systems including

word processing

spreadsheet

email

internet

proprietary hydraulic calculation software

proprietary estimating software

parametric modelling of services coordination using proprietary software such as NavisWorks or MEPREVIT

language and literacy skills for

listening to and communicating clearly with colleagues installers suppliers and contractors

researching accessing reading interpreting and applying current relevant legislation codes and standards

updating knowledge of products software systems and technology

reading and interpreting drawings plans and specifications including

architectural

structural

mechanical

hydraulic

electrical

researching and evaluating competing technologies in new products and systems

numeracy skills to evaluate costeffectiveness of various systems and components

developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with project team members workplace colleagues suppliers installers manufacturers and industry professionals who may supply information relevant to research and evaluation activities

organising own work including creating personal systems and checklists for planning managing and checking work

Required knowledge

workplace design tools and processes

fire science including

fire behaviour and dynamics

impact of fire on structures and materials

products of combustion

fire control strategies

fire retardants

fire detection technologies

fire suppression technologies

fire containment

computer software functions and operation including

word processing

spreadsheet

email

internet

proprietary hydraulic calculation software

proprietary estimating software

parametric modelling software such as NavisWorks or MEPREVIT

relevant current legislation codes and standards including

building Acts

building regulations

infrastructure supply regulations

the Building Code of Australia

Australian standards for fire systems

international standards for fire systems

other fire system standards commonly required by building insurers

fire systems technology and components including

waterbased systems including

wet pipe sprinkler systems

deluge and drencher systems

dry pipe sprinkler systems

preaction sprinkler systems

early suppression fast response ESFR

hydrants hose reels and monitors

water supply tanks

fire pump sets

detection and warning systems including

emergency warning and intercommunications systems EWIS

fire detection and alarm systems

smoke control systems

emergency lighting systems

purpose and operation of fire systems including

layout

high hazard products

system operation

performance requirements

maintenance standards

system activation and operation

characteristics and limitations of products and materials used in fire systems and issues relating to material compatibility

interconnection of fire systems including

cause and effect matrix

interface with other services

water supplies including

common water sources

conservation requirements

inground reticulation

booster configurations

fluid mechanics and hydraulics relating to

water supply

pressure

pump selection

tank selection

pressure vessels

pipe range

sustainability requirements and ratings including

energy conservation

water conservation

principles of organic and inorganic chemistry

principles of physical sciences including

Boyles Law

Charles Law

Daltons Law

Henrys Law

principles of thermodynamics including

effects of heat

stratification of gases

smoke and heat dynamics

electrical and electronics theory including

units used to measure current AC and DC power capacitance inductance and sound attenuation

effects of AC and DC current in series and parallel circuit paths that includes resistive inductive and capacitive loads

relationship between voltage drops around a circuit and applied voltage

definition of voltage ratings as defined in communication and electrical safety regulations including extra low voltage low voltage and hazardous voltages

layout of electrical wiring systems to meet communication and electrical safety regulations applicable to fire detection and warning systems

basic operation of common electronic and electrical components used in fire detection and warning systems

basic operation of communication protocols on addressable systems peripheral devices printers and highlevel interfaces to other communication devices used in fire detection and warning systems

communication technologies including

data transfer

networking

communication protocols

radio frequency technologies

acoustics and speech intelligibility for occupant warning systems

human psychology especially fire avoidance behaviour

financial management including

budgeting

costeffectiveness

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

This unit of competency could be assessed in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment provided that the simulated or projectbased assessment fully replicates workplace conditions materials activities responsibilities and procedures

This unit could be assessed as an activity involving research evaluation and selection of fire detection and suppression systems for a range of types of fire systems design projects The activity should also include the preparation of specifications for the interactions and interfaces required for the effective operation of the systems in the event of a fire

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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the required skills and knowledge specified within this unit

In particular the person should demonstrate

the ability to read and interpret a range of documents including design briefs and specifications for fire systems design projects and manufacturer specifications and technical performance data for a range of fire detection and suppression technologies and components

the ability to evaluate and compare the performance and costeffectiveness of different technologies and components with similar applications

for fire detection and suppression systems

for a range of different fire systems design projects

the ability to assess the suitability of fire detection and suppression systems technology and components for a range of applications in different fire systems design projects including

lowrise buildings

mediumrise buildings

highrise buildings over metres

buildings over metres in height

the ability to specify the required interactions and interfaces between fire detection and suppression systems in a range of different fire systems design projects

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge may be conducted in an offsite context It is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards requirements

Resource implications for assessment include

design briefs drawings plans and specifications

manufacturer specifications and performance data for a range of fire detection and suppression systems technologies and components

copies of codes standards legislation and regulatory requirements

access to information and communications technology hardware and software

Method of assessment

Assessment must

satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Construction Plumbing and Services Training Package

include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application

reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles

confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments

Guidance information for assessment

Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources and the provision of appropriate assessment support

Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed

1.1. Technologies and components for fire suppression systems may include:

Relevant legislation, codes and standards may include:

Performance characteristics and limitations of fire suppression systems may include:

Technologies and components available for fire detection and occupant warning systems may include:

1.2. Performance characteristics and limitations of fire detection and occupant warning systems may include: