Required skills

operating computer software packages and systems including

word processing

spreadsheet

email

internet

design and drawing software

proprietary project management and project scheduling software

language and literacy skills for

listening to and communicating clearly with stakeholders colleagues and contractors

explaining gravity of fire systems inspection findings to owner

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

letter writing

updating knowledge of products software systems and technology

reading and interpreting drawings including

architectural

structural

mechanical

hydraulic

electrical

report writing

developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with stakeholders colleagues and clients

negotiation and conflict management

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

Required knowledge

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

fire engineering principles including

engineered solutions

innovative fire systems

fire modelling

computer software functions and operation including relevant proprietary software

relevant current and historical 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

protection requirements for different buildings

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

special hazard fire systems including

foam systems low expansion medium expansion and high expansion

gaseous agent systems carbon dioxide inert gas and halocarbon gases

water spray systems deluge mediumhigh velocity water spray and high speed deluge

chemical powder systems

wet chemical systems

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

passive fire safety elements

identification of passive elements

requirements for safeguarding the integrity of passive fire element performance where penetrations have been made

basic principles of structural engineering

characteristics of building materials

construction industry terminology

sustainability requirements and ratings including

energy conservation

water conservation

human psychology especially fire avoidance behaviour

contractual processes

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 the establishment of the legislation codes and standards that apply to existing fire systems in a range of buildings The activity should include assessment of the compliance of fire safety schedules and inspection testing and maintenance documentation

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

a comprehensive understanding of the range of relevant current and historical legislation codes standards and regulatory requirements for the certification of existing fire systems

an understanding of the function and operation of the full range of fire systems including waterbased fire systems detection and warning systems and special hazard fire systems used in a wide variety of types of buildings including

lowrise buildings

mediumrise buildings

highrise buildings over metres

buildings over metres in height

the ability to research and identify the applicable current and historical compliance requirements for a range of fire systems installed and modified at different dates in a variety of types of buildings

the ability to assess fire safety schedules and inspection and testing documentation for currency and completeness

the ability to identify and report on anomalies and omissions in fire safety compliance documentation

the ability to produce checklists and notes regarding issues of particular interest found in fire safety documentation to assist annual inspection processes

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

documents drawings plans and specifications

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

Fire systems may include:

Compliance documentation may include:

Current and historical legislation, codes and standards may include:

Relevant stakeholders may include: