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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Apply rules and regulations to service operations.

Required Skills

Required skills

customer service skills

language literacy and numeracy skills to

communicate with others clearly and concisely verbally and in writing

interpret information on engineering drawings such as installation drawings

read and comply with work instructions and specifications

read and record measurements

record and report information neatly and legibly

planning and organising skills to

estimate time to complete activities

prioritise tasks

interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social and cultural backgrounds

skills to work safely when

applying workplace housekeeping procedures

handling and transporting gaseous containers according to legislation including ODS and SGG requirements manufacturer and work procedures

using hand and power tools

technical skills to

conduct

function system tests with other system interfaces as specified in AS

routine mechanical maintenance on equipment as specified in AS

visual mechanical inspection testing and maintenance tasks as specified in AS

visual mechanical inspection, testing and maintenance tasks as specified in AS1851

identify whether gaseous agent is still suitable for existing occupancy risk

operate

actuators to determine that operation is within design parameters for installed equipment

manual controls of gaseous firesuppression system

standardised control functions on a fire alarm panel that interfaces with the gaseous system to conduct functional tests as specified in AS

remove and replace

container actuators note the fire protection technician may require manufacturers endorsement for specific actuators

containers from container bank manifold

verify visually that system complies with original installation requirements

Required knowledge

difference between total flooding and local application systems

difference between various types of extinguishing gaseous agents used

extent to which pressures and liquid levels in extinguishing agent containers vary according to temperature change

fire suppressant action of gaseous agents in terms of smothering cooling and reacting chemically with the fire radical

how building structures services and service penetration within and through protected area enclosures influence the holding time of a gaseous agent

industrial relations issues applicable to inspecting testing and maintaining gaseous firesuppression systems

industry best practice methods used to isolate actuators to prevent ODS and SGG emissions in the workplace

key features of legislation regulations codes and standards including ODS and SGG applicable to inspecting testing and maintaining gaseous firesuppression systems including

action to take when a breach of OHS ODS and SGG or other policy occurs

container handling moving and transporting requirements

environment protection authority ODS and SGG emission requirements

implications of not applying legislative requirements to job functions

manufacturers requirements and standards applicable to inspecting testing and maintaining gaseous firesuppression systems

occupational hazards of gaseous agent in terms of

no observable adverse effect level NOAEL

lowest observable adverse effect level LOAEL

products of combustion from fire and products of decomposition associated with some gaseous agents when extinguishing a fire

operating principles of

lockoff directional and pressurerelease valves

pneumatic and mechanical actuators interfaced with gaseous systems

fire alarm components interfaced with gaseous firesuppression systems

gaseous agent discharge nozzles

operation of different types of equipment used to store and release gaseous extinguishant agent

pressures generated during release of gaseous agents pressure rating requirements of pipework and fittings and the need for adequate support bracing

reasons for preventing ODS and SGG emissions in the workplace

relevant federal state or territory legislation that affects organisational operations including

antidiscrimination and diversity

equal employment opportunity

safety requirements relevant to inspect test and maintain procedures

types of

gaseous firesuppression agents and how they extinguish fire including concentration and holding time requirements

gaseous firesuppression systems including

working principles

preengineered

engineered

use of flooding factors to check extinguishing agent quality

Evidence Required

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 by observation of at least two different practical demonstrations of inspecting testing and maintaining gaseous firesuppression systems at customers premises

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 in this unit

In particular the person should demonstrate the ability to

locate interpret and apply relevant information standards and specifications

comply with OHS and ODS and SGG regulations where required and state and territory legislation applicable to workplace operations

comply with organisational policies and procedures including quality requirements

communicate and work effectively and safely with others

Competency must be demonstrated in a minimum of two different settings including

identifying potential hazards and risks

identifying riskreduction measures

adhering to safety procedures during inspect test and maintain procedures

identifying installed gaseous firesuppression systems

identifying and locating system components

identifying selecting and using tools equipment and materials effectively to perform inspect test and maintain procedures on an installed gaseous firesuppression system

matching installed system to installation drawings

identifying isolation devices and interface controls to other systems

switching alarm signalling equipment to test mode

physically isolating equipment and gaseous firesuppression systems

electrically isolating equipment and interface controls to other systems

installing and calibrating test equipment

completing specified mechanical inspection tasks documenting results and reporting faulty equipment

completing specified mechanical test tasks documenting results and reporting faulty equipment

completing specified mechanical preventive maintenance tasks repairing or replacing faulty equipment and documenting results

reinstating system to operational state

completing workplace housekeeping requirements

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

access to customer premises or a simulated workplace environment

assessment documentation

necessary tools specialist equipment manuals and relevant documentation including ODS and SGG policies and work procedures

training and assessment record books

Method of assessment

Assessment methods must

satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Property 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

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function

Range Statement

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Rules and regulations may include:

dangerous goods regulations

environmental regulations

licensing arrangements

OHS legislation, regulations and codes

relevant commonwealth and state or territory building Acts, regulations and codes, such as Building Code of Australia (BCA)

relevant Australian standards, such as:

AS 1851 Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment

note: Australian standards are frequently revised and users must always check for currency and amendments

other relevant legislation relating to fire protection equipment, including:

international shipping codes

marine codes for different Australian States.

Requirements may be confirmed with:

colleagues

managers

supervisors

team leaders.

Work procedures may include:

assignment instructions

equipment manufacturers’ requirements

instructions from colleagues, supervisors and managers

personal protective equipment requirements

reporting and documentation requirements

specific customer requirements

work instructions to prevent the emission of ODS and SGG in the workplace.

ODS and SGG extinguishing agents may include:

Note list format:

product name (other names) use

Check the latest amendments to the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act for the current list of ODS and SGG extinguishing agents.

ODS and SGG extinguishing agents commonly used in Australia:

FM200 (FE-227 Heptafluoropropane, HFC-227ea) used as a total flooding extinguishing agent and as a replacement for Halon 1301

Halon 1211 (BCF, Halon 1211 BCF, Bromochlorodifluoromethane) used as a streaming agent – requires a special permit in Australia

Halon 1301 (BTM, Halon 1301 BTM, Bromotrifluoromethane) used as a total flooding agent – requires a special permit in Australia

NAF-P-III (HCFC Blend C) used as a streaming agent

NAF-P-IV (HCFC Blend E) used as a streaming agent

NAF-S-III (HCFC Blend A) used as a total flooding agent

SF6 (Sulfurhexafluoride) used as an inerting agent in sealed high voltage switchgear

ODS and SGG extinguishing agents not commonly used in Australia:

Blitz III (HCFC Blend D) used in flooding systems

CFC-11 (Trichlorofluoromethane) may be found as a propellant in some powder fire extinguishers (this product is banned in Australia but may be found on incoming foreign vessels)

FC-2-1-8 (CEA-308) used in flooding systems

FC-3-1-10 (CEA-410) used in flooding systems

FC-5-1-14 (CEA-614) used as a streaming agent

FE-13 (Trifluoromethane, HFC-23) used as a total flooding agent

FE-241 (Chlorotetrafluoroethane, HCFC-124) used as a total flooding agent for non-occupied spaces and as a streaming agent

FE-25 (Pentafluoroethane, HFC-125) used in inerting and explosion suppression applications

FE-36 (Hexafluoropropane, HFC-236fa) used in portable fire extinguishers – is a replacement for Halon 1211 and Halon 1301

FM100 (HBFC-22B1) used in portable fire extinguishers

Halon 2402 (Dibromotetrafluoroethane) limited use in military systems – requires a special permit in Australia

Halotron I (HCFC Blend B or HCFC-123) used as a total flooding agent and streaming agent

Halotron II (blend of HFC-143a and HFC-125) used as a total flooding agent and as a replacement for Halon 1301

HCFC-22 (Chlorodifluoromethane) used as a propellant in some powder fire extinguishers (this product is banned in Australia but may be found on incoming foreign vessels)

HFC-134a (Unsymmetric tetrafluoroethane) used as a propellant in some powder fire extinguishers.

Key functional requirements relate to interpreting the system functions within design limitations, such as:

gaseous flooding discharge time and holding time, and factors that can effect these key design requirements, including:

nozzle location

openings in protected enclosure

orifices

pipe blockages

system is total flooding or local gaseous system suppression of fire mechanism in relation to fire triangle

understanding of environmental and occupational hazards caused by gaseous agents.

Checking system compliance requirements may include:

applying inspection, test and survey requirements according to Australian standards

reviewing documentation to verify that installed systems comply with relevant rules and regulations.

Action may include:

advising customer

documenting non-compliance

making equipment safe

reporting, as required.

Organisational policies and procedures may be located in quality assurance and procedures manuals relating to:

documentation and information systems and processes

legal and organisational policies and guidelines, including personnel practices and guidelines outlining work roles, responsibilities and delegations

legislation relevant to service operations

ODS and SGG policies, procedures and programs

OHS policies, procedures and programs

use of electronic job scheduling and communication devices.

Gaseous fire-suppression systems may include:

synthetic gaseous fire-extinguishing agents (liquefied), such as:

ODS and SGG materials

Novec 1230

inert gaseous fire-extinguishing agents (non-liquefied), such as:

Inergen

Argonite

nitrogen

carbon dioxide.

Gaseous fire-suppression system information may include:

as installed drawings

Australian standards

design drawings

manufacturers’ manuals.

Components may include:

actuators:

mechanical

pyrotechnic

solenoid

fire alarm system interface components, such as:

anti-tamper switches

gaseous system controls and indicators on control and indicating equipment (CIE), such as fire indicating panels (FIP) approved to:

AS 1603 Automatic fire detection and alarm systems

AS 4428 Fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems – control and indicating equipment

positional monitoring switches

pressure switches

remote gas control points

warning system equipment, such as:

alarm bells

warning lights and strobes

warning speakers.

Installation drawings may include:

installation drawings that meet the requirements of AS 4214 Gaseous fire extinguishing systems, and fire alarm standards:

in AS 1670.1 Fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems – System design, installation and commissioning – Fire

in AS 1670.4 Fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems – System design, installation and commissioning – Sound systems and intercom systems for emergency purposes

including:

‘for construction’ drawings

‘as installed’ or ‘as built’ drawings.

Isolation devices may include:

CIE, including:

FIP

gas control panels

mechanical isolation devices

pneumatic isolation devices.

Work permits may include permits to:

ensure that specific OHS requirements are met before entering a work site

enter a restricted area within a work site

enter a work site

enter a work site at specific times.

Hazards may include:

environmental hazards, such as improper use of ODS and SGG, hazardous materials and other chemicals

environmental risks from ODS and SGG emissions that could be caused by:

conducting interface tests between actuators, CIE and fire alarm system during inspect, test and maintain procedures

installing and removing container valve assembly, manifold connection components and actuators

servicing and maintaining container valve assemblies

transporting, storing and manual handling ODS and SGG containers

equipment in a work site

ergonomic, such as incorrect manual-handling methods

hazards associated with electrical or mechanical faults

obstructive, such as blocked access to emergency entry or exit points

people in a work site

sources of potential harm

situations with a potential to cause loss

work methods, plans and procedures.

Tools, equipment and testing devices may include:

fire equipment spare parts, including:

aerosol test smoke

anti-tamper seals

clamps

service tags

hand tools, including:

hammers

pliers

screwdrivers

spanners

spirit levels

power tools, including:

battery powered drills

hammer drills

manual-handling aids, including:

hand trucks

lifting straps

trolleys

servicing tools and testing devices, including:

actuator simulators

barcode readers

container contents-measurement equipment

electrical multimeter

recharging and pressurising equipment

safety equipment

scales

service tag punch.

Back-to-base facilities refer to:

monitoring equipment that is connected by ASE from the CIE to a communication path (telephone line or a radio link) and then to a monitoring centre

monitoring centres, which can be operated by or on behalf of a fire authority for the purposes of mobilising and directing firefighting resources to site where CIE is installed.

Mechanical inspection tasks may include:

actions to complete mechanical inspection tasks according to AS 1851, such as:

checking enclosure for changes in openings, for example any new, unsealed service penetrations

checking that gas discharge pipe lock-off valve (if fitted) is correctly labelled and accessible

checking that gas containers are secure, accessible and free from damage

inspecting each container pressure indicator to check that pressure is within prescribed limits

where there is no container pressure indicator, checking that system discharged indicator has not operated

checking that release mechanisms, including drop weights, are undamaged, accessible and unimpeded

checking gas container enclosure is accessible, adequately illuminated, ventilated and secured against unauthorised entry

checking integrity of all pneumatic piping and fittings

checking that entire protected area enclosure complies with original design

checking that discharge nozzles are clear and unobstructed, correctly aimed and secured

checking actuating devices for any condition likely to adversely affect their operation, such as excessive deposits of dust or paint coating

inspecting all areas adjacent to protected area to ensure that migration of gas does not create a hazard to personnel

inspecting protected area to check that the risk has not changed from original design, such as computer room to combustible storage and equipment

checking that all pipework, flexible connectors and manifolds are free from damage and adequately secured

checking that discharge from all pressure relief devices and vent valves does not create a hazard to personnel

checking that all directional valves and check valves are correctly orientated

determining whether container valve overhaul is due

determining whether container hydrostatic pressure test is due according to AS 2030 Gas cylinders or AS 1851 Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment

checking age of pyrotechnic actuator to determine if due for replacement.

Maintenance schedule periods may be:

monthly

six monthly

yearly

five yearly

ten yearly.

Maintenance information may include:

Australian standards

manufacturers’ specifications and recommended procedures

service manual instructions

service manuals and bulletins.

Mechanical test tasks may include:

actions to complete mechanical test tasks according to AS1851, such as:

simulating a system operation and confirming that discharge actuators and directional valves operate correctly

testing operation of all mechanical manual discharge release systems

testing operation of mechanical automatic discharge release systems not operated through CIE, such as fusible links

operating system lock-off valve and confirming that the system inoperative visual warning device (VWD) operates

confirming, by weighing, liquid level determination or pressure reading (inert gases only), that each gas container is charged with correct quantity of extinguishing agent

testing to ensure correct operation of all automatic pneumatic controls

simulating operation of agent release detection device and confirming indication of agent release at system control panel.

Documentation may include:

application for credit forms

certificates of inspection

corrective action reports

customer recommendation forms

equipment recommendation forms

expense claims

job cards

maintenance record systems

motor vehicle fleet cards

petty cash vouchers

product documentation

service agreements

service test record logbooks.

Customer requirements may include:

confirming or varying service instructions

following sign-in and sign-out procedures for entry to or exit from premises

providing non-routine or urgent services

providing routine services

sighting work permits

written or verbal confirmation of services provided and future maintenance schedule.

Mechanical preventive maintenance tasks may include:

actions to complete routine mechanical maintenance tasks according to AS 1851, such as:

checking operation of mechanical container actuator and lubricating as necessary

checking operation of remote mechanical release system and lubricating as necessary

checking operation of automatic mechanical release system and lubricating as necessary

replacing pyrotechnic container actuator that will exceed its listed lifetime prior to next scheduled maintenance

cleaning dampers and nozzles that are subject to deposit of contaminants, such as cooking oil, hot wax, etc.

actions to conduct non-routine maintenance, such as general isolation to CIE so that building works can be done, then resetting systems after works are completed.

Reinstate process may involve:

confirming all interface actuators are isolated and appropriate signage, documentation and lock-off are in place

removing transport caps on actuator outlets, plugs and locking devices according to manufacturer and organisational requirements

re-installing pneumatic actuators and pilot and slave tubes and fittings according to finalised design documentation and installation drawings

checking pneumatic actuator and pilot and slave tubes connection are free from kinks and physically checking for tightness

re-installing electrical and mechanical actuators according to finalised design documentation and installation drawings

physically checking tightness of electrical and mechanical actuators, and that they are correctly set to operate

re-installing manual actuators according to finalised design documentation and installation drawings

physically checking tightness of manual actuators, and that they are correctly set to operate with safety device engaged

activating all interfaced actuators and removing signage, documentation and lock-off for functional testing

advising relevant persons that system is fully operational and providing appropriate technical, maintenance or handover instructions on operation of system

leaving work site clean and tidy with materials disposed of or recycled according to state or territory legislative and industry requirements.