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Elements and Performance Criteria

Plan to conduct routine monthly or six-monthly inspect and test operations on CIE.

Required Skills

Required skills

customer service skills

language literacy and numeracy skills to

communicate with others clearly and concisely verbally and in writing

document test results and noncompliance defects neatly and legibly

read and comply with work instructions and specifications

read and interpret final design documentation and manufacturers instructions

read and record measurements

planning and organising skills to

estimate time to complete activities

prioritise tasks

skills to work safely when

applying workplace housekeeping procedures

identifying work area hazards in preparation for inspection and test procedures

removing debris caused by inspect and test operations in the work area

selecting and using tools equipment and materials for specific tasks

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

technical skills to

check routine service details of fire alarm system components and materials

identify and isolate zone circuits plant backtobase facilities actuators and other system interfaces

perform routine monthly and sixmonthly inspect and test procedures according to AS Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment

perform routine monthly and six-monthly inspect and test procedures according to AS1851 Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment

physically isolate actuators to inhibit operation

reset CIE to operational state

test actuators for operation and reset to operational state

verify compliance and functionality of CIE against monthly and sixmonthly schedules in AS Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment

Required knowledge

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

awareness of onsite work permit requirements

common controls and indicators on CIE

detection and warning components connected to CIE

environmental conditions that cause actuators to create false alarms

federal state or territory legislation that affects organisational operations including

antidiscrimination and diversity

equal employment opportunity

industrial relations issues relevant to inspecting and testing CIE

key features of legislation regulations codes and standards applicable to inspecting and testing CIE including

implications of not applying legislative requirements to job functions

intent of Australian standard AS Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment in relation to CIE inspect and test operations

key functional differences between a conventional and addressable CIE

key operational principles of CIE specifically interfaced to firesuppression systems

local controls LC local control stations LCS aural alarms visual warning devices VWD and actuators on firesuppression systems interfaced to CIE

methodology used to conduct AS Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment monthly and sixmonthly maintenance schedules relevant to conventional and addressable CIE

operation of actuators

safety requirements for using tools equipment and materials

tools equipment and materials for conducting monthly and sixmonthly inspect and test procedures on CIE according to AS procedures

types of electrical safeguards used to protect persons and property

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 practical demonstrations of inspecting and testing CIE specifically interfaced to different firesuppression systems

conventional fire indicating panels and microprocessor analogue fire indicating panel fire detection systems

fire alarm systems that comply with AS Fire detection warning control and intercom systems Fire

emergency warning and intercommunication systems that comply with AS Fire detection warning control and intercom systems System design installation and commissioning Sound systems and intercom systems for emergency purposes

fire alarm systems interfaced with activating mechanisms of a firesuppression system

The type of CIE interfaced to firesuppression systems tested should correlate to the workplace setting of the candidate

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 site safety plan OHS regulations 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

organise work permits

adhere to safety procedures during inspect and test procedures

identify riskreduction measures

identify and locate system components and materials

identify select and use tools equipment and test equipment

identify and isolate alarm zone circuits backtobase facilities actuators plant and other system interfaces

confirm that circuits plant and other system interfaces are isolated

complete mandatory and optional test and verification requirements applicable to installed firesuppression systems

perform test procedures on CIE interfaced to firesuppression systems

visually inspect firesuppression systems

identify and report noncompliance defects

develop recommendations to rectify defects

reset CIE and firesuppression system to operational state without unwanted CIE outputs or alarms

complete workplace housekeeping requirements

complete records and documentation

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

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.

Occupational health and safety policies and procedures may relate to:

assessing work site for hazards and risks prior to preparing it for work procedure

displaying signs and using barriers in work area

employer and employee rights and responsibilities

incident and accident investigation

OHS audits and safety inspections

OHS hierarchy of control

risk assessment and control measures

safe operating procedures and instructions, including:

awareness of electrical hazards

emergency procedures

equipment maintenance and use

following confined spaces procedures

hazard and risk identification and reporting

use and storage of hazardous substances

using personal protective equipment (PPE), including:

appropriate gloves and overalls

earmuffs or plugs

safety boots or shoes

safety glasses or goggles

those for working safely:

around electrical wiring, cables and overhead powerlines

around tools and equipment

on ladders and raised platforms.

Organisational requirements may include:

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 inspect and test operations for CIE

OHS policies, procedures and programs

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

use of electronic job scheduling and communication devices.

Maintenance activity may include:

actions to conduct routine maintenance according to AS 1851 Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment

actions to conduct non-routine maintenance, such as general isolation of a system to allow building works to be completed and subsequent resetting of the system after works completed.

Hazards may include:

environmental, including:

improper use of hazardous material and other chemicals

improper use or emission of ODS and SGG; emissions may be caused by:

conducting interface tests during commissioning, servicing and decommissioning procedures between container activating mechanisms, CIE and fire alarm system

installing and removing container valve assembly, manifold connection components and activating mechanisms

servicing and maintaining container valve assemblies

transporting, storing and manually handling containers containing ODS and SGG agents

ergonomic, such as incorrect manual-handling methods

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

any situation with a potential to cause loss

any source of potential harm

equipment in a work site

hazards associated with electrical or mechanical faults

people in a work site

work methods, plans and procedures.

Work permits may include permits to:

enter a work site

enter a work site at specific times

enter a restricted area within a work site

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

Relevant persons may include:

building owners or nominated representatives

System components and materials may include:

colour graphic visual display units (VDUs)

fire indicator panel components

remote indicating equipment, such as:

standby batteries

sub-fire indicator panels

fire detection equipment, such as:

data gathering control units

analogue and analogue addressable smoke, heat and gas detectors

warning system equipment, such as:

mimic and location panels

warning and strobe lights

warning speakers

fire-suppression systems equipment, such as:

actuators, such as pneumatic, electrical, mechanical and manual operation

container discharge valves

fittings, including hose fittings

flexible discharge hoses

pilot and slave tubes

interface equipment to other fire protection and building services systems, such as:

door system release controls

electrical interface relays and contacts

flow switches and pressure switches

optical couplers

utility shutdown devices

solenoid valves and other activating mechanisms

interface communication devices, such as:

remote public address (PA) system outputs

warden intercommunication phones.

Installation drawings may include:

installation drawings that meet the requirements of AS 4214 Gaseous fire extinguishing systems, and AS 1670 Fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems, parts 1 and 4, including:

‘for construction’ drawings

‘as installed’ and ‘as built’ drawings.

Control and indicating equipment may include:

fire indicating panels (FIP) approved to AS 1603 Automatic fire detection and alarm systems or AS 4428 Fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems – control and indicating equipment

equipment specifically interfaced to fire-suppression systems:

actuation circuit supervision indicators

alarm operation requirements

discharge time delays

dual zone operations

inhibit discharge switches

inoperative status indicators

shutdown operations

system operation indicators

system warning indications.

Legislative and industry requirements may include:

building surveyor requirements, such as occupancy permits

dangerous goods regulations

environmental regulations, including ODS and SGG legislation, codes and regulations

fire protection industry codes of good practice

licensing arrangements, such as EAHL

manufacturers’ system manuals

OHS legislation, codes and regulations

relevant federal, state and territory building Acts, regulations and codes, such as:

Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989

Building Code of Australia (BCA)

relevant Australian standards, such as:

AS 1603 Automatic fire detection and alarm systems

AS 1670 Fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems, parts 1 and 4

AS 1851 Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment

AS 4214 Gaseous fire extinguishing systems

AS 4428 Fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems – control and indicating 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 of Australian petroleum industry.

Documentation may include:

corrective action reports

customer recommendation forms

equipment recommendation forms

maintenance record system

manufacturers’ system documentation

product documentation

service agreements

service test record logbooks

test results and test reports.

Work procedures may include:

assignment instructions

equipment manufacturers’ requirements

instructions from colleagues, supervisors and managers

ODS, SGG and OHS requirements

PPE requirements

reporting and documentation requirements

specific customer requirements.

Tools, equipment and test devices may include:

hand tools, including:

fire equipment spare parts, including:

anti-tamper seals

bulbs and globes

manual-handling aids, including:

power tools, including:

battery powered drills

servicing tools and test devices, including:

barcode readers

electrical multimeters

hydrostatic test equipment

recharging and pressurising equipment

safety equipment

service tag punches

simulator actuators

System interfaces may include:

building management systems

building warning systems

controls for pressurisation systems, air conditioning system shutdowns and smoke spills

operating signals between CIE and building services systems, such as utility shutdown devices.

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.

Actuators (also known as actuation control devices) may include:

electrical operation: signal generated from CIE panel as part of a fire alarm detection system

manual operation: by direct push lever or pull cable system

mechanical operation: via signal from local control station or fire detector

pneumatic operation: from fire detector (typically heat).

Back-to-base facilities include:

monitoring equipment which is connected by alarm signalling equipment (ASE) from CIE to a communication path (telephone line or radio link) to a monitoring centre

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

Finalised design documentation may include:

documentation that meets the requirements of AS 4214 Gaseous fire extinguishing systems, and AS 1670 Fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems, parts 1 and4, including:

system concentration and calculations

technical bulletins

material safety data sheets on agents and equipment

manufacturers’ information.