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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Maintain immersion suit
   • Immersion suit is inspected for serviceability in accordance with standard procedures
   • Immersion suit is tested for serviceability in accordance with standard procedures and manufacturer’s specifications
   • Identified faults beyond own authority to rectify are reported to supervisor and faulty immersion suit is quarantined
   • Unserviceable parts of the immersion suit are replaced while observing all relevant work health and safety (WHS) requirements, including the use of material safety data sheets (MSDS) and items of personal protective equipment (PPE)
   • Immersion suit is cleaned in accordance with standard procedures
   • Immersion suit is re-packed in accordance with standard procedures
   • Immersion suit is presented for inspection by supervisor in accordance with standard procedures
   • Maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
2. Fit immersion suit
   • Fitting process is explained to the participant so that optimal fit can be achieved
   • Participant is measured and appropriate size immersion suit is selected
   • Immersion suit is adjusted to optimise fit in conjunction with participant feedback
   • Immersion suit fit is verified by the supervisor
   • Relevant documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

Range Statement

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.
Standard procedures are found in any or all of:	Commonwealth/state/territory WHS legislation, regulations and codes Australian Standards Equipment manufacturers’ specifications and procedures Industry practices Safety manuals Maintenance schedules Work instructions Maintenance organisation manuals MSDS Defence regulations and instructions Standing instructions
Faults include:	Contamination Corrosion of metal parts, such as zippers Delamination Incorrect manufacture Leaks Lifting of tapes Scuffing (e.g. boot) Tears in suit and/or seals
Parts of the immersion suit include:	Boots Gloves Life line Light Seals (e.g. wrist, neck) Whistle
Adjustment of the immersion suit includes:	Leg length Sleeve length Trimming seals

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Performance Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria under the specified conditions of assessment, and must include:

applying WHS practices relating to immersion suit maintenance processes, including the selection and correct use of PPE, where applicable

using MSDS

using applicable tools and maintenance documentation to:

test/inspect immersion suits for serviceability

replace unserviceable components in accordance with approved procedures, including the use of hazardous materials and adhesives

select and use appropriate immersion suit cleaning materials

correctly fit immersion suits to users

operating specialist equipment, including:

heat press

vacuum heat sealer

3 stage in-line breathing apparatus

filter extraction systems

spill kits

cleaning and maintenance of equipment and tools.

The underlying skills inherent in this unit should be transferable across a range of aircraft life support equipment maintenance activities. It is essential that immersion suit testing and inspection procedures, cleanliness requirements and safety precautions, including the correct use of PPE, are fully observed, understood and complied with. Ability to interpret maintenance and fitting procedures and apply them in practice is critical.

This is to be demonstrated through demonstration of the ability to recognise faults and damage and perform appropriate repairs that are within the bounds of the individual’s authority, and through the demonstration of correct fitting procedures.

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Knowledge Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

relevant regulations, standards, enterprise procedures and maintenance publications

WHS procedures relating to immersion suit maintenance, including the selection and use of PPE

how to obtain MSDS

emergency procedures in relation to chemical spills and emergency evacuation of personnel in distress

chemical disposal procedures

requirements for storage of adhesives

cold shock and hypothermia in relation to survival

priorities of survival and how they relate to immersion suits and associated ancillary equipment

physiological effects of flight

critical nature of maintaining and fitting immersion suits

materials used to manufacture immersion suits (i.e. neoprene and gortex)

operation of testing and measuring equipment and tools used to maintain immersion suits

components of an immersion suit and their function

types of corrosion and contamination that may affect immersion suits

modification requirements for immersion suits

immersion suit repair procedures and limitations

immersion suit cleaning methods and materials

handling, storage and transit procedures relating to life support equipment

handling and storage procedures relating to immersion suits (i.e. MACPAC highly susceptible to damage)

specialist equipment operation, including:

heat press

vacuum heat sealer

3 stage in-line breathing apparatus

filter extraction systems

spill kits.

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