This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

Required Skills

apply scientific methodology to determine fire cause

apply theory of principles of fire chemistry and physics to develop hypothesis based on fire scene evidence

identify unrelated fire science evidence finger prints forced entry signs of burglary tool marks

take notes

undertake a risk analysis of a fire scene including consideration of electrical hazards hazardous materials physical hazards and environmental hazards

Required Knowledge

autoignition temperature

chemistry and properties of flammable and combustible liquids

chemistry of pyrolysis

classes of fire

compartment fire development and fire spread including flashover and backdraught

data interpretation

deflagration

detonation

drying oils chemicals vegetable matter friction

effect of oxygen concentration

effects of flammable liquids on a fire scene

expected combustion products of different fuels

extinguishing theory and methods

fire gases

fire point

flame types which may include associated temperature ranges diffused laminar premixed surface ground and crown wildfires turbulent

flammability limits

flammable products and gases

flashpoint

heat release rate

ignition energy

ignition sources

physics of heat transfer including radiant convection conducted and impact of fire spread

products of combustion carbonaceous and unburnt pyrolysis products

radiant heat flux

safe work practices

significance of flashpoint in terms of fire scene

spontaneous combustion

types of combustion

wildfire development surface ground and crown fires

vapour density

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to

apply relevant laws legislation codes of practice and national standards to fire investigation

identify and assess ignition sources

demonstrate understanding of compartment fire behaviour and wildfire behaviour and fire spread at an investigation scene

assess fuel type and fuel load at investigation scene

assess impact of vapour density on fire spread

apply relevant physical and chemical principles to fire investigation

integrate knowledge of fire chemistry fire behaviour and science into forming and testing working hypotheses for fire origin and cause

validate fire investigation conclusions using scientific principles

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated across a range of workplace andor simulated situations

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in the workplace and in a simulated workplace environment

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of causes likely to occur for which evidence needs to be gathered and managed

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this unit may include a combination of

case studies

demonstration

observation

questioning

scenarios

authenticated evidence from the workplace

Chemistry of combustion includes:

Fuel types may include:

Methods of heat transfer include:

Theory of heatrelease includes:

Stages of fire development in a compartment

Fuel load may include:

Deflagration and detonation may include:

Types of ignition may include: