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 practical demonstration of basic functional testing of a range of water-based fire-suppression systems.

If all relevant aspects of evidence cannot be demonstrated in a work environment, the remainder should be assessed through realistic simulations, projects, or oral questioning on case study scenarios.

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 ability to:

apply sustainability principles and concepts when conducting basic functional testing of water-based fire-suppression systems

apply safety requirements throughout the work sequence, including electrical safety requirements and the use of personal protective clothing and equipment

complete tasks according to the relevant Australian standard

conduct inspection and testing tasks specified in the weekly, monthly and six-monthly frequency schedule

perform functional testing of the following water-based fire-suppression systems:

alternate wet or general systems with no pumpset system

alternate wet or general systems with pumpset system and tank

residential or domestic systems

combined sprinkler and hydrant systems

deluge systems

pre-action or recycle systems.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge may be conducted in an off-site context. It is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards’ requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

adequate water supply and draining or recycling arrangements to operate water-based fire-suppression systems

operational water-based fire-suppression systems

pictures and cut-away sections of control assemblies and valves to show operation.

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, for example:

CPCPFS3041A Inspect and test fire pumpsets

CPCPFS3042A Conduct annual functional testing of complex water-based fire-suppression systems

CPCPFS3043A Conduct functional water flow testing.

Required skills

customer service skills

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

language, literacy and numeracy skills to:

communicate with others clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing

record and report information neatly and legibly

read and apply work instructions and specifications

read and record measurements

planning and organising skills to:

estimate time to complete activities

prioritise tasks

technical skills to:

identify system components

operate valves, switches and levers to test system operation

work safely when applying workplace housekeeping procedures

Required knowledge

basic principles of operation and purpose of components of water-based fire suppression systems:

accelerators and exhausters

alarm ‘dry’ (i.e. deluge) control valve assembly components

alarm ‘wet’ control valve assembly components

batteries

circulation and system pressure relief valves

isolation and control valves

pressure and flow switches

pressure gauges

pump controllers and ancillary equipment for control and indication

pumpsets

retard chambers

solenoid valves

sprinkler heads

system block plans

system pressure gauge schedules

water motor alarm gong

water supply tanks: atmospheric, pressure and suction with priming tanks

general operation of water-based systems

general operation of a gauge

key features of legislation, regulations and codes applicable to inspecting and testing water-based fire-suppression systems

metric and imperial pressure gauge readings

systems and components:

air compressors fitted to systems

circulation and system pressure relief valves

controls on the pumpset controller panel:

fuel gauges

indicators

main isolating switch

flow switches and associated testing equipment

isolating valves associated with water-based fire-suppression system

main water supply underground key-operated valve location

pressure gauges

pumpsets associated with water-based fire-suppression system

pump starting switches

suction inlet strainers or screen on a static water supply for the water-based fire-suppression system

system block plan requirements for design details of systems installed since 1972

system main alarm bell and/or alarm strobe indicating building entry point for emergency personnel

system pressure gauge schedules, where required

system pressure maintenance or jacking pumps

water-based fire-suppression system control and alarm valves and ancillary equipment for control and alarm operation indication/interface

water supply tanks, water level indicators and automatic inflow valves

terminology used in relation to water-based fire-suppression system

water supply tanks:

atmospheric

pressure

suction with priming tanks

water-based systems applications, as defined in AS 2118 Automatic fire sprinkler systems

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.

Legislative and industry requirements may include:

dangerous goods regulations

licensing arrangements

environmental regulations

WHS legislation, regulations and codes

relevant commonwealth and state or territory building Acts, regulations and codes, such as National Construction Code (NCC)

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 suppression equipment, including:

international shipping codes

marine codes for different Australian states

requirements of Australian petroleum industry.

Organisational requirements may be located in quality assurance and procedures manuals and may include:

client-specific contractual requirements

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 operation

use of electronic job scheduling and communication devices.

Water-based fire-suppression systems are defined in AS 2118 Automatic fire sprinkler systems, and include:

alternate wet or dry systems

combined sprinkler or hydrant systems

deluge systems

dry systems

pre-action or recycle systems

residential and domestic systems

tail-end systems

wet and general systems.

Key control valves may include those:

specified in AS 2118 Automatic fire sprinkler systems

installed in:

associated control valve trim

activation small bore pipework to the alarm and control valve assembly.

System interfaces may include:

components, such as:

flow switches

pressure switches

tamper switches

valve positioning switches

devices that operate signals between the water-based fire-suppression system and other services, such as:

building heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) services

fire brigade monitoring providers

other life safety systems, such as:

warning systems

fire indicator panel (FIP).

Sustainability principles and concepts:

cover the social, economic and environmental use of resources to meet current and future needs

may include:

efficient use of material

efficient energy and water use

rain harvesting and disposal.

Testing procedures may include:

organisational procedures for conducting testing activities according to AS 1851 Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment, including procedures for:

checking desiccant condition (air dryer or crystals, water separator bowl) and cleaning or replacing as required

checking oil level and visually assessing condition of oil on air compressor.

Frequency schedules may include:

schedules of work conducted at regular frequencies as defined in AS 1851 (general section) that relate to the work scope for weekly, monthly, and six-monthly inspection and testing schedules.