Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

CPCSFS5005A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Research and evaluate fire system technologies and components

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency CPCSFS5005A - Research and evaluate fire system technologies and components
Description This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to research, evaluate and select existing, new and incoming technologies and components for fire system detection and suppression systems. The unit also involves developing a broad understanding of the range of products available and their application, operation, performance and interaction.Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this unit and so the varying state or territory requirements should be confirmed with the relevant body.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency supports the work of fire systems' designers and certifiers who need to:understand the characteristics, operation and interaction of fire system technologies and componentsselect and assess fire system technologies and components.Fire systems are limited to those within the deemed-to-satisfy provisions of the Building Code of Australia or alternative solutions designed by fire engineers. This unit does not apply to fire systems for special hazard locations.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Nil Nil
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities
Slides
PPT
Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Research and evaluate fire suppression systems.
  • The range of technologies and components for fire suppression systems is researched and identified.
  • The suitability of fire suppression systems to different types of buildings and situations is assessed with reference to relevant legislation, codes and standards.
  • The performance characteristics and limitationsof fire suppression systems are determined.
  • Fire suppression system failures are analysed and appropriate design solutions are proposed.
  • Suitable and cost-effective fire suppression system technologies and components are selected for a range of buildings and situations.
       
Element: Research and evaluate fire detection and occupant warning systems.
  • The range of technologies and components available for fire detection and occupant warning systems is researched and identified.
  • The suitability of fire detection and occupant warning systems to different types of buildings and situations is assessed with reference to relevant legislation, codes and standards.
  • The performance characteristics and limitations of fire detection and occupant warning systems are determined.
  • Fire detection and occupant warning system failures are analysed and appropriate design solutions are proposed.
  • Suitable and cost-effective fire detection and occupant warning system technologies and components are selected for a range of buildings and situations.
       
Element: Analyse and specify the interaction of fire systems.
  • The required interactions for effective operation of fire systems in different types of buildings and situations are analysed and specified.
  • The interfaces that affect interactions between fire systems in different types of buildings and situations are identified and examined.
  • Suitable fire detection and suppression systems are selected for a range of buildings and situations and the interactions and interfaces required for effective performance are specified.
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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 in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment, provided that the simulated or project-based assessment fully replicates workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.

This unit could be assessed as an activity involving research, evaluation and selection of fire detection and suppression systems for a range of types of fire systems design projects. The activity should also include the preparation of specifications for the interactions and interfaces required for the effective operation of the systems in the event of a fire.

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 within this unit.

In particular the person should demonstrate:

the ability to read and interpret a range of documents, including design briefs and specifications for fire systems design projects, and manufacturer specifications and technical performance data for a range of fire detection and suppression technologies and components

the ability to evaluate and compare the performance and cost-effectiveness of different technologies and components with similar applications:

for fire detection and suppression systems

for a range of different fire systems design projects

the ability to assess the suitability of fire detection and suppression systems technology and components for a range of applications in different fire systems design projects, including:

low-rise buildings

medium-rise buildings

high-rise buildings (over 25 metres)

buildings over 45 metres in height

the ability to specify the required interactions and interfaces between fire detection and suppression systems in a range of different fire systems design projects.

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:

design briefs, drawings, plans and specifications

manufacturer specifications and performance data for a range of fire detection and suppression systems technologies and components

copies of codes, standards, legislation and regulatory requirements

access to information and communications technology - hardware and software.

Method of assessment

Assessment must:

satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Construction, Plumbing and 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.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

analytical skills to assess performance features and suitability of system technologies and components

operating computer software packages and systems, including:

word processing

spreadsheet

email

internet

proprietary hydraulic calculation software

proprietary estimating software

parametric modelling of services coordination using proprietary software, such as Navis-Works or MEP-REVIT

language and literacy skills for:

listening to and communicating clearly with colleagues, installers, suppliers and contractors

researching, accessing, reading, interpreting and applying current relevant legislation, codes and standards

updating knowledge of products, software systems and technology

reading and interpreting drawings, plans and specifications, including:

architectural

structural

mechanical

hydraulic

electrical

researching and evaluating competing technologies in new products and systems

numeracy skills to evaluate cost-effectiveness of various systems and components

developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with project team members, workplace colleagues, suppliers, installers, manufacturers and industry professionals who may supply information relevant to research and evaluation activities

organising own work, including creating personal systems and checklists for planning, managing and checking work

Required knowledge

workplace design tools and processes

fire science, including:

fire behaviour and dynamics

impact of fire on structures and materials

products of combustion

fire control strategies

fire retardants

fire detection technologies

fire suppression technologies

fire containment

computer software functions and operation, including:

word processing

spreadsheet

email

internet

proprietary hydraulic calculation software

proprietary estimating software

parametric modelling software, such as Navis-Works or MEP-REVIT

relevant current legislation, codes and standards, including:

building Acts

building regulations

infrastructure supply regulations

the Building Code of Australia

Australian standards for fire systems

international standards for fire systems

other fire system standards commonly required by building insurers

fire systems' technology and components, including:

water-based systems, including:

wet pipe sprinkler systems

deluge and drencher systems

dry pipe sprinkler systems

pre-action sprinkler systems

early suppression fast response (ESFR)

hydrants, hose reels and monitors

water supply tanks

fire pump sets

detection and warning systems, including:

emergency warning and intercommunications systems (EWIS)

fire detection and alarm systems

smoke control systems

emergency lighting systems

purpose and operation of fire systems, including:

layout

high hazard products

system operation

performance requirements

maintenance standards

system activation and operation

characteristics and limitations of products and materials used in fire systems and issues relating to material compatibility

interconnection of fire systems, including:

cause and effect matrix

interface with other services

water supplies, including:

common water sources

conservation requirements

in-ground reticulation

booster configurations

fluid mechanics and hydraulics relating to:

water supply

pressure

pump selection

tank selection

pressure vessels

pipe range

sustainability requirements and ratings, including:

energy conservation

water conservation

principles of organic and inorganic chemistry

principles of physical sciences, including:

Boyle's Law

Charles' Law

Dalton's Law

Henry's Law

principles of thermodynamics, including:

effects of heat

stratification of gases

smoke and heat dynamics

electrical and electronics theory, including:

units used to measure current (AC and DC), power, capacitance, inductance and sound attenuation

effects of AC and DC current in series and parallel circuit paths that includes resistive, inductive and capacitive loads

relationship between voltage drops around a circuit and applied voltage

definition of voltage ratings as defined in communication and electrical safety regulations, including extra low voltage, low voltage and hazardous voltages

layout of electrical wiring systems to meet communication and electrical safety regulations applicable to fire detection and warning systems

basic operation of common electronic and electrical components used in fire detection and warning systems

basic operation of communication protocols on addressable systems, peripheral devices (printers) and high-level interfaces to other communication devices used in fire detection and warning systems

communication technologies, including:

data transfer

networking

communication protocols

radio frequency technologies

acoustics and speech intelligibility for occupant warning systems

human psychology, especially fire avoidance behaviour

financial management, including:

budgeting

cost-effectiveness

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.

1.1. Technologies and components for fire suppression systems may include:

wet pipe sprinkler systems and components

dry pipe sprinkler systems and components

pre-action sprinkler systems and components

early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinkler systems and components

fire control panels

hydrants

hose reels

monitors

water supply tanks

fire pump sets

valves.

Relevant legislation, codes and standards may include:

building Acts and regulations

the Building Code of Australia (BCA)

Australian standards for fire systems

international standards for fire systems

codes and standards required by building insurers.

Performance characteristics and limitations of fire suppression systems may include:

system activation and operation

effect of fire, heat and smoke of component materials

interaction with other systems and services.

Technologies and components available for fire detection and occupant warning systems may include:

emergency warning and intercommunications systems (EWIS)

fire detection and alarm systems

smoke control systems

emergency lighting systems

fire control panels.

1.2. Performance characteristics and limitations of fire detection and occupant warning systems may include:

system activation and operation

effect of fire, heat and smoke on component materials

interaction with other systems and services.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
The range of technologies and components for fire suppression systems is researched and identified. 
The suitability of fire suppression systems to different types of buildings and situations is assessed with reference to relevant legislation, codes and standards. 
The performance characteristics and limitationsof fire suppression systems are determined. 
Fire suppression system failures are analysed and appropriate design solutions are proposed. 
Suitable and cost-effective fire suppression system technologies and components are selected for a range of buildings and situations. 
The range of technologies and components available for fire detection and occupant warning systems is researched and identified. 
The suitability of fire detection and occupant warning systems to different types of buildings and situations is assessed with reference to relevant legislation, codes and standards. 
The performance characteristics and limitations of fire detection and occupant warning systems are determined. 
Fire detection and occupant warning system failures are analysed and appropriate design solutions are proposed. 
Suitable and cost-effective fire detection and occupant warning system technologies and components are selected for a range of buildings and situations. 
The required interactions for effective operation of fire systems in different types of buildings and situations are analysed and specified. 
The interfaces that affect interactions between fire systems in different types of buildings and situations are identified and examined. 
Suitable fire detection and suppression systems are selected for a range of buildings and situations and the interactions and interfaces required for effective performance are specified. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CPCSFS5005A - Research and evaluate fire system technologies and components
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

CPCSFS5005A - Research and evaluate fire system technologies and components

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: