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 practical demonstration of inspecting, testing and maintaining fire extinguishers.

Oral questioning may be used to assess underpinning knowledge of procedures for preventing emission of ODS and SGG in the workplace.

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:

conduct inspection, testing and servicing activities scheduled at three, five and six-yearly intervals, as specified in AS 1851 Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment, on fire extinguishers in each of the following categories:

water, foam or wet chemical

powder

carbon dioxide (excluding hydrostatic pressure testing)

vaporising liquid (must have the relevant EAHL)

wheeled extinguisher of any type (excluding hydrostatic pressure testing)

follow procedures to prevent the emission of ODS and SGG vaporising liquid type extinguishing agents

conduct an extinguisher valve rebuild according to manufacturers’ listing requirements and Australian standards.

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:

access to workshop facilities or a simulated workplace environment

assessment documentation, including training and assessment record books

necessary tools, equipment, spare parts and relevant documentation.

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

Information derived from enterprise policies and practices must be treated as commercial in confidence.

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.

Required skills

technical skills to discharge or depressurise extinguisher according to workplace safety and environmental procedures

language, literacy and numeracy skills to:

communicate with others clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing

read and comply with work instructions and specifications

read and record measurements

record and report information neatly and legibly

planning and organising skills to:

estimate time to complete activities

prioritise tasks

skills to work safely when:

applying manual-handling techniques

applying workplace housekeeping procedures

using equipment according to operating procedures

using hand and power tools

Required knowledge

action to take when a breach of health, safety or other policy occurs

key features of legislation, regulations, codes and standards applicable to servicing fire extinguishers, including:

consequences of not applying legislative requirements to job functions

disposal of waste products

implications of incorrect servicing procedures for the customer and the organisation

OHS issues and requirements, such as dangers of mixing extinguishants

purpose of:

certificates of inspection

corrective action reports

equipment recommendation forms

job cards

maintenance record systems

product documentation

technical information, including:

concept of hydrostatic pressure testing

handling, decanting, reclaiming and storage requirements of extinguishing agents

identification and purpose of specialised testing equipment

identification of:

componentry and agent fill requirements for an extinguisher to be maintained at original approval requirements

containers that do not comply with applicable Australian standards, and regulations and codes

different powder extinguishing agents

spare parts for extinguishers serviced, including how and where the spare part is applied

methods of converting imperial units of measurement to metric

methods used to prevent ODS and SGG emissions in the workshop

purpose and operation of major extinguisher components

purpose of the safety cage

reasons for preventing ODS and SGG emissions in the workshop

test pressures for different extinguishers

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.

Rules and regulations may include:

dangerous goods regulations

environmental regulations

licensing arrangements

OHS legislation, regulations and codes

relevant commonwealth and state or territory regulations and codes

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.

Requirements may be confirmed with:

colleagues

managers

supervisors

team leaders.

Work procedures may include:

assignment instructions

equipment manufacturers’ requirements

instructions from colleagues, supervisor or manager

personal protective equipment requirements

reporting and documentation requirements

specific customer requirements

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

Checking compliance requirements may include:

applying inspection, test, and preventive maintenance requirements according to Australian standards

reviewing documentation to verify that extinguishers comply with relevant rules and regulations.

Action may include:

advising customer

documenting non-compliance

making equipment safe

reporting, as required.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

job scheduling systems and communication devices

personnel practices and guidelines outlining work roles, responsibilities and delegations

recording and reporting documentation and systems

relevant OHS policies, procedures and programs

relevant rules and regulations

standard operating procedures, work instructions and manuals.

Fire extinguishers may include:

portable extinguishers as defined in AS/NZS 1841 Portable fire extinguishers

wheeled extinguishers as defined in AS 4265 Wheeled fire extinguishers.

Inspection and testing:

include additional and permissible inspection and testing activities specified in AS 1851 Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment, to be conducted only at three, five and six-yearly intervals, which are:

inspecting the condition of all parts for damage, corrosion and blockages

testing the discharge action and actuating devices

depressurising and dismantling extinguishers

repairing and replacing components and seals

hydrostatic pressure testing of extinguishers as permitted

reassembling, filling or recharging, pressurising and leak testing extinguishers

reinstating extinguishers ready for use

do not include hydrostatic pressure testing of the following extinguishers, which must be tested at an approved gas cylinder test station:

carbon dioxide portable extinguishers

all wheeled extinguishers.

Environmental regulations may be located in:

appropriate Australian standards covering environmental safeguards

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

Documentation may include:

certificates of inspection

corrective action reports

equipment recommendation forms

job cards

maintenance record systems

product documentation.