Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners
PRMPFES46A Mapping and Delivery Guide Decommission gaseous agent containers and actuation devices
Version 1.0 Issue Date: May 2024
Qualification
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Unit of Competency
PRMPFES46A - Decommission gaseous agent containers and actuation devices
Description
This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required for fire system technicians to decommission gaseous agent containers and actuation devices.All work in this area must be completed in accordance with relevant legislative, industry, finalised design documentation, installation drawing, customer and organisational requirements, and comply with policies and procedures relating to ozone depleting substances (ODS), synthetic greenhouse gases (SGG) and occupational health and safety (OHS).Note: Service technicians are not permitted to undertake any installation, replacement, maintenance and repair functions that are restricted to licensed trades or occupations (subject to relevant state and territory regulations).
Employability Skills
Not Applicable
Learning Outcomes and Application
This unit of competency supports one or more extinguishing agent handling licences prescribed under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989.
Duration and Setting
X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Not Applicable
Competency Field
Asset Maintenance
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: Interpret and comply with legal and industry requirements relating to decommissioning gaseous agent containers and actuation devices.
Apply knowledge and understanding of legislative requirements, including relevant state and territory building codes, to work procedures and clarify where necessary with relevant persons.
Apply knowledge and understanding of legislative and industry requirements in regard to ODS and SGG emissions, to decommission gaseous agent containers and actuation devices.
Identify potential and actualbreaches of legislative and industry requirements and take action according to organisational requirements and ODS, SGG and OHS policies and procedures.
Element: Prepare to decommission gaseous agent containers and actuation devices.
Organise necessary work permits prior to entering customer premises.
Review decommissioning guidelines for system with relevant persons to satisfy customer requirements, manufacturer specifications, and legislative and industry requirements.
Adhere to safety procedures according to organisational, customer and manufacturer requirements.
Identify potential risks and hazards.
Identify, select and check required tools,equipment and materials, and use safely and efficiently.
Identify system components and materials.
Check access to system is according to decommissioningguidelines and minimises disruption to customer or property.
Element: Decommission gaseous agent containers and actuation devices.
Decommission gaseous agent containers and actuation devices according to decommissioning guidelines; organisational, customer, legislative and industry requirements; and manufacturer specifications.
Confirm all interface actuation control devices are isolated and appropriate signage, documentation and lock-off are in place.
Disconnect manual, electrical and mechanical actuation control devices.
Disconnect pneumatic actuation control devices, pilot and slave tubes and fittings.
Connect transport caps on actuation outlets, plugs and locking devices.
Disconnect container bank manifold connection components.
Connect transport caps on valve outlets.
Organise removal and transportation of gaseous agent containers to storage or reclaim facility in accordance with legislative requirements and OHS policies and procedures.
Complete documentation and decommissioning sign-off requirements with relevantpersons.
Leave decommissioning site clean and tidy with materials disposed of or recycled in accordance with state or territory legislative and industry requirements.
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, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Competency in this unit underpins competency in other aspects of the candidate's role in managing work tasks.
This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units of competency relevant to the job function.
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:
locating, interpreting and applying relevant information, standards and specifications
complying with site safety plan, OHS regulations and ODS and SGG regulations (where required) and state and territory legislation applicable to workplace operations
complying with organisational policies and procedures, including quality requirements
communicating and working effectively and safely with others
in a minimum of two different settings:
identifying risk reduction measures
identifying system components and materials
identifying, selecting and using tools, equipment and materials to perform decommissioning procedures on installed gaseous agent containers and actuation devices
identifying potential risks and hazards
reviewing decommissioning guidelines with relevant person(s)
adhering to safety procedures during decommissioning procedures
decommissioning installed gaseous agent containers and actuation devices using decommissioning guidelines
creating appropriate records and documentation
completing workplace housekeeping requirements.
Specific resources for assessment
Resource implications for assessment include access to:
actual or simulated work environment and installed gaseous agent containers and actuation devices
decommissioning guidelines and procedures
assessment documentation, including training and assessment record books
all necessary tools, specialist equipment, materials and spare parts
relevant manuals and other documentation, including Australian standards.
Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.
Context of assessment
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, competency should be demonstrated over a period of time and be observed by the assessor (or assessment team working together to conduct the assessment).
Competency is to be demonstrated in a range of situations, reflecting the practical requirements of the workplace which may include customer and workplace interruptions and involvement in related activities normally experienced in the workplace.
Assessment of competency over the full range of performance criteria may be made through practical demonstrations in the workshop environment. Consideration should be given to assessing consistency of outcome over an appropriate period of time.
Candidates should also be given the opportunity to practise and undertake self-assessment of performance before requesting formal assessment.
All safety requirements must be adhered to during all practical activities.
Oral questioning or a written assessment may be used to assess underpinning knowledge. (Inassessment situations, where the candidate is offered a preference between oral questioning and written assessment, questions are to be identical.)
Assessment of evidence should establish the candidate's ability to perform the job to the standard required in the workplace.
Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence or reports from supervisors or team leaders that demonstrates an understanding of the requirements for decommissioning installed gaseous agent containers and actuation devices.
Candidate should be encouraged to compile a portfolio of examples of completed documentation relevant to the candidate's organisation. One accurate example of each completed document is suggested as sufficient to infer competency and ability to transfer appropriate skills to each document type when required in the workplace. (Oral questioning may contribute as evidence of this ability.)
Information derived from enterprise policies and practices must be treated as commercial-in-confidence.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.
Questioning will be undertaken in such a manner as is appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy levels of the candidate and any cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions. It will reflect requirements of the unit of competency and the work being performed.
Where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (RCC or RPL), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents current competency demonstrated over a period of time.
Performance and assessment of this unit must be carried out within the relevant requirements of the following legislative and industry framework:
building Acts, regulations and codes
Australian and international standards identified as relevant to the required maintenance procedure
environmental regulations
manufacturer specifications
organisational requirements, including policies and procedures relating to ODS, SGG and OHS
OHS legislation, codes and regulations
ODS and SGG legislation, codes and regulations.
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.
This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.
Required skills:
read and interpret decommissioning guidelines
identify hazards in the work area in preparation for decommissioning operations
select and safely use tools, equipment and materials appropriate to a specific task
isolate interface actuation control devices
disconnect manual, mechanical, pneumatic and electrical actuation control devices
connect transport caps, plugs and locking devices
disconnect gaseous agent container bank manifold and components
organise safe transport of gaseous agent containers to storage or reclamation facility
convert basic units of measurement and pressure
use appropriate workplace housekeeping procedures and remove any debris caused by decommissioning operations in the work area
plan and organise work in order to estimate time to complete activities and prioritise tasks
report and record information neatly and legibly when completing documentation
use effective customer service skills and relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities
apply language, literacy and numeracy skills to:
communicate with others in a clear and concise manner in verbal, non-verbal and written modes
read, understand and comply with work instructions and specifications
read, understand and record measurements.
Required knowledge:
key features of legislation, regulations and codes applicable to fire protection equipment decommissioning procedures
purpose of the Building Code of Australia (BCA)
implications of not applying legislative requirements to job functions
action to take when a breach of OHS, ODS and SGG or other policies occurs
intent of Australian standards, particularly AS 1851 in relation to decommissioning gaseous agent containers and actuation devices
awareness of on-site work permit requirements
appropriate tools, equipment and materials selection for decommissioning procedures
types and purposes of relevant hardware items
operation of discharge valve assembly and manifold connection components
types and operation of actuation control devices and activating mechanisms
records and documentation required to decommission gaseous agent containers and actuation devices
types of electrical safeguards used to protect persons and property
maintenance requirements for relevant hand and power tools
safety requirements for using tools, equipment and materials
methods of converting basic units of measurement and pressure
relevant federal, state or territory legislation that affects organisational operations, including:
anti-discrimination and diversity
equal employment opportunity
industrial relations.
KEY COMPETENCIES
The seven key competencies represent generic skills considered necessary for effective participation by an individual in the workplace.
Performance level 1 - at this level the candidate is required to undertake tasks effectively. Performance level 2 - at this level the candidate is required to manage tasks. Performance level 3 - at this level the candidate is required to use concepts for evaluating and reshaping tasks.
Key competency
Example of application
Performance level
How are ideas and information communicated?
Discuss and confirm customer requirements in a clearly structured and defined manner and complete administrative documentation accurately and clearly.
2
How can information be collected, analysed and organised?
Gather information from a number of sources, including regulatory, manufacturer and organisational sources, ensuring all work falls within service technician's scope of responsibility.
2
How are activities planned and organised?
Plan decommissioning activities with regard to assembling appropriate tools and organising work schedules to suit customer and organisational requirements.
2
How is teamwork used?
Apply consultative and collaborative approaches through support and assistance provided to customers and work groups.
1
How are mathematical ideas and techniques used?
Apply mathematical techniques to decommissioning activities and reporting requirements while adhering to designated work schedules.
1
How are problem-solving skills applied?
Identify and apply problem-solving and systematic techniques throughout decommissioning activities while considering ambiguous information received from information sources, potential risks and due processes to be followed when unusual problems are encountered.
2
How is the use of technology applied?
Demonstrate sound technical knowledge of features of equipment and accuracy throughout decommissioning activities while being able to use, organise, record and present information using technology.
2
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 in the performance criteria is detailed below. Add any 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.
Legislative requirements may include:
relevant current Australian and international standards, such as AS4214, NFPA12 and NFPA12A
relevant federal, state and territory building Acts, regulations and codes, such asOzone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989
Building Code of Australia (BCA)
building surveyor requirements
OHS legislation, codes and regulations
dangerous goods regulations
licensing arrangements
environmental regulations, including ODS and SGG codes and regulations
other relevant legislation relating to fire protection equipment, including international, shipping and marine codes
Australian petroleum industry requirements.
Work procedures may include:
instructions from colleagues, supervisors and managers
specific customer requirements
assignment instructions
equipment manufacturer requirements
reporting and documentation requirements
ODS, SGG and OHS requirements
personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
Relevant persons may include:
team leaders
supervisors
managers
colleagues
customers.
ODS and SGG materials are listed using the format: Product name (other names); use. Check the latest amendments to the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act for the current list of ODS and SGG extinguishing agents which may include:
Blitz III (HCFC Blend D); used in flooding systems
CFC 11 (trichlorofluoromethane, CCl3F); may be found as a propellant in some powder fire extinguishers (this product is banned in Australia)
FC-2-1-8 (CEA-308, CF3CF2CF3); used in flooding systems
FC-3-1-10 (CEA-410, C4F10); used in flooding systems
FC-5-1-14 (CEA-614, C6F14); used as a streaming agent
FE-227 (heptafluoropropane, HFC-227ea); used as a total flooding extinguishing agent - is a replacement for Halon 1301
FE-25 (pentafluoroethane, HFC-125); used in inerting and explosion suppression applications and retro-fit to existing Halon 1301 systems
FE-36 (hexafluoropropane, HFC-236fa); used in portable fire extinguishers - is a replacement for Halon 1211 and Halon 1301
FE-13 (trifluoromethane, HFC-23); used as a total flooding agent
FE-241 (chlorotetrafluoroethane, HCFC-124); used as a total flooding agent for non-occupied spaces and as a streaming agent
FM100® (HBFC-22B1); used in portable fire extinguishers
FM200® (heptafluoropropane, HFC-227ea); used in chemical storage areas, clean rooms, communications facilities, laboratories, museums, robotics and emergency power facilities
Halotron (HCFC Blend B); used as a total flooding agent and streaming agent
Halon 1211 (BCF); used as a streaming agent - requires a special permit in Australia
Halon 1301 (BTM); used as a total flooding agent - requires a special permit in Australia
Halon 2402 (dibromotetrafluoroethane, C2Br2F4); limited use in military systems - requires a special permit in Australia
HCFC 22 (chlorodifluoromethane, CHClF2); used as a propellant in some powder fire extinguishers (this product is banned in Australia)
HFC 134a (unsymmetric tetrafluoroethane, CH2FCF3); used as a propellant in some powder fire extinguishers
NAF-S-III (HCFC Blend A); used as a total flooding agent - is a replacement for Halon1301
NAF-P-III (HCFC Blend C); used as a streaming agent - is a replacement for Halon 1211
NAF-P-IV (HCFC Blend E); used as a streaming agent
SF6 (sulfurhexofluoride, SF6); used as an inerting agent for sealed high voltage switchgear.
Potential and actual breaches could be identified by:
direct observation
workplace quality assurance teams.
Organisational requirements may include:
legal and organisational policies and guidelines
personnel practices and guidelines outlining work roles, responsibilities and delegations
legislation relevant to the decommissioning operation
OHS policies, procedures and programs
procedures and work instructions to prevent the emission of ODS and SGG in the workplace
documentation and information systems and processes
use of electronic job scheduling and communication devices.
OHS policies and procedures may include:
employer and employee rights and responsibilities
the OHS hierarchy of control
assessing the work site for hazards and risks prior to preparing it for the work procedure
displaying signs and using barriers in work area
hazard and risk identification and reporting
risk assessment and control measures
incident and accident investigation
OHS audits and safety inspections
safe operating procedures and instructions, including:
working safely around electrical wiring, cables and overhead powerlines
working safely around tools and equipment
working safely on ladders and raised platforms
risk and hazard recognition
emergency procedures
awareness of electrical hazards
following confined spaces procedures
using PPE, including:
safety glasses or goggles
safety boots or shoes
hard hats
earmuffs or plugs
appropriate gloves and overalls
sunhats
dust masks
equipment maintenance and use
use and storage of hazardous substances
first aid.
Work permits may include permits to:
enter a work site
enter a restricted area within a work site
enter a work site at specific times
ensure that specific OHS requirements are met before entering a work site.
Decommissioning guidelines may include:
gaseous agent containers e.g. location, size, number, marking, charge quantity, label, orientation and mounting
electrical system
inhibit switch
lock-off valve
manifolds and valves, including:
joints and fastenings
discharge indicators
check valves
directional valves
pressure reduction devices
manual release devices
nozzles
pneumatic equipment
release mechanisms, including:
location
connections
actuating pressure lines
mechanical release
remarks
system configuration
warning signs and notices.
Customer requirements may include:
providing routine services
providing non-routine or urgent services
confirming or varying decommissioning instructions
sighting work permits
sign-in and sign-out procedures for entry to or exit from premises
written or verbal confirmation of services provided and future services, such as maintenance.
Safety procedures may include:
confirmed acceptable floor loading
job safety analysis (JSA) performed for decommissioning, in particular, manual handling tasks.
Hazards may include:
ergonomic, such as incorrect manual handling methods
environmental, such as improper use of ODS and SGG, hazardous materials and other chemicals
environmental, such as ODS and SGG emissions, that could be caused by:
transporting, storing and manually handling containers containing ODS and SGG agents
conducting interface tests during decommissioning procedures between container activating mechanisms and control and indicating equipment (CIE) and fire alarm system
obstructive, such as blocked access to emergency entry or exit points
hazards associated with electrical or mechanical faults
any source of potential harm
any situation with a potential to cause loss
equipment in a work site
people in a work site
work methods, plans and procedures.
transport caps and safety devices.
Tools, equipment and materials may include:
hand tools, including:
hammers
pliers
screwdrivers
spanners
power tools, including battery drills
manual handling aids, including:
hand trucks
hooks
lifting magnets
lifting straps
suction grips
trolleys
wheelbarrows
fire equipment spare parts, including:
anti-tamper seals
hoses
labels
nozzles
pressure indicators
seals
service tags
valves
non-licensed mechanical handling aids, including:
cranes
hoists
manually operated forklifts and pallet trucks.
System components and materials may include:
actuation control devices (pneumatic, electrical, mechanical and manual operation)
agent discharge nozzles
agent distribution pipework and hose networks
gaseous agent container bank manifold connections
gaseous agent container discharge valves
control equipment
detection devices
gaseous agent containers (tanks and cylinders)
flexible discharge hose and fittings, including hose check valve connected between container valve and fixed pipework manifold arrangement
pilot and slave tubes
fittings between container valves.
Actuation control devices (also known as actuators) may include:
electrical operation: signal generated from CIE panel as part of a fire alarm detection system
pneumatic operation: from fire detector (typically heat)
mechanical operation: via signal from Local Control Station or fire detector
manual operation: by direct push lever or pull cable system.
Documentation may include:
corrective action reports
customer recommendation forms
equipment recommendation forms
expense claims
job cards
maintenance record system
manufacturer system documentation
product documentation
service agreements
test results and test reports.
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
Apply knowledge and understanding of legislative requirements, including relevant state and territory building codes, to work procedures and clarify where necessary with relevant persons.
Apply knowledge and understanding of legislative and industry requirements in regard to ODS and SGG emissions, to decommission gaseous agent containers and actuation devices.
Identify potential and actualbreaches of legislative and industry requirements and take action according to organisational requirements and ODS, SGG and OHS policies and procedures.
Organise necessary work permits prior to entering customer premises.
Review decommissioning guidelines for system with relevant persons to satisfy customer requirements, manufacturer specifications, and legislative and industry requirements.
Adhere to safety procedures according to organisational, customer and manufacturer requirements.
Identify potential risks and hazards.
Identify, select and check required tools,equipment and materials, and use safely and efficiently.
Identify system components and materials.
Check access to system is according to decommissioningguidelines and minimises disruption to customer or property.
Decommission gaseous agent containers and actuation devices according to decommissioning guidelines; organisational, customer, legislative and industry requirements; and manufacturer specifications.
Confirm all interface actuation control devices are isolated and appropriate signage, documentation and lock-off are in place.
Disconnect manual, electrical and mechanical actuation control devices.
Disconnect pneumatic actuation control devices, pilot and slave tubes and fittings.
Connect transport caps on actuation outlets, plugs and locking devices.
Disconnect container bank manifold connection components.
Connect transport caps on valve outlets.
Organise removal and transportation of gaseous agent containers to storage or reclaim facility in accordance with legislative requirements and OHS policies and procedures.
Complete documentation and decommissioning sign-off requirements with relevantpersons.
Leave decommissioning site clean and tidy with materials disposed of or recycled in accordance with state or territory legislative and industry requirements.
Forms
Assessment Cover Sheet
PRMPFES46A - Decommission gaseous agent containers and actuation devices
Assessment task 1: [title]
Student name:
Student ID:
I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.
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Result: Competent Not yet competent
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Assessment Record Sheet
PRMPFES46A - Decommission gaseous agent containers and actuation devices
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Student ID:
Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent
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Feedback to student:
Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent