Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prevent, recognise and provide first response to fire in material or compost piles.
This unit applies to a yard or general hand under supervision of an operations team leader or site foreman and fire brigade personnel.
This unit applies to individuals who work under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy with some accountability for their own work. They undertake defined activities and work in a structured context.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Recognise a fire risk and undertake preventative actions | 1.1 Obtain and clarify procedures for first response to fire 1.2 Identify location of firefighting equipment and check to ensure all equipment is available and ready for use 1.3 Recognise and report conditions that lead to fire and signs of fire 1.4 Observe enterprise procedures for emergencies 1.5 Implement temperature and moisture management procedures |
2. Recognise and initiate response to fire | 2.1 Identify nature and extent of fire 2.2 Report fire details and raise alarm 2.3 Implement preparations for water availability for fire brigade attendance 2.4 Identify hazards associated with fire emergency and take action to minimise risks to self, others and property 2.5 Secure immediate area of the emergency 2.6 Remove machinery and equipment from area where safe to do so 2.7 Select and set up firefighting equipment as directed by fire brigade personnel |
3. Attack fire under direction of fire brigade | 3.1 Apply appropriate firefighting and containment media in a safe and coordinated manner 3.2 Use firefighting methods and tactics as directed 3.3 Report and act upon potential for change in fire behaviour to fire brigade and supervisor 3.4 Identify and maintain clear line of retreat at all times 3.5 Observe conditions at fire and report their effects on fire development 3.6 Report significant changes to status of fire to supervisor and fire brigade |
4. Carry out post-fire activities | 4.1 Identify and control smouldering fire residuals according to fire brigade directions 4.2 Undertake break-up of windrows, buildings or structures 4.3 Remove spent fuel or burnt compost and debris 4.4 Undertake activities to complement post-fire operations and prevent further damage 4.5 Clear and clean site and equipment 4.6 Provide assistance to fire brigade to complete and record appropriate incident information 4.7 Report effectiveness of tactics employed 4.8 Seek feedback on performance and note improvements for future action |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
follow emergency procedures
operate pumps and set up water delivery system
read and interpret site operation plans or maps
recognise and report fire risks and incidents
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices for recognising fire emergencies
characteristics and operation of joints, hoses, valves and sprinkler components
work health and safety and emergency management plans as part of enterprise operating procedures
fire behaviour, extinguishing media and operating firefighting equipment
fire control tactics and techniques, fire hazards and safety techniques
operation of pumps
pile size, moisture and porosity as causes of combustion
procedures for safely using power and hand tools
standard risk control measures used in the industry to minimise risk associated with fire response
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Composting (COM)