This unit applies to working under close supervision with constant checking. Responsibility for some roles and coordination within a team may be required.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Assist with preparations for the burn

1.1. Machinery and equipment to be used in the burn are prepared for use as directed.

1.2. Safety equipment is checked and prepared for use.

1.3. Information about contingency plans is read or listened to and clarification sought where required.

1.4. Assets requiring protection during the burn are recognised and noted.

1.5. Personal role and activities during the burn are checked with supervisor.

1.6. Location and extent of the burn is discussed and clarified with the supervisor.

2. Support conduct of burn

2.1. Assistance with pre-burn checks is provided as directed by the supervisor.

2.2. Burn operations are undertaken in a safe manner.

2.3. Problems or concerns during the burn are raised with the supervisor.

2.4. Communication is maintained at all times in accordance with the organisation's procedures.

2.5. Conditions at the fire are observed and their effect on fire behaviour and development are noted and reported to the supervisor.

2.6. Weather conditions and changes to fire behaviour are observed and reported to the supervisor.

2.7. A safe escape route is identified and maintained at all times.

2.8. Personal protective equipment is fitted properly and worn throughout the burn.

3. Participate in clean-up activities

3.1. Cleaning-up activities are carried out under direction in accordance with the organisation's procedures.

3.2. Personal protective equipment is cleaned and returned to storage.

3.3. Machinery and equipment used in the burn are cleaned and returned to storage.

3.4. Cleaning and maintenance are carried out in accordance with the organisation's procedures.

Required skills

identify hazards and adopt safe work practices

assist with preparations for the burn

support conduct of the burn

monitor fire behaviour and risk

participate in clean-up activities

use literacy skills to follow sequenced written instructions and record information accurately and legibly

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

fire behaviour

extinguishing media and equipment

burning tactics and techniques

fire hazards, safety techniques

organisations operating procedures

OHS and environmental legislative and enterprise requirements.

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

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

prepare machinery and equipment before burning

undertake burn operations and monitor weather conditions

use PPE as required and check, clean and store on completion of the burn

carry out clean up operations and monitor the site.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Prescribed burning may include:

the burning of either agricultural or natural areas, impacting on a range of threatened areas including:

buildings

utilities:

power and telephone lines

water supply structures

communications towers

public lands

area of rare or sensitive flora and fauna

other crops

tree plantations

other property.

Unit sector

Natural area restoration

This unit contains employability skills.