Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and monitor plans for prescribed burning in areas associated with fuel management and for the conservation of ecological and cultural assets.
The unit includes the identification of advantages and risks in burning for fuel management, identification of ecological and cultural assets and values and the conducting, monitoring and evaluation of a prescribed burn.
This unit applies to individuals whose job roles include preparing and monitoring plans for prescribed burning for fuel management taking into consideration the ecological and cultural assets and values of the target area. Work is undertaken without supervision. They may also have responsibility for the work of others involved in the program.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication. However, all units of competency dealing with animals in the AHC Training Package have the requirements for animals to be handled humanely to minimise stress and discomfort.
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. Assess a designated site/area for prescribed burning | 1.1 Locate, assess and record accumulated fuel, cultural heritage and environmental assets 1.2 Locate, assess and record reference areas, experimental plots, populations of flora and fauna that may be affected by fire 1.3 Assess and record potential impacts on natural and cultural heritage assets from prescribed burn preparation and burning activities 1.4 Assess potential risks and hazards 1.5 Identify the history of previous burns on the site, including frequency, season, intensity and extent 1.6 Take into account legislation, regulations and codes of practice relating to prescribed burn preparation and burning activities 1.7 Assess the suitability of a site or area for fuel reduction using prescribed burning and identify alternative strategies where necessary 1.8 Determine resources and equipment required to implement the plan |
2. Plan for prescribed burning | 2.1 Conduct site assessment to confirm targeted selection of sites or areas for prescribed burning 2.2 Establish objectives for fuel reduction, ecological and cultural heritage protection 2.3 Select strategies and tactics suitable for the area and consistent with the burn objectives 2.4 Assess wildfire hazards and risks of selected strategies and tactics 2.5 Conduct consultation and ongoing liaison with stakeholders 2.6 Ensure plan addresses work health and safety, protection of life, property, assets and the environment and is in accordance with legislative requirements 2.7 Ensure required resources and the optimum timing to reduce risk are included in the plan |
3. Conduct post burn monitoring and evaluation | 3.1 Develop and record post burn monitoring and evaluation activities 3.2 Assess outcomes of the prescribed burn against established objectives for fuel management and protection of ecological and cultural heritage assets 3.3 Develop recommendations based on information from monitoring and evaluation activities that are consistent with relevant legislation, regulations and codes of practice and organisational obligations 3.4 Document and report monitoring and evaluation findings |
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:
plan, monitor, evaluate and report prescribed burning according to organisational procedures and legislative requirements
identify wildfire hazards and risks of wildfire impacts
identify ecological and cultural assets that may be affected by burning and preparation for burning activities
develop and meet objectives for prescribed burn strategies, tactics and outcomes
minimise environmental impact
minimise impact on cultural assets
recognise and consult with stakeholders
research and apply lessons of history of burns in the area or site
apply work health and safety legislative requirements to prescribed burn plans
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
wildfire hazards and risk management strategies
prescribed burning strategies
basic wildfire behaviour
legislation relevant to wildfire hazard reduction, cultural heritage and protection of flora and fauna
effects of fire on vegetation, fauna and fuel accumulation
effects of fire on areas and places of cultural significance
resource requirements to conduct burning activities
risks in burning for fuel management
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
Fire (FIR)