CPCPFS4005A
Commission fire alarm and detection systems

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to commission fire alarm and detection systems. It covers preparation for the work, identification and confirmation of system specifications and requirements, physical testing and commissioning of the systems, and work finalisation processes, including records and documentation.

Application

This unit of competency supports the needs of experienced tradespeople with responsibility for testing and commissioning fire alarm and detection systems.

Site location for work application may be a new work site or an existing structure being renovated, extended, restored or maintained.


Prerequisites

Nil


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for work.

1.1. Drawings and specifications are obtained.

1.2. Safety (OHS) requirements associated with the workplace environment and commissioning fire alarm and detection systems are adhered to throughout the work.

1.3. Quality assurance requirements are identified and adhered to in accordance with workplace requirements.

1.4. Tasks are planned and sequenced in conjunction with others involved in or affected by the work.

1.5. Tools and equipment for commissioning fire alarm and detection systems, including personal protective equipment, are selected and checked for serviceability.

1.6. Work area is prepared to support efficient commissioning process.

2. Identify system requirements.

2.1. System design requirements are identified and confirmed from job specifications and in accordance with relevant standards.

2.2. Requirements of fire alarm and detection system commissioning are identified in accordance with relevant Australian standards, statutory and regulatory authority requirements and job specifications.

3. Test and commission system.

3.1. Fire alarm and detection systems are checked to ensure type and installation conform to relevant Australian standard, job specifications, manufacturer recommendations and authorities' requirements.

3.2. Operation of system is tested in accordance with job specifications, manufacturer recommendations and authorities' requirements and adjusted as required.

3.3. System is commissioned and maintained to ensure correct operation in accordance with relevant standards, and manufacturer and job specifications.

4. Clean up work area.

4.1. Work area is cleared and materials disposed of or recycled in accordance with federal, state and territory legislation and workplace procedures.

4.2. Tools and equipment are cleaned, checked, maintained and stored in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and workplace procedures.

4.3. Information is accessed and documentation completed in accordance with workplace requirements.

Required Skills

Required skills

Required skills for this unit are:

communication skills to:

access information

complete workplace documentation

determine requirements

enable clear and direct communication, using questioning to identify and confirm requirements, share information, listen and understand

follow and give instructions

plan and sequence tasks with others

read and interpret:

documentation from a variety of sources

drawings and specifications

use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences

use and interpret non-verbal communication, such as hand signals

identifying and accurately reporting to appropriate personnel any faults in tools, equipment or materials

numeracy skills to apply measurements and calculations

organisational skills, including the ability to plan and set out work

teamwork skills to able to coordinate and action tasks, work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with varying physical and mental abilities

technological skills to:

access and understand site-specific instructions in a variety of media

use mobile communication technology.

Required knowledge

Required knowledge for this unit is:

components and materials of fire alarm and detection systems

job safety analysis (JSA) and safe work method statements (SWMS)

process of installing, testing and commissioning fire alarm and detection systems

properties of water, including pressure and flow rates

relevant statutory and authority requirements related to commissioning fire alarm and detection systems, including automatic smoke and heat venting systems, air handling systems, and emergency warning and intercommunication systems

SI system of units

sources of information and processes for calculating material requirements

standards applicable to the service

systems operations and procedures

workplace and equipment safety requirements.

Evidence Required

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 in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment providing that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate plumbing and services workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.

It may be assessed on its own or as part of an integrated assessment activity involving preparing, planning and conducting system commissioning procedures for one fire alarm and detection system and completing all associated documentation.

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 to commissioning fire alarm and detection systems

applying safety requirements throughout the work sequence, including the use of personal protective clothing and equipment

commissioning one fire alarm and detection system, including one smoke and one heat detector, plus an actuator and control and indicating panel, ensuring:

correctly identifying location, design specification and details of the system

correctly selecting and using appropriate processes, tools and equipment

completing all work to specification

complying with regulations, standards and organisational quality procedures and processes.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This competency is to be assessed using standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge will usually be conducted in an off-site context.

Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards' requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

an induction procedure and requirement

realistic tasks or simulated tasks covering the minimum task requirements

relevant specifications and work instructions

tools and equipment appropriate to applying safe work practices

support materials appropriate to activity

workplace instructions relating to safe working practices and addressing hazards and emergencies

material safety data sheets

research resources, including industry related systems information.

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.

Method of assessment

Assessment methods must:

satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Construction, Plumbing and 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.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace

where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice, with a decision on competency only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's demonstrated ability and applied knowledge

all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence.

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.

Supplementary evidence of competency may be obtained from relevant authenticated documentation from third parties, such as existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.


Range Statement

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.

Safety (OHS) is to be in accordance with commonwealth, state and territory legislation and regulations and may include:

handling of materials, including hazardous materials and substances

hazard control

personal protective equipment, including that prescribed under legislation, regulations and workplace policies and practices

safe operating procedures, including recognising and preventing hazards associated with:

other machines

surrounding structure and facilities

trip hazards

underground services

use of tools and equipment

work site visitors and the public

working at heights

working in confined spaces

working in proximity to others

use of firefighting equipment

use of first aid equipment

workplace environment and safety.

Quality assurance requirements may include:

Environment Protection Authority

internal company quality assurance policy and risk management strategy

International Standards Organisation

site safety plan

workplace operations and procedures.

Tools and equipment may include:

hand and power tools

test equipment.

Commissioning fire alarm and detection systems covers:

testing and commissioning fire alarm and detection systems, including:

alarm volume

annunciators

audible, visible and combination alarms

controls

coordination of alarm signals with other services

dispatching systems

heat and smoke detectors

public reporting systems

signal transmission

tactile alarm appliances for people with disabilities

zone alarms.

Relevant standards include:

AS1670 Fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems - system design, installation and commissioning

AS2220 Emergency warning and intercommunication systems in buildings

AS4428 Fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems - control and indicating equipment.

Statutory and regulatory authority includes:

Building Code of Australia

state or territory regulations.


Sectors

Unit sector

Plumbing and services


Co-Requisites

Nil


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not Applicable