1

Prepare for commissioning fire sprinkler systems.

1.1

Commissioning inspections and tests required to validate that fire sprinkler system performance meets design requirements are determined in consultation with approving authority.

1.2

Documentation required for commissioning is obtained and reviewed.

1.3

Tasks are planned according to industry, legislative and workplace requirements and sequenced in conjunction with others involved in or affected by the work.

1.4

Tools, equipment and materials for commissioning are selected and checked for serviceability.

1.5

Work area is prepared to support efficient commissioning process.

2

Confirm that installation of system components correspond to design requirements.

2.1

Fire sprinkler system components and locations are identified on drawings and specifications.

2.2

Building is inspected to confirm that locations of system components correspond to design requirements, or location anomalies are reported.

2.3

Types of sprinkler heads are confirmed as compatible, or anomalies are reported.

2.4

Spaces between sprinkler heads are confirmed as correct, or anomalies are reported.

2.5

Pipework is inspected and confirmed as functional, or jointing and supporting defects are reported.

2.6

Valves are inspected for different commissioning tests to confirm correct type, adequate labelling, and orientation in required position.

2.7

Pressure gauge schedule, block plan and interface diagram are confirmed as corresponding to design requirements.

2.8

Water supply components, including any installed pumpsets, are checked and verified against design requirements.

2.9

Changes to the building or existing conditions that could affect component performance are identified.

3

Conduct pressure tests and restore system to normal pressure.

3.1

Static air-pressure test is conducted to confirm integrity of the system, and results are recorded according to relevant standards and workplace requirements.

3.2

High pressure hydraulic test is conducted to confirm integrity of the system, and results are recorded according to relevant standards and workplace requirements.

3.3

Leaks are identified and reported.

3.4

System is drained and re-charged at normal pressure according to relevant standards and workplace requirements.

4

Conduct functional tests.

4.1

Water supply functional proving test is conducted, and results are recorded according to relevant standards.

4.2

Functional tests of system components and interfaces are conducted, and results recorded according to relevant standards and design requirements.

4.3

Tests are conducted according to environmental and sustainability requirements.

5

Finalise commissioning process.

5.1

System functionality and compliance with design specifications are confirmed.

5.2

Componentry is set to operational function and pipework is charged with water according to specifications.

5.3

Tools, equipment and materials are checked and stored and work area is left in good order.

5.4

Documentation is completed and processed according to workplace requirements.

Required skills

communication skills to:

determine commissioning test requirements

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

follow and give instructions

use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences

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

identify and report faults in tools, equipment or materials to appropriate personnel

numeracy skills to apply measurements and calculations

planning and organising skills to:

plan and sequence tasks in consultation with other relevant personnel

set out work

reading skills to interpret drawings and specifications

teamwork skills to work with others to action tasks

technical skills to use tools and equipment to commission sprinkler systems

technology skills to:

access site-specific instructions in a variety of media

use mobile communication technology

writing skills to record results of functional tests and complete other workplace documentation

Required knowledge

design and installation performance requirements of relevant installation standards, such as:

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Factory Mutual performance-based codes of practice

Australian Standard AS 2118.1 Automatic fire sprinkler systems

industry and regulatory requirements for commissioning fire sprinkler systems

job safety analyses (JSA), safety data sheets (SDS) and safe work method statements (SWMS)

performance measures for fire sprinkler systems as referenced in design drawings and specifications

properties of water, including pressure, flow rates and atmospheric pressure

SI system of measurements

standards applicable to installing and commissioning fire sprinkler systems

workplace and equipment safety requirements, including personal protective equipment requirements relevant to the job

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.

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

A person should demonstrate the ability to:

locate, interpret and apply relevant information, standards and specifications to testing and commissioning fire sprinkler systems

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

as a minimum, the ability to commission:

one wet system connected to fixed pumpsets

one wet system connected to town main supply

one pre-action fire sprinkler system

commissioning must ensure:

correct identification of location, design specification and details of proposed system

correct selection and use of appropriate processes, tools and equipment

completion of work to specification

compliance with regulations, standards and workplace quality procedures and processes

effective communication with others

safe work practices.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of this unit:

must be in the context of the work environment

may be conducted in an off-site context, provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills

must meet relevant compliance requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

an induction procedure

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 work practices and addressing hazards and emergencies

safety data sheets, job safety analyses and safe work method statements

research resources, including industry-related systems information.

Method of assessment

Assessment for this unit must verify the practical application of the required skills and knowledge, using one or more of the following methods:

direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions

questioning to confirm the ability to identify and interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application.

Guidance information for assessment

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function.

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.

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.

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.

Fire sprinkler systems may include:

deluge

dry pipe

pre-action

storage sprinklers

wall wetting

water mist

wet pipe.

Approving authority may be:

client representative

council representative

fire brigade official

fire protection consultant engineer

insurance company representative

system designer.

Documentation may include:

as-installed drawings

design calculations

logbooks

operator manuals.

Industry, legislative and workplace requirements may include:

codes and standards

environmental and sustainability

licensing

quality assurance

workplace health and safety.

Tools and equipment may include:

digital tachometers

flow testing equipment

hand tools

laser levels

measuring devices

personal protective equipment

pressure gauges.

Fire sprinkler system components may include:

air compressors

alarm valves

ball valves

brackets

discharge nozzles

flow switches

pipework

pressure gauges

pressure reducing valves

pressure relief valves

pressure switches

pumpsets

solenoids

sprinkler heads

water supply valves.

Functional tests may include checking the effective operation of:

brigade booster connections

control and actuator mechanisms, such as:

pressure switches

flow switches

control valves, such as:

pressure reducing

pressure relief

tank inflow

interfaces to other systems, including:

booster pumps

building services

control indicating equipment (CIE)

control of booster pumpsets

fire detection

heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)

occupant warning systems

valve monitoring controls

remote water proving points

water supply components, such as tank infill and suction lines.