CPCSFS5013A
Support commissioning processes and finalise fire systems design projects

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to confirm the post-installation details of fire systems and produce amended drawings and documentation, and to prepare detailed commissioning procedures and specifications. The unit also covers reviewing issues and solutions arising during fire systems design projects and making subsequent improvements to fire systems design project processes.Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this unit and so the varying state or territory requirements should be confirmed with the relevant body.

Application

This unit of competency supports the role of fire systems' designers with responsibility for producing 'as built' drawings, block plans, tactical fire plans, and operations and maintenance manuals for fire systems.

Fire systems designs are limited to those within the deemed-to-satisfy provisions of the Building Code of Australia or detailed fire systems designs for alternative solutions designed by fire engineers. This unit does not apply to fire systems for special hazard locations.


Prerequisites

Nil


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Produce accurate final drawings for fire systems.

1.1. Progressive changes to fire systems design drawings resulting from construction phase issues are documented according to workplace and project procedures.

1.2. Site visits are conducted, if possible, to confirm and record final component sizes, locations and building dimensions.

1.3. Accurate 'as built' drawings are prepared, named, notated, filed and submitted according to workplace procedures and project requirements.

1.4. Appropriate block plans and tactical fire plans are produced as required.

2. Prepare commissioning details, and operation and maintenance manuals for fire systems.

2.1. System performance requirements and commissioning procedures and specifications are prepared according to workplace and project requirements.

2.2. Standard operating procedures for the fire system are prepared based on relevant codes and standards and component manufacturer's recommendations.

2.3. Regular maintenance procedures for the fire system are produced based on component manufacturer's recommendations and relevant regulatory requirements.

2.4. Operation and maintenance signage is installed, as required according to relevant workplace, project and regulatory requirements.

3. Review and evaluate the fire systems design process.

3.1. Project documentation is reviewed and processed, and issues that arose and their solutions are noted.

3.2. Project issues and solutions are discussed with relevant workplace personnel and process improvement strategies are explored.

3.3. Project planning, methodologies and quality assurance systems are amended to incorporate agreed process improvement strategies.

Required Skills

Required skills

accurate measuring

accurate naming and filing of drawings, including:

formal document control

formal amendments, including:

history

transmittal notices

editing and creating drawings, including:

layout

section

detail

external references

freezing layers

operating computer software packages and systems, including:

word processing

spreadsheet

email

internet

proprietary project management software

language and literacy skills for:

listening to and communicating clearly with colleagues, installers, suppliers and contractors

letter writing, especially to formalise:

recognition of conflicts and errors on drawings supplied by other service contractors

agreements with other services, for example whichever service is fitted last must fit around existing services

reading and interpreting drawings, plans and specifications, including:

architectural

structural

mechanical

hydraulic

electrical

developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with project team members, workplace colleagues, suppliers, installers and clients

initiating and running meetings with lead contractor and other service contractors

organising own work, including creating personal systems and checklists for planning, managing and checking work

lateral thinking and problem solving

maintaining concentration, focus and attention to detail for long periods

managing detailed input to concurrent fire systems design projects at different stages of the process and with diverse sets of regulatory requirements

Required knowledge

workplace design tools and processes

level of accuracy required in detailed design drawings

naming conventions for design drawings and drawing register

fire science, including:

fire behaviour and dynamics

impact of fire on structures and materials

products of combustion

fire control strategies

fire retardants

fire detection technologies

fire suppression technologies

fire containment

computer software functions and operation, including:

word processing

spreadsheet

email

internet

proprietary project management software

relevant current legislation, codes and standards, including:

building Acts

building regulations

infrastructure supply regulations

the Building Code of Australia

Australian standards for fire systems

international standards for fire systems

other fire system standards commonly required by building insurers

protection requirements for different buildings

fire systems' technology and components, including:

water-based systems, including:

wet pipe sprinkler systems

deluge and drencher systems

dry pipe sprinkler systems

pre-action sprinkler systems

early suppression fast response (ESFR)

hydrants, hose reels and monitors

water supply tanks

fire pump sets

detection and warning systems, including:

emergency warning and intercommunications systems (EWIS)

fire detection and alarm systems

smoke control systems

emergency lighting systems

purpose and operation of fire systems, including:

layout

special products and hazards

system operation

performance requirements

maintenance standards

system activation and operation

passive fire safety elements:

identification of passive elements

impact of fire systems design on passive elements

specifications required to safeguard integrity of passive fire element performance where penetrations are necessitated by the fire systems design

characteristics and limitations of products and materials used in fire systems and issues relating to material compatibility

interconnection of fire systems, including:

cause and effect matrix

interface with other services

instruments used in commissioning and measuring fire system performance

basic principles of structural engineering

characteristics of building materials

construction industry terminology

roles and responsibilities of relevant building project personnel, including:

architect

lead contractor

mechanical engineer

hydraulic engineer

electrical engineer

contractual processes

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, provided that the simulated or project-based assessment fully replicates workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.

This unit could be assessed as an activity involving the preparation of final fire systems design project documentation, including drawings, specifications and commissioning support documentation. The activity should also include the review of project processes and outcomes to inform continuous improvement strategies.

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 the required skills and knowledge specified within this unit.

In particular the person should demonstrate:

the ability to:

produce final 'as installed' drawings for fire systems design projects

save, file and share design drawings

an understanding of relevant regulatory approval and fire systems design certification processes

the ability to identify, interpret and apply relevant current legislation, codes, standards and regulatory requirements impacting on the finalisation of fire systems design projects, including commissioning procedures and certification

the ability to review project processes and outcomes for a range of fire systems design projects, including low-rise, medium-rise, high-rise (over 25 metres) and buildings over 45 metres in height, and identify and discuss opportunities for learning and process improvement

the ability to incorporate learning and agreed process improvements into planning and methodologies for a range of fire systems design projects.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge may be conducted in an off-site context. It is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards' requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

design and installation drawings, plans and specifications

copies of codes, standards, legislation and regulatory requirements

access to information and communications technology - hardware and software.

Method of assessment

Assessment 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.

Guidance information for assessment

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.


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.

System performance requirements may include:

for water-based systems:

speed of response

time taken to reach full-flow conditions

area of coverage

nozzle locations

droplet profile and characteristics

duration of response

for detection and warning systems:

correct sensors

sensitivity to fire size

speed of detection and response

fire location coverage.

Commissioning procedures and specifications may include:

procedures listed in Australian standards, such as:

AS2118.1-2006 Section 15

AS1670.1-2004 Section 7

AS2118 Automatic fire sprinkler systems

AS2419 Fire hydrant installations

U.S. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes

material safety data sheets (MSDS)

manufacturer recommendations.

Standard operating procedures may include:

site-specific workplace standard operating procedures

work method statements

job safety advice

quality assurance documentation.

Codes and standards may include:

the Building Code of Australia

current relevant Australian standards for fire systems

current relevant international standards for fire systems

codes and standards stipulated by the building insurer.

Regular maintenance procedures may include:

site-specific maintenance instructions

manufacturer's specific maintenance instructions

local government regulations, such as:

part 59, South Australia

Australian standards, such as:

AS1851-2005

material safety data sheets (MSDS).

Signage may include:

technical design data, including systems performance and layout on a block plan

pressure switch setting plaque

interface cause and effect drawing

operating instructions

manufacturer's technical plates or labels

signs in the pump room for water-based systems, including:

system pressure

town mains pressure

pump cut-in pressure

pressure gauge schedule

block plans

signage for detection and warning systems, including:

system interface matrix

block plans

device lists.


Sectors

Unit sector

Fire systems design


Co-Requisites

Nil


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Refer to Unit Descriptor