CPPFES2005A
Demonstrate first attack firefighting equipment

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to demonstrate the use of portable fire extinguishers, fire hose reels and fire blankets.

Application

This unit of competency supports fire protection equipment service technicians responsible for demonstrating to customers how to interpret and follow manufacturers’ instructions on various first attack firefighting equipment in emergency situations.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1

Demonstrate correct use of portable fire extinguishers to extinguish simulated fires.

1.1

Fire type and classification are determined.

1.2

Fireextinguishers are selected to attack different fires.

1.3

Safe use of fire extinguishers is demonstrated according to manufacturers’ instructions and relevant OHS and workplace policies and procedures.

2

Demonstrate correct use of fire hose reels.

2.1

Safe use of hosereels is demonstrated according to manufacturers’ instructions and relevant OHS and workplace policies and procedures.

2.2

Water is turned off in the approved sequence and hose reel is checked for leaks.

2.3

Hose reel is rewound correctly after use.

3

Demonstrate correct use of fire blanket.

3.1

Safe use of fire blankets is demonstrated according to manufacturers’ instructions and relevant OHS and workplace policies and procedures.

Required Skills

Required skills

decision-making skills to select correct first attack firefighting equipment for different types of fires

effective customer service

language, literacy and numeracy skills to:

communicate with others in a clear and concise manner

read and comply with work instructions and specifications

interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social and cultural backgrounds

skills to work safely when:

applying recommended manufacturers’ techniques for operating equipment and fire fighting

using firefighting equipment

Required knowledge

basic methods of locating a fire

correct use of fire extinguishers and hose reels on different classes of fire and implications of incorrect use

how fire can be spread by conduction, convection, radiation and direct burning

how water pressure influences the discharge distance for hose reels

key actions in a fire emergency, commonly known by the acronym RACE:

rescue

activate alarm

confine fire

evacuate or extinguish

meaning of secondary damage

reasons for cooking oil and fat fires requiring special attention

theory of fire, including the triangle of combustion

types and operation of fire protection equipment classified as first attack equipment

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 by practical demonstration, using simulated fire situations. Due to safety and cost factors, methods of extinguishing class D, E and F fires are confined to oral explanations and role play or simulations only.

All practical demonstrations involving the use of simulated fires must adhere to the safety and environmental regulations relevant to each state or territory.

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 in this unit.

In particular the person should demonstrate the ability to:

select correct portable firefighting equipment for a particular type of fire

demonstrate the use of portable firefighting equipment

use portable firefighting equipment safely and correctly.

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:

actual or simulated work environment

portable firefighting equipment.

Method of assessment

Assessment methods must:

satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Property 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.

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function, for example:

CPPFES2004A Identify types of installed fire safety equipment and systems

CPPFES2006A Prepare for installation and servicing operations.


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.

Fire types may include:

combustible metals

cooking oils and fats

energised electrical equipment

flammable and combustible liquids

flammable gases

ordinary combustibles.

Classifications of fires include:

classes A, B, C, D, E and F.

Fire extinguishers may include:

carbon dioxide

foam

powder

vaporising liquid

water

wet chemical.

OHS and workplace policies and procedures may belocated in quality assurance and/or procedures manuals relating to:

appropriate techniques to use in relation to emergency management of fires

assessing work site for hazards and risks prior to preparing the work site for the work procedure

displaying signs and using barriers in the work area

OHS policies, procedures and programs, including:

risk and hazard recognition

emergency procedures

awareness of electrical hazards

following confined spaces procedures

first aid

personnel practices and guidelines outlining work roles, responsibilities and delegations

safety procedures, including those for working safely:

around electrical wiring, cables and overhead powerlines

around tools and equipment

on ladders and raised platforms

using personal protective equipment, including:

safety glasses or goggles

safety boots or shoes

hard hats

earmuffs or plugs.

Hose reel types may be:

swing-hinged

vehicle-mounted

wall-mounted.


Sectors

Fire protection equipment


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Work in this area must be completed according to relevant legislative, industry, customer and organisational requirements, including occupational health and safety (OHS) policies and procedures.

Different states and territories may have regulatory mechanisms that apply to this unit. Candidates are advised to check for regulatory limitations.