CPPFES2048A
Receive and dispatch scheduled gaseous fire-extinguishing agents

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to receive containers of ozone depleting substances (ODS) and synthetic greenhouse gases (SGG) according to regulatory and workplace requirements. It includes identifying the workplace procedures and documentation requirements for receiving and dispatching ODS and SGG containers.

Application

This unit of competency supports fire protection technicians responsible for the receipt and dispatch of ODS and SGG containers, including checking, inspecting, loading and unloading, classifying, making safe, moving, storing and dispatching the containers, and completing required workplace documentation.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1

Apply rules and regulations to receiving and dispatching ODS and SGG containers.

1.1

Requirements of relevant rules and regulations are confirmed and applied to work procedures.

1.2

Knowledge of legislative and industry requirements relating to ODS and SGG emission is applied when receiving, storing and dispatching containers.

1.3

Compliance requirements are checked and action is taken according to organisational policies and procedures, ODS, SGG and occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements.

2

Inspect and receive ODS and SGG containers.

2.1

Work procedures for receiving ODS and SGG containers are identified and followed.

2.2

Potential hazards and risks are identified.

2.3

OHS risk control measures and procedures are followed.

2.4

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is used correctly.

2.5

Containers are checked against consignment documentation and discrepancies are identified.

2.6

Mass of containers is weighed and recorded.

2.7

Containers are received and documentation is completed according to work procedures.

3

Classify received ODS and SGG containers.

3.1

Types of ODS and SGG containers and their contents are identified.

3.2

Containers are checked for defects.

3.3

Unusable containers are identified and condemned according to work procedures.

3.4

Condemned containers are labelled, isolated and made safe according to work procedures.

4

Move and store ODS and SGG containers.

4.1

Manual-handling techniques and aids are identified.

4.2

Safe work procedures are used to unload, unpack, move and store containers in the workplace.

4.3

Assistance from others is sought as necessary to maintain a safe and effective workplace.

4.4

Documentation is completed according to work procedures.

5

Dispatch ODS and SGG containers.

5.1

Containers are checked to confirm compliance with regulatory requirements for transport and storage.

5.2

Containers are securely stored ready for dispatch.

5.3

Leak detection tests are performed on stored containers to identify leaks.

5.4

Containers are made safe according to work procedures and discovered leaks are reported.

5.5

Containers are loaded and secured on transport vehicles.

5.6

Documentation is completed according to work procedures.

Required Skills

Required skills

customer service skills

language, literacy and numeracy skills to:

communicate with others clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing

interpret temperature and pressure graphs for different agents to determine pressure at a given temperature

read and comply with work instructions and specifications

read and record measurements

record and report information neatly and legibly

planning and organising skills to:

estimate time to complete activities

prioritise tasks

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

skills to work safely when:

applying manual-handling techniques

applying workplace housekeeping procedures

identifying hazards in the work area in relation to receiving, classifying, moving, storing and dispatching ODS and SGG containers

selecting and using materials, tools and equipment, including PPE for specific tasks

initiative and enterprise skills to select and use relevant communications records when receiving, classifying, moving, storing and dispatching ODS and SGG containers

problem-solving skills to resolve problems in practical and safe ways, including assessing and selecting:

movement paths for transporting ODS and SGG containers in the workplace

safe working loads

technical skills to:

check ODS and SGG containers for defects

condemn defective ODS and SGG containers

identify contents of ODS and SGG containers

label and isolate condemned ODS and SGG containers

make safe ODS and SGG containers according to work procedures

move dangerous goods and ODS and SGG containers safely in the workplace

Required knowledge

awareness of EAHL

documentation used to receive, classify, move, store and dispatch ODS and SGG containers

key features of legislation, regulations and codes applicable to receipt and dispatch of ODS and SGG containers

relevant Australian standards, such as:

AS 4214 Gaseous fire extinguishing systems

ISO 14520 Gaseous fire-extinguishing systems – Physical properties and system design

implications of:

ignoring safety precautions used with mechanical and manual-handling aids

incorrect manual-lifting techniques

manual-handling techniques and aids applied to receiving and moving ODS and SGG containers

methods used to:

isolate condemned containers

label condemned containers

make safe containers

prevent ODS and SGG emissions in the workplace

principles and procedures related to receiving, classifying, moving, storing and dispatching stock

reasons for preventing ODS and SGG emissions in the workplace

site layout

types of ODS and SGG containers, including materials stored in ODS and SGG containers

relevant federal, state or territory legislation that affects organisational operations, including:

anti-discrimination and diversity

equal employment opportunity

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 observation of practical demonstration of receipt and dispatch of ODS and SGG containers.

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:

communicate and work effectively and safely with others

comply with OHS regulations, ODS and SGG regulations (where required) and state and territory legislation applicable to workplace operations

comply with organisational policies and procedures, including quality requirements

locate, interpret and apply relevant information, standards and specifications

receive and dispatch ODS and SGG containers on a minimum of two different occasions and including:

identifying, selecting and using appropriate documentation to receive ODS and SGG containers into a work site

using tools, equipment and materials effectively to receive and move containers in a work site

using tools, equipment and materials effectively to dispatch containers from a work site

checking, inspecting, classifying and receiving containers and completing workplace documentation

labelling, isolating and storing condemned containers

making safe containers according to work procedures

creating and modifying workplace records and documentation

identifying hazards and risks at work site

using PPE

using manual-handling techniques and aids to transport and store containers

selecting and using workplace communication technologies and language in the workplace, including technical language.

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

assessment documentation, including training and assessment record books

necessary safety equipment and PPE

necessary tools, equipment and materials

range of ODS and SGG containers with different contents, including damaged and faulty containers

relevant procedure manuals and receiving documentation.

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.


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.

Rules and regulations may include:

dangerous goods regulations

environmental regulations

licensing arrangements

OHS legislation, regulations and codes

relevant commonwealth and state or territory building Acts, regulations and codes, such as Building Code of Australia (BCA)

relevant standards, such as:

AS 1851 Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment

AS 4214 Gaseous fire extinguishing systems

ISO 14520 Gaseous fire-extinguishing systems – Physical properties and system design

note: Australian standards are frequently revised and users must always check for currency and amendments

other relevant legislation relating to fire protection equipment, including:

international shipping codes

marine codes for different Australian States

requirements of Australian petroleum industry.

Requirements may be confirmed with:

colleagues

managers

supervisors

team leaders.

Work procedures may include:

assignment instructions

equipment manufacturers’ requirements

instructions from colleagues, supervisors and managers

manual-handling techniques

ODS, SGG and OHS requirements

PPE requirements

reporting and documentation requirements

specific customer requirements.

ODS and SGG extinguishing agents may include:

Note list format:

product name (other names) use

Check the latest amendments to the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act for the current list of ODS and SGG extinguishing agents.

ODS and SGG extinguishing agents commonly used in Australia:

FM200 (FE-227 Heptafluoropropane, HFC-227ea) used as a total flooding extinguishing agent and as a replacement for Halon 1301

Halon 1211 (BCF, Halon 1211 BCF, Bromochlorodifluoromethane) used as a streaming agent – requires a special permit in Australia

Halon 1301 (BTM, Halon 1301 BTM, Bromotrifluoromethane) used as a total flooding agent – requires a special permit in Australia

NAF-P-III (HCFC Blend C) used as a streaming agent

NAF-P-IV (HCFC Blend E) used as a streaming agent

NAF-S-III (HCFC Blend A) used as a total flooding agent

SF6 (Sulfurhexafluoride) used as an inerting agent in sealed high voltage switchgear

ODS and SGG extinguishing agents not commonly used in Australia:

Blitz III (HCFC Blend D) used in flooding systems

CFC-11 (Trichlorofluoromethane) may be found as a propellant in some powder fire extinguishers (this product is banned in Australia but may be found on incoming foreign vessels)

FC-2-1-8 (CEA-308) used in flooding systems

FC-3-1-10 (CEA-410) used in flooding systems

FC-5-1-14 (CEA-614) used as a streaming agent

FE-13 (Trifluoromethane, HFC-23) used as a total flooding agent

FE-241 (Chlorotetrafluoroethane, HCFC-124) used as a total flooding agent for non-occupied spaces and as a streaming agent

FE-25 (Pentafluoroethane, HFC-125) used in inerting and explosion suppression applications

FE-36 (Hexafluoropropane, HFC-236fa) used in portable fire extinguishers – is a replacement for Halon 1211 and Halon 1301

FM100 (HBFC-22B1) used in portable fire extinguishers

Halon 2402 (Dibromotetrafluoroethane) limited use in military systems – requires a special permit in Australia

Halotron I (HCFC Blend B or HCFC-123) used as a total flooding agent and streaming agent

Halotron II (blend of HFC-143a and HFC-125) used as a total flooding agent and as a replacement for Halon 1301

HCFC-22 (Chlorodifluoromethane) used as a propellant in some powder fire extinguishers (this product is banned in Australia but may be found on incoming foreign vessels)

HFC-134a (Unsymmetric tetrafluoroethane) used as a propellant in some powder fire extinguishers.

Action may include:

advising customer

documenting non-compliance

making equipment safe

reporting, as required.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

job scheduling systems and communication devices

personnel practices and guidelines outlining work roles, responsibilities and delegations

procedures and work instructions to prevent emission of ODS and SGG in the workplace

recording and reporting documentation and systems

relevant OHS policies, procedures and programs

relevant rules and regulations

standard operating procedures, work instructions and manuals.

ODS and SGG containers may be identified by:

colour and markings of container

container label:

chemical name

country of origin

product name

size and shape of container

type of container:

hand-held fire extinguishers

pressure vessels, such as half tonne storage vessels

system.

Hazards may include:

ergonomic, such as incorrect manual-handling methods

environmental, such as improper use of ODS and SGG or hazardous materials

obstructive, such as blocked access to emergency entry or exit points

hazards associated with electrical or mechanical faults

any situation with a potential to cause loss

any source of potential harm

equipment in a work site

people in a work site

work methods, plans, procedures and work instructions.

Risk control measures may include:

hierarchy of control preferred order of control measures for risks:

elimination of hazard: controlling the hazard at source

substitution of hazard: for example, replacing one substance or activity with a less hazardous one

engineering solution to hazard: for example, installing safety guards on machinery

administration solution to hazard: policies and procedures directed at safe work practices

PPE solution to hazard: for example, gloves or safety boots.

Containers may be checked for:

appropriate dangerous goods declarations and markings, where applicable

appropriate material safety data sheets (MSDS), where applicable

condition

labelling

quantity of containers

type.

Discrepancies may include:

damaged ODS and SGG containers

errors in paperwork

incorrect quantity of containers received

wrong containers received.

Documentation may include:

Australian and international regulations and codes of practice for the handling and transport of dangerous goods and hazardous substances

codes of practice and regulations relevant to receiving goods

condemned ODS and SGG container reports

corrective action reports

customer or supplier instructions

dangerous goods declarations

emergency procedures

equipment manufacturers’ specifications

goods identification numbers and codes

job cards

MSDS

ODS and SGG container classification reports

quality assurance procedures

receiving and dispatching documentation

receiving record system

service agreements

workplace procedures and policies.

Container defects may include:

faulty gauges

incorrectly capped or pinned container heads

leaking seals and gaskets

leaking seams

physical damage

rust or corrosion.

Condemned containers may include:

containers with faulty gauges

damaged or faulty container heads

incorrectly capped or pinned container heads

leaking containers

physically damaged containers.

Making safe unplugged or uncapped ODS and SGG containers may include:

replacing locking pins

fitting transport, discharge and actuation caps.

Manual-handling techniques and aids may include:

aids:

hand trucks

hooks

lifting magnets

lifting straps

mechanical-handling aids, including:

cranes

hoists

forklifts

pallet trucks

suction grips

trolleys

wheelbarrows

techniques:

carrying

lifting

pulling

pushing.

Storing containers may include:

caged storage facility

protection from harm

secure storage

stable location

upright position.


Sectors

Fire protection equipment


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

The unit supports one or more extinguishing agent handling licences (EAHL) prescribed under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989.

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