CPPFES2049A
Conduct recovery, reclaim and fill operations for scheduled gaseous fire-extinguishing agents

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to conduct operations to recover, reclaim and fill ozone depleting substances (ODS) and synthetic greenhouse gases (SGG) using appropriate processing equipment.

Application

This unit of competency supports individuals responsible for safe and emission-free recovery and reclamation of ODS and SGG from containers used in fire suppression; and for the safe, emission-free assembly and filling of appropriate containers with ODS and SGG.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1

Apply rules and regulations to ODS and SGG recover, reclaim and fill operations.

1.1

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

1.2

Knowledge of ODS and SGG extinguishing agent legislative and industry requirements is applied to recover, reclaim and fill operations.

1.3

Compliance requirements are checked and action is taken according to organisational policies and procedures, ODS, SGG and OHS requirements.

2

Prepare processing equipment for operation.

2.1

Processing equipment is set up.

2.2

Processing equipment is pressurised and checked to ensure line holds pressure.

2.3

Leak detection test is performed on processing equipment and connections.

2.4

Components are replaced or recycled as required before starting processing.

2.5

Set up of processing equipment is checked and defects are rectified.

3

Recover and reclaim ODS and SGG materials.

3.1

Container type and label are checked and confirmed, and method of recovery is identified.

3.2

Mass of container is weighed and recorded before processing.

3.3

Container’s connections to processing equipment are checked.

3.4

Processing equipment is monitored and recovery processing is completed according to manufacturer and organisational operating instructions.

3.5

Sample of recovered material is taken for analysis, if required.

3.6

Reclamation processing equipment is activated if quality control analysis results are acceptable.

3.7

Processing equipment is monitored and reclamation processing is completed according to manufacturer and organisational operating instructions.

3.8

Mass of container is weighed and recorded after processing.

3.9

Documentation is completed according to work procedures.

4

Prepare container and assemble valve.

4.1

Correct container and valve components are selected and gathered to suit ODS and SGG extinguishing agent.

4.2

Valve components are assembled.

4.3

Assembled valve is connected to container.

4.4

Containers and labels for fill processing are checked and confirmed as correct.

5

Fill containers.

5.1

Container’s connections to processing equipment are checked.

5.2

Processing equipment is monitored and fill process is completed according to manufacturer and organisational operating instructions.

5.3

Container is weighed to verify fill processing and container mass is recorded.

5.4

Container is pressurised, as necessary.

5.5

Transfer equipment lines are evacuated.

5.6

Container is removed from processing equipment and leak detection test is performed on container.

5.7

Containers are prepared for service and filled containers are packed according to work procedures.

5.8

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 data and select action

read and comply with work instructions and specifications

read and record measurements

record and report information neatly and legibly

select and use relevant communications records when storing ODS and SGG containers

weigh and determine mass of container contents

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 work area related to recovery, reclamation and fill processing

selecting and using relevant personal protective equipment (PPE)

selecting and using tools, equipment and materials for specific tasks

problem-solving skills to resolve problems in practical and safe ways

technical skills to:

assemble new ODS and SGG containers and valves using components and labels, and prepare for service

clear processing equipment and pressurising lines

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

interpret quality control analysis data

perform leak detection testing of recovery, reclamation and fill containers, and processing equipment

rectify defects when preparing processing equipment for operation

replace or recycle processing equipment components

sample recovered ODS and SGG materials

Required knowledge

action to be taken when a breach of OHS, ODS, SGG or other policy occurs

documentation used during recovery, reclamation and fill processing of ODS and SGG containers

EAHL requirements

fill density requirements for different agents per unit of volume of container

key features of legislation, regulations and codes applicable to recovery, reclamation and fill processing of ODS and SGG containers, including Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989

implications of ignoring safety precautions used in recovery, reclamation and fill processing

manual-handling techniques and aids to move gaseous fire-extinguishing agent containers

maximum working pressure and water capacity of containers to determine container fill requirements

methods for:

leak detection testing

selecting correct valve and components to suit container and agent requirements

preventing ODS and SGG emissions in the workplace

recovering and reclaiming ODS and SGG materials from containers

reasons for preventing ODS and SGG emissions in the workplace

types of:

containers used for ODS and SGG materials

materials found in ODS and SGG containers

sealants suitable for different gaseous agents

transport caps, labels, numbers and codes used on containers containing ODS and SGG materials

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 recovery, reclaim and fill operations for ODS and SGG.

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)

state and territory legislation applicable to workplace operations

organisational policies and procedures, including quality requirements

conduct recover, reclaim and fill operations on a minimum of two different occasions, including:

identifying types of ODS and SGG containers, valves, labels and transport caps

using tools, equipment and materials effectively to complete recovery, reclamation and fill processing

preparing processing equipment for operation

preparing and assembling correct container and valve components

recovering and reclaiming ODS and SGG materials from different types of containers

filling different types of containers with ODS and SGG materials

pressurising filled containers

clearing fill and pressurising lines

sampling for analysis

interpreting quality control analysis data

performing leak detection tests on processing equipment and connections, and on recovered, reclaimed and filled containers

verifying by weight the recovery and reclamation processing of ODS and SGG materials

verifying by weight the correct filling of containers

labelling and filling different types of containers with ODS and SGG materials

preparing containers for service, fitting transport caps, and attaching labels, container numbers and codes to containers

packing filled containers according to work procedures

create and modify documentation according to work procedures

locate, interpret and apply relevant information, standards and specifications

identify hazards and risks at work site

select and use workplace communication technologies and language in the workplace, including technical language

use safety techniques and PPE.

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

range of containers to be used to recover and reclaim different ODS and SGG materials

range of containers and valve components to be filled with different ODS and SGG materials

assessment documentation, including training and assessment record books

necessary tools, equipment and materials

relevant procedure manuals and receiving documentation

necessary safety equipment and PPE.

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:

environmental regulations, including ODS and SGG legislation, codes and regulations, such as Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989

fire protection industry codes of practice

licensing arrangements

OHS legislation, codes and regulations

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

relevant Australian standards, including:

AS 1210 Pressure vessels

AS 2030 Gas cylinders

AS 3873 Pressure equipment

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

relevant federal, state and territory building Acts, regulations and codes

other relevant legislation relating to fire protection equipment, including:

international shipping codes

marine codes for different Australian States.

Requirements may be confirmed with:

colleagues

managers

supervisors

team leaders.

Work procedures may include:

assignment instructions

equipment manufacturers’ requirements

instructions from colleagues, supervisor or manager

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: Listed using the 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.

Blitz III (HCFC Blend D); used in flooding systems

CFC 11 (trichlorofluoromethane, CCl3F); may be found as a propellant in some powder fire extinguishers (this product is banned in Australia)

FC 2 1 8 (CEA 308, CF3CF2CF3); used in flooding systems

FC 3 1 10 (CEA 410, C4F10); used in flooding systems

FC 5 1 14 (CEA 614, C6F14); used as a streaming agent

FE 227 (heptafluoropropane, HFC 227ea); used as a total flooding extinguishing agent – is a replacement for Halon 1301

FE 25 (pentafluoroethane, HFC 125); used in inerting and explosion suppression applications and retro fit to existing Halon 1301 systems

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

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

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

FM200 (heptafluoropropane, HFC 227ea); used in chemical storage areas, clean rooms, communications facilities, laboratories, museums, robotics and emergency power facilities

Halotron (HCFC Blend B); used as a total flooding agent and streaming agent

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

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

Halon 2402 (dibromotetrafluoroethane, C2Br2F4); limited use in military systems – requires a special permit in Australia

HCFC 22 (chlorodifluoromethane, CHClF2); used as a propellant in some powder fire extinguishers (this product is banned in Australia)

HFC 134a (unsymmetric tetrafluoroethane, CH2FCF3); used as a propellant in some powder fire extinguishers

NAF S III (HCFC Blend A); used as a total flooding agent – is a replacement for Halon 1301

NAF P III (HCFC Blend C); used as a streaming agent – is a replacement for Halon 1211

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

SF6 (sulfurhexofluoride, SF6); used as an inerting agent for sealed high voltage switchgear.

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

recording and reporting documentation and systems

relevant OHS policies, procedures and programs

relevant rules and regulations

standard operating procedures, work instructions and manuals.

Pressurising may include use of:

compressed air

nitrogen.

Leak detection tests:

must be performed according to:

relevant current Australian standards

organisational requirements

environmental regulations, such as those relating to ODS and SGG

may be performed using:

ultrasonic liquid level indicator devices

scales to weigh cylinders

electronic leak detection devices

leak detection solution

may be performed on:

container connections, valves and gauges

recovery and reclamation processing equipment pipework, connections and valves

fill processing equipment pipework, connections and valves.

Components may include:

connections

filters

hoses.

Defects may include:

faulty gauges

leaking:

gaskets

seals

seams

physical damage

rust or corrosion.

Method of recovery may include:

recovery via:

container head

container piercing.

Analysis may include:

full analysis required if recovered material is for an end user

no analysis required if recovered material is for destruction.

Documentation may include:

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

codes of practice and regulations relevant to the receiving of goods

condemned container reports

container classification reports

corrective action reports

customer and supplier instructions

dangerous goods declarations

emergency procedures

equipment manufacturers' specifications

goods identification numbers and codes

job cards

material safety data sheets (MSDS)

quality assurance procedures

receiving documentation

record management system

service agreements

workplace procedures and policies.

Preparing containers for service may include:

applying container numbers and codes to containers

attaching labels to containers

fitting transport caps.


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; and ODS, SGG and occupational health and safety (OHS) policies and procedures.

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.