DEFCA416C
Employ hand operated pyrotechnics

This unit covers the competency required to effectively employ pyrotechnics in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Pyrotechnics are usually used for illumination, signalling and obscuration. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication. In a Defence context, this means that there is no civilian need to hold this unit in order to meet licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements.

Application

This competency was developed for combat arms personnel required to employ pyrotechnics in a deployed operational environment but is applicable to any individual in this field of work.

Typically, operators work independently under direct and/or indirect supervision, use discretion and judgement, and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs.

All activities are carried out in accordance with relevant organisational policies and procedures.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Handle pyrotechnics

1.1 Pyrotechnics are identified and selected according to operational requirements.

1.2 Pyrotechnics are safely handled and carried in accordance with standard procedures.

1.3 Operating positions are adopted as required by circumstances and type of pyrotechnic.

1.4 Occupational health and safety (OH&S) requirements and recognised safety precautions are applied throughout the operation.

1.5 Environmental factors are monitored to ensure safety.

2. Operate pyrotechnics

2.1 Pyrotechnics are activated in accordance with standard procedures.

2.2 Outcome required from using pyrotechnics is achieved.

2.3 Environmental impact arising from use of pyrotechnics is minimised and waste products are recovered.

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

apply recognised safety precautions

Required Knowledge

characteristics, technical capabilities, effects, employment and limitations of the pyrotechnics

WHS requirements

recognised safety precautions

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to safely employ pyrotechnics for illumination, signalling and obscuration.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time and across a range of simulated or actual workplace situations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in an actual or simulated workplace environment by observing the use of hand operated pyrotechnics during the day and at night.

Specific resources for assessment

Access to pyrotechnics.


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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Pyrotechnics may include:

battle effect simulators

day/night flares

parachute flares

signal flares

smoke dispensers

smoke grenades

trip flares

Identifying pyrotechnics may include:

colour

hazard band

markings

shape

Standard procedures may include:

Australian Standards

defence instructions

doctrine pamphlets

job guides, other publications

manufacturers' handbooks, industry specifications and technical instructions

WHS regulations

organisational policies and procedures

procedure manuals

relevant local government by laws

relevant state/territory or federal legislation

routine orders

standing operating procedures

standing orders

written and verbal orders

Operating positions may include:

lying

standing

kneeling

Activating pyrotechnics may include:

firing/launching

pulling

throwing


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.