DEFLS002B
Maintain and fit helmets

This unit covers the competency required to maintain and fit helmets that are capable of housing communications equipment.Maintaining a helmet includes inspecting, testing, isolating faults, replacing or sending away for repair, cleaning and testing prior to placing the item back into service. Fitting a helmet includes adjusting the helmet to fit the individual because the item is not an off-the-shelf issue.Maintaining and fitting ancillary helmet equipment is undertaken independently of the helmet and consequently is not covered by this Unit of Competency.

Application

The application of this unit in the workplace - the environments, complexities and situations involved - will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

This text will be useful for the purposes of job descriptions, recruitment advice or job analysis; where possible, it will not be too job specific to allow other industries to import it into other Training Packages, where feasible.


Prerequisites

Prerequisite Unit/s

Nil


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Maintain helmet

1.1 Helmet is inspected for serviceability in accordance with standard procedures

1.2 Helmet is tested for serviceability in accordance with standard procedures and manufacturers' specifications

1.3 Identified faults beyond own authority to rectify are reported to supervisor and faulty helmet is quarantined

1.4 Unserviceable parts of the helmet are replaced to render helmet serviceable

1.5 Communication system components are tested in accordance with standard procedures

1.6 Helmet is cleaned in accordance with standard procedures

1.7 Helmet suit is presented for inspection by supervisor and work is not progressed until supervisor has completed inspections in accordance with standard procedures

1.8 Relevant documentation is completed in accordance with standard procedures

2. Fit helmet

2.1 Fitting process is explained to the participant so that optimal fit can be achieved through relevant feedback

2.2 Participant is measured to select appropriate size helmet

2.3 Components of helmet are adjusted to optimise fit

2.4 Helmet fit is verified through participant feedback and supervisor approval

2.5 Relevant documentation is completed in accordance with standard procedures

Required Skills

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

Required Skills

ability to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and physical and mental abilities

calculate dimension and allowable dimension variations

deliver briefings to personnel in relation to operating, donning/doffing and fitting of helmets

dispose of hazardous chemicals in accordance with approved methods and procedures

handle, store and organise transport of equipment

information technology skills to access and input to documentation

liaise with outside agencies relating to maintenance activities

literacy skills for comprehending and interpreting documentation which may include:

aircraft documentation

maintenance documentation

survival and distress pyrotechnic documentation

maintenance and servicing schedules

flying schedules

technical publications

technical drawings

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

operate and maintain personal protective equipment

problem solving skills for a limited range of differing procedural circumstances

raise and complete maintenance documentation

solder helmet electronic/electrical components

test helmet electronic/electrical components

tie various types of knots including:

reef knot

bowline

thumb knot

half hitch

use hand-sewing techniques

use hazardous chemicals and adhesives in relation to maintenance of helmets

use relevant hand tools

use relevant power and machine tools

use testing and measuring equipment in accordance with approved methods

work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative approaches to optimise workflow and productivity

Required Knowledge

aircraft crash dynamics

approved cleaning methods for aviation life support equipment

components of a helmet and their function

critical nature of maintaining and fitting helmets

different aviation trades and how they relate to each other Electrical principles

environmental conditions that may affect helmets

forces of ejection

'G' forces

hand-sewing techniques

handling, storage and transit procedures relating to life support equipment

helmet operation in relation to flight

legal responsibilities

modification requirements for helmets

need to regularly assess correct fitment of helmets to personnel

operation of a thermal oven

operation of testing and measuring equipment and tools used to maintain helmets

physiological effects of flight

procedures in relation to organisation and aviation industry

quality systems and standards

reading and interpreting specifications

relevant legislation and procedures in relation to the aviation industry

relevant OH&S regulations/requirements, precautions, equipment, material and personal safety requirements

repair limitations for helmets

safety precautions associated with:

working with composite materials (i.e. Kevlar and fibreglass helmet shells)

use of adhesives

use of a thermal oven (i.e. fitment of helmet thermoplastic liners)

soldering techniques

storing adhesives

techniques used to fit helmets

tool control procedures

types of corrosion and contamination that may affect helmets

use of aviation industry documentation

use of helmets

use of maintenance documentation

various types of helmet shell composition

Evidence Required

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to correctly fit helmets to a minimum of three different people with no corrective action required by supervisor; to recognise limits of own authority; to recognise a range of faults including incorrect manufacture; and to correct a minimum of three unserviceable helmets.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time with a range of different fittings and maintenance activities.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace environment.

Specific resources for assessment

Access to helmets, three live participants, ancillary equipment, tools and equipment for fitting and maintaining helmets.


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.

Ancillary helmet equipment may include

Illumination systems

Night vision equipment

Oxygen masks

Standard procedures may include

Australian Standards

Equipment manufacturers' specifications and procedures

Industry practices

Maintenance schedules

Occupational health and safety (OH&S) requirements

Organisational instructions/journals

Regulatory requirements

Faults may include

Contamination

Corrosion

Cracks

Delamination

Fraying

Incorrect manufacture

Intermittent communication

Scores/scratches

Parts of the helmet may include

Comfort pads

Ear cup

Ear cup pads

Liner

Retention straps

Visor

Communication system components may include

Earphones

Electric cables

Switches

Components may include

Communication system (e.g. ear cup)

Comfort system (e.g. pads)

Retention system (e.g. strap)

Sizing system (e.g. liner)

Visor system


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.