FWPCOR3203
Evaluate fire potential and prevention


Application

This unit describes the outcomes required to continually monitor and assess the potential for fire during normal work activities. The unit includes implementing basic fire prevention measures.

The unit applies to those working in a range of job roles across the forestry and forest products industry.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions.

1. Prepare for fires

1.1 Identify policies and procedures for fire prevention and evacuation.

1.2 Ensure that fire prevention and fire extinguishing equipment and systems are operational.

1.3 Participate in fire drills and clarify roles and responsibilities for fire events.

1.4 Plan evaluation processes in line with site procedures.

2. Assess fire potential

2.1 Monitor weather conditions and inspect reports for changing conditions including storms and high winds.

2.2 Monitor equipment conditions for overheating and electrical sparking.

2.3 Check hazardous and flammable substances to assess the potential for spillage and combustion.

2.4 Report potential of fire to appropriate personnel.

3. Prevent fires

3.1 Control fire risks and hazards in line with designated responsibilities and workplace procedures.

3.2 Handle hazardous or flammable substances in line with WHS and environmental management regulations.

3.3 Recognise signs of fire potential and raise alarm.

3.4 Record and report fire potential and prevention activity.

Evidence of Performance

A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit. If a specific volume or frequency is not stated below, then evidence must be provided that the following requirements have been performed on at least one occasion:

follow organisational policies and procedures for fire potential and prevention

follow applicable licensing or certification requirements

identify and safely store flammable substances

use and maintain personal protective equipment and clothing

complete and maintain workplace information, records and reports.


Evidence of Knowledge

A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:

organisational policies and procedures for fire prevention

fire types including:

wildfires

electrical storm induced fires

arson

accidental fires

electrical fires

fire prevention methods including:

cutting fire breaks

clearing undergrowth

ensuring combustible materials are safely stored

ensuring the work area is clear of waste and that exits are accessible

quarantining equipment to be serviced in line with workplace procedures

fire service approved fire suppression extinguishing agents

extinguishers for fires that are:

electrical

chemical

gas

mechanical

paper

wood or natural fires

weather conditions and their effect on fires:

high winds

electrical storms

lightning strikes

excessive heat and low humidity

fire risks including:

welding or grinding sparks

dry undergrowth

potential of equipment use and unsafe work practices to create fire

combustible materials including dry or dead scrub, tall grasses, rubbish, oily rags

waste material proximity to equipment

flammable liquids

inappropriate storing of materials and equipment

blocked or no access and exit

safe methods for storing flammable, combustible or waste materials

methods for controlling vegetation to minimize fire risks

requirements for fire breaks.


Assessment Conditions

The following resources must be made available:

policies and procedures for fire prevention

fire evacuation plans

fire extinguishers and fire retardants

personal protective equipment.

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

Assessor requirements

Assessors must:

hold the appropriate assessor competency standards as outlined in regulations; and

be able to demonstrate vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed; and

be able to demonstrate how they are continuing to develop their VET knowledge and skills as well as maintaining their industry currency and assessor competence.


Foundation Skills

This section describes those core and employment skills that are essential to performance and are not explicit in the performance criteria.

Reading skills to:

interpret information about flammable substances

monitor weather conditions

interpret evacuation procedures.

Writing skills to:

record and report on activity and monitoring.

Problem solving skills to:

respond to fire risks.


Range Statement

Not Applicable


Sectors

Forest Growing and Management

Harvesting and HaulageNil

Sawmilling and Processing

Timber Manufactured Products

Timber Merchandising

Wood Panel Products

Timber Truss and Frame Design and Manufacture