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.
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