Application
This unit describes the outcomes required to detect smoke and fire in forest environments, maintain communication with fire command or control and to record information using required formats and conventions. Detection can take place in all types and locations commonly found in forested and grassland country as well as in towers and aircraft.
The unit applies to Forestry Worker, Mobile Equipment Operator, Chainsaw Operator.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory, 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. Locate position in the field | 1.1 Identify smoke and current position of fire using landmarks and key geographical features. 1.2 Locate current position of fire on a map or plan. |
2. Record and report smoke and other sightings | 2.1 Record and report smoke and other sightings promptly in line with organisational procedures. 2.2 Maintain chronological log in line with organisational procedures. 2.3 Identify situations requiring specialist advice and seek assistance as required in line with organisational procedures. |
3. Communicate with fire command or control | 3.1 Use communications equipment to relay location of own position and sightings to fire command or control using organisational procedures. 3.2 Record and relay relevant meteorological information and conditions using required conventions and formats. 3.3 Record and report fire detecting processes and outcomes to appropriate personnel. |
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 relevant to detecting fires
locate and identify on a map or plan the current position of a fire from the field or air
note and report sighting details, including estimated distances, in the required formats and conventions including:
track the progression of the fire using landmarks and maps
make initial and ongoing reports of fire activity
maintain a chronological log of fire activity and meteorological measurements
complete a basic accurate report on fire detecting processes and outcomes.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
smoke types, colour and meaning
map types and features, common scales used on maps and plans, and methods for their use and manipulation
terrain and geographical features visible from a tower or aircraft
procedures for measuring and recording meteorological data
precautions to be taken in extreme weather conditions
fire command or control conventions for recording and reporting fire sightings in an emergency situation
organisational policies and procedures specific to detecting fires:
communication reporting lines
recording and reporting fires
emergency evacuation
Assessment Conditions
The following resources must be made available:
communication equipment used to relay information
documents, spreadsheets and commonly used proformas for recording and reporting fires
relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information
organisational policies and procedures for recording and reporting fires.
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. | |
Numeracy skills to: | interpret numerical data and symbols on maps complete precise calculations using maps and landmarks to determine location of fire and track progression record precise numerical data in chronological sequence about progressive location and speed of fire. |
Oral communication skills to: | provide clear unambiguous information about the location of fires. |
Reading skills to: | interpret: organisational procedures map features and plan details. |
Writing skills to: | record accurate and detailed information about fires in logs, reports and records. |
Range Statement
Not Applicable
Sectors
Forest Growing and Management