Application
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to prevent fires and to respond effectively to any fire emergency on board a vessel.
This unit applies to deck and engine workers working in the maritime industry requiring a Certificate of Safety Training.
This unit has links to legislative and certification requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA | ||
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Actively prevent fire | 1.1 | Fire hazards (pre-conditions for fire) on board a vessel are identified and rectified according to workplace procedures |
1.2 | Onboard procedures for preventing fire are accessed and implemented | ||
2 | Prepare response to fire | 2.1 | Location and class of fire is identified |
2.2 | Alarm is raised | ||
2.3 | Condition of firefighting equipment and systems in work area is monitored according to planned maintenance schedules | ||
2.4 | Realistic drills and musters are practised to ensure pre-incident readiness of response personnel | ||
2.5 | Appropriate protective clothing and equipment including self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is made ready | ||
2.6 | All available means to limit the spread of fire and smoke are employed | ||
2.7 | Appropriate pump/s and ancillary equipment are readied to support firefighting operations | ||
2.8 | Extinguishing media/agent is selected according to the class/classes of fire | ||
3 | Combat fire | 3.1 | Threats to life or health are identified within the emergency area |
3.2 | Activities and tactics to combat the fire are selected so that the safety of the vessel and all on board is not compromised | ||
3.3 | Fire is located and access is gained in the safest and most timely manner | ||
3.4 | Fire is attacked using the extinguishing media/agent and application techniques appropriate to the class and size of fire | ||
3.5 | SCBA is donned and used correctly while undertaking fire extinguishment and rescue | ||
3.6 | Effectiveness of combat activities and tactics is evaluated and altered as required | ||
3.7 | Communication is maintained to ensure safety and efficiency of firefighting operation | ||
4 | Complete post-fire activities | 4.1 | Fire watch is maintained to prevent further outbreak |
4.2 | Equipment is restored to operational condition | ||
4.3 | Fire scene is preserved prior to investigation, if appropriate | ||
4.4 | Information relating to the incident is provided as part of fire debriefing session | ||
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and include:
applying extinguishing media to fire
applying safe working practices at all times
assisting in the setting up and use of foam making equipment
correctly donning and using self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) while undertaking fire extinguishment and rescue in a heated smoke filled compartment
entering and moving through a compartment filled with high expansion foam with the aid of a lifeline and without breathing apparatus
extinguishing a fire with a fire blanket
logging SCBA wearers correctly on a control board
operating charged hose-lines and nozzles
operating portable firefighting extinguishers
performing after-use maintenance on SCBA
working effectively with team members when responding to a fire.
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:
action to be taken:
in an emergency
on board ship
alarms and signals during onboard emergencies
chemistry of fire, including the fire tetrahedron and its relationship to materials typically found on vessels
classification of fire and applicable extinguishing agents
correct use of all lifesaving appliances and firefighting appliances
different classes of fire, their characteristics and strategies and equipment needed for their extinguishment
elements of fire and explosion (the fire triangle)
extinguishing media including firefighting foams
fire and smoke detection and automatic alarm systems
firefighting tactics, techniques and procedures
flammable materials, fire hazards and spread of fire
hazards and threats to life or health during onboard firefighting operations
lifeline signals
location of firefighting appliances and emergency escape routes
maintenance of lifesaving appliances and firefighting appliances
need for constant vigilance
onboard Emergency Response Organisation and procedures
own ability and limits
portable fire extinguishers
purpose, function and location of fixed installations/systems
principles and methods of fire extinguishment
principles underlying the spread of fire
relevant Australian Standards
role and responsibility of self and team members
safe working practices
shipboard firefighting organisation
statutory requirements pertaining to lifesaving appliances and firefighting appliances
types and sources of ignition
types of fire detection, firefighting equipment and systems used on vessels, their features, principles of operation, procedures for their use and problems that can occur
ventilation procedures
vessel construction as it relates to fire prevention/protection
work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements and work practices
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy National Vocational Education and Training Regulator (NVR)/Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) assessor requirements.
Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations where it is appropriate to do so; where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that reflect workplace conditions.
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.
Resources for assessment must include access to:
tools, equipment, machinery, materials and personal protective equipment currently used in industry
applicable documentation such as legislation, regulations, codes of practice, workplace procedures and operational manuals
range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance. |
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency. |
Range Statement
Specifies different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment. | |
Fire hazards must include: | accommodation cargo areas engine rooms electrical distribution systems fuel handling systems galleys lack of maintenance laundry poor housekeeping smoking stores areas |
Classes of fire must include: | A Carbonaceous Solids B Flammable Liquids C Flammable Gases D Combustible Metals E Energised Electrical Equipment F Cooking Oils and Fats |
Firefighting equipment and systems must include: | hoses fixed fitted detection and suppression systems foam applicators international ship-to-shore connection nozzles portable and semi-portable extinguishers stretchers/ropes and lines |
Protective clothing and equipment must include: | head protection /helmet hand protection /gloves radiant heat protection /coat foot protection/ boots firefighter outfit as per current Fire Safety Systems Code (as applicable) SCBA |
Extinguishing media/agent must include: | extinguishing powder foam gaseous extinguishing agents water |
Firefighting activities must include: | boundary control containing the spread of fire evacuation of casualties from heated smoke filled environments extinguishment overhaul/fire watch |
Firefighting tactics must include: | combination of attack cooling the fuels direct offensive (attack team) direction of attack exclusion of oxygen – smothering indirect defensive (fixed system) interrupting the chemical chain reaction removal of fuels - starvation |
Restoring equipment must include: | cleaning re-stowing recharging according to Australian Standards servicing |
Sectors
Not applicable.
Competency Field
F - Operational Quality and Safety