Application
This unit of competency requires application of skills and knowledge relating to the maintenance and fitment of oxygen masks worn by aircrew. Maintenance involves inspection, testing, fault diagnosis, replacement of parts, cleaning and functional testing and may be performed individually or as part of a team.
Fitment involves adjusting the oxygen mask to correctly fit an individual (oxygen masks are not an off-the-shelf issue).
This unit is part of the Aeroskills Life Support and Furnishing Certificate III and IV training pathways.
The unit is used in workplaces that operate under the airworthiness regulatory systems of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1. | Maintain oxygen mask | 1.1 | Oxygen mask is inspected for serviceability in accordance with standard procedures |
1.2 | Oxygen mask is tested for serviceability in accordance with standard procedures and manufacturer’s specifications | ||
1.3 | Identified faults beyond own authority to rectify are reported to supervisor and faulty oxygen mask is quarantined | ||
1.4 | Unserviceable parts of the oxygen mask are replaced in accordance with standards procedures while observing all relevant work health and safety (WHS) requirements, including the use of material safety data sheets (MSDS) and items of personal protective equipment (PPE) | ||
1.5 | Communication system components are tested in accordance with standard procedures | ||
1.6 | Oxygen mask is cleaned in accordance with standard procedures | ||
1.7 | Oxygen mask is presented for inspection by supervisor in accordance with standard procedures | ||
1.8 | Maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures | ||
2. | Fit oxygen mask | 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 an appropriate size oxygen mask | ||
2.3 | Components of oxygen mask are adjusted to optimise fit | ||
2.4 | Integration of the oxygen mask and helmet is confirmed for correct function during operations | ||
2.5 | Oxygen mask fit is verified through participant feedback and by the supervisor | ||
2.6 | Relevant documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures | ||
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria under the specified conditions of assessment, and must include:
applying WHS practices relating to oxygen mask maintenance processes
using MSDS
using applicable tools, testing/measuring equipment and maintenance documentation to:
solder oxygen mask electronic/electrical components
test the operation of helmet electronic/electrical components
replace unserviceable components in accordance with approved procedures
select and use appropriate oxygen mask cleaning materials
correctly fit oxygen masks to users
safely using the oxygen test rig
cleaning and maintenance of equipment and tools
correctly disposing of hazardous waste.
The underlying skills inherent in this unit should be transferable across a range of aircraft life support equipment maintenance activities. It is essential that oxygen mask testing and inspection procedures, cleanliness requirements and safety precautions are fully observed, understood and complied with. Ability to interpret maintenance and fitting procedures and apply them in practice is critical.
This is to be demonstrated through demonstration of the ability to recognise faults and damage and perform appropriate repairs that are within the bounds of the individual’s authority, and through the demonstration of correct fitting procedures.
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:
relevant enterprise procedures and maintenance publications
WHS procedures relating to oxygen mask maintenance
how to obtain MSDS
safety precautions relating to oxygen and the operation of the oxygen test rig
requirements for an oxygen mask servicing facility
oxygen in flight
components of an oxygen mask and their function
oxygen mask operation in relation to flight
oxygen regulator operation
physiological effects of flight
hypoxia
critical nature of maintaining and fitting oxygen masks
need to regularly assess correct fitment of oxygen masks
oxygen mask fitting procedures
fitting procedures relating to the fitment of oxygen masks to helmets
G forces
forces of ejection
basic electrical principles
environmental conditions that may affect oxygen equipment
approved cleaning methods for aviation life support equipment
handling, storage and transit procedures relating to life support equipment
handling and storage procedures for oxygen masks
types of corrosion and contamination that may affect oxygen masks
modification requirements for oxygen masks
oxygen mask repair procedures and limitations
soldering techniques
operation of testing and measuring equipment and tools used to maintain oxygen masks
use and storage of adhesives.
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace using materials, tools and equipment specified in the maintenance manuals and applicable procedures. It is also expected that general and special-purpose tools and ground support equipment would be used where appropriate.
The work plan should take account of applicable safety and quality requirements in accordance with the industry and regulatory standards.
A person cannot be assessed as competent until it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the workplace assessor that the relevant elements and performance criteria of the unit of competency are being achieved under routine supervision on at least three (3) unserviceable oxygen masks providing a representative range of maintenance tasks and on the correct fitting of oxygen masks to at least three (3) individuals.
This shall be established via the records in the Log of Industrial Experience and Achievement or, where appropriate, an equivalent Industry Evidence Guide.
Assessors must satisfy the requirements of the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator (Australian Skills Quality Authority, or its successors).
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
This field allows for 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. | ||
Standard procedures are found in any or all of: | Commonwealth/state/territory WHS legislation, regulations and codes Australian Standards Equipment manufacturers’ specifications and procedures Industry practices Safety manuals Maintenance schedules Work instructions Maintenance organisation manuals MSDS Defence regulations and instructions Standing instructions | |
Faults include: | Contamination Corrosion Cracks Excessive wearing Fraying Incorrect manufacture Intermittent communication Leaks Perishing | |
Parts of the oxygen mask include: | Communication system (e.g. microphone) Delivery tube Exo-skeleton (e.g. outer shell) Face piece (e.g. trimming) Retention system (e.g. strap) Valves | |
Communication system components include: | Microphone Electric cables Switches | |
Adjustable components include: | Retention system (e.g. strap) Seals | |
Sectors
Competency Field
Aircraft life support