Knowledge needed to achieve the performance criteria
Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit of competency in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below.
The key features of legislation, regulations and codes applicable to installing portable fire extinguishers, fire blankets and battery powered smoke alarms.
The purpose of the Building Code of Australia.
The implications of NOT applying legislative requirements to job functions.
Action to take when a breach of health, safety and/or other policy occurs.
The meaning of 'aggressive environments'.
The implications of incorrectly locating fire extinguishers, fire blankets and smoke alarms.
Methods of locating hidden 240-volt power cables, gas pipes, water pipes and other relevant utilities.
Methods of determining the location of fire blankets.
Implications of incorrectly determining the installation site of a fire blanket.
Reasons for installing a portable fire extinguisher in a fire cabinet.
Limitations of applications for battery powered smoke alarms.
Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria
To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These relate to the ability to:
use tools with dexterity
use hand and power tools safely
be aware of OHS issues and requirements in order to work safely
display effective customer service skills
report and record information neatly and legibly when completing documentation
apply language, literacy and numeracy skills to:
communicate with others in a clear and concise manner in both written and verbal modes
read, understand and comply with work instructions/specifications
read, understand and record measurements
utilise effective customer service skills and relate to people from a range of social and cultural backgrounds
plan and organise work in order to estimate time to complete activities and prioritise tasks
use appropriate workplace housekeeping techniques.
Other units of competency that could be assessed with this unit
The following units of competency must be assessed prior to this unit:
PRMPFES04B Identify fire protection equipment
PRMPFES06C Prepare for installation and servicing operations.
Resources required to assess this unit
The following resources should be available:
access to a customer's premises or a simulated workplace environment
assessment documentation
all necessary tools, specialist equipment, manuals, spare parts and relevant documentation
training and assessment record book.
Gaining evidence to assess this unit
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, the competency should be demonstrated over a period of time and be observed by the assessor (or assessment team working together to conduct the assessment). The competency is to be demonstrated in a range of situations, which may include customer/workplace interruptions and involvement in related activities normally experienced in the workplace.
Assessment of competence over the full range of performance criteria should be made through practical demonstrations at a customer's premises. However, at times this may not be practicable, and in these situations, the conditions normally available to the candidate may be simulated in an environment suitable for assessment.
Assessment on at least one installation of a fire extinguisher, fire extinguisher and fire cabinet combination, smoke alarm and a fire blanket is required as the ability to transfer skills is inferred from this assessment. (Oral questioning may also be used to provide evidence of this ability.)
Candidates should also be given the opportunity to practise and undertake self-assessment of performance before requesting formal assessment.
All safety requirements must be strictly adhered to during all practical activities.
Oral questioning or a written assessment may be used to assess underpinning knowledge. (In assessment situations where the candidate is offered a preference between oral questioning and written assessment, questions are to be identical.)
Assessment of evidence should establish the candidate's ability to perform the job to the standard required in the workplace.
Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence or reports from supervisors or team leaders. Other forms of evidence may include audit reports, client/customer survey reports and appraisal reports.
Note: The candidate should be encouraged to compile a portfolio of examples of completed documentation relevant to the candidate's organisation. One accurate example of each completed document is suggested as sufficient to infer competency and the ability to transfer the appropriate skills to each document type when required in the workplace. (Oral questioning may also contribute as evidence of this ability.)
Information derived from enterprise policy and practices must be treated as commercial-in-confidence.
Performance and assessment of this unit must be carried out within the relevant requirements of the following legislative and industry framework:
building Acts/regulations/codes
Australian Standards identified as relevant to the required maintenance procedure
environmental regulations
manufacturers' specifications
organisational requirements, including OHS policies and procedures
OHS legislation, codes and regulations.
Key competency levels
There are a number of processes learnt throughout work and daily life that are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work environments. Some of these work processes are covered by the key competencies listed below. Information provided to each question highlights how these processes are applied in this unit of competency.
The number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency should be demonstrated.
1 | Perform the process | 2 | Perform and administer the process | 3 | Perform, administer and design the process |
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How can information be collected, analysed and organised (2)? | Gather information - both verbally and in writing - from a number of sources including regulatory and manufacturer sources with regard to accurately installing portable fire equipment. |
How can communication of ideas and information (2) be applied? | Discuss and confirm customer requirements and record administration documentation. Administrative documentation may also be completed at customer premises. |
How are activities planned and organised (2)? | Prepare planning requirements for servicing activities in the field considering customer requirements and adhering to designated work schedule. |
How can teamwork (1) be applied? | Communicate with customers or colleagues, ensuring understanding of requirements to be applied. |
How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (1) be applied? | Apply basic mathematical techniques including fieldwork and maintenance schedules are adhered to, and meeting work outcomes within designated timelines. |
How can problem-solving skills (2) be applied? | Discuss with colleagues or supervisors, any problems that may arise with installation activities including steps and processes to be followed when unusual faults are detected. |
How can the use of technology (2) be applied? | Apply technical fire protection principles when installing portable fire equipment. |