PRMPFES32A
Work effectively in the fire protection industry

This unit of competency covers the knowledge and skills required to work effectively in the fire equipment servicing industry. It covers working effectively in a customer service environment, adapting to workplace change, and responding positively when conflicts arise. The unit also covers the area of workplace safety and First Aid.All work in these areas must be completed in accordance with relevant legislative, industry, customer and organisational requirements, including occupational health and safety (OHS) policies and procedures.

Application

Not Applicable


Prerequisites

Not Applicable


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Respond to changes in workplace legislative and administrative requirements

1.1 Respond to changes in legislative and administrative requirements relating to workplace procedures and practices effectively and promptly, within the technician's scope of responsibility

1.2 Apply knowledge of relevant organisational and OHS policies and procedures and where needed clarify with the relevant persons

2 Maintain services and operations

2.1 Ensure workplace procedures undertaken meet quality, OHS and delivery specifications

2.2 Offer accurate information and advice where required according to organisational requirements

2.3 Pass on information which affects customers and the efficiency of operations and services to relevant persons as required

2.4 Note factors which may cause operations and services to be disrupted and take appropriate measures to minimise their effect

2.5 Maintain and comply with systems to monitor quantity, quality, cost and time specification for service product delivery

3 Make positive contributions in a team environment

3.1 Respond to other team members' contributions in a positive and supportive manner

3.2 Respond to conflict with and between colleagues positively to assist with creating an atmosphere of conciliation and compromise

3.3 Offer support to colleagues in conflict with others in accordance with organisational requirements

4 Maintain conditions for an effective and safe working environment

4.1 Inspect, maintain, use and store safety and personal protective equipment in accordance with industry and legislative requirements and manufacturers' requirements

4.2 Identify and report potential and actual safety incidents in accordance with organisational requirements

4.3 Drive and maintain motor vehicles in accordance with organisational requirements

4.4 Identify situations outside the technician's scope of responsibility and where appropriate discuss with the relevant persons

5 Apply First Aid procedures in the workplace

5.1 Apply basic First Aid procedures within the technician's scope of responsibility and in accordance with knowledge of First Aid, OHS procedures and other specified organisational policies and procedures

5.2 Report injuries in the workplace in accordance with the relevant OHS policy

Required Skills

Refer to Evidence Guide

Evidence Required

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 structure, roles and procedures of the organisation.

The purpose and structure of equal employment opportunities (EEO) legislation.

The purpose and function of the industrial award system.

The role and function of workplace teams.

The importance of workable compromises and team collective responsibility.

The roles of employees and employers in the team structure.

Employee support systems within the organisation.

Procedures for reporting incidents and accidents.

Contingency measures for dealing with incidents outside of technician's area of responsibility and experience.

Reasons and methods of ensuring vehicle stock levels are constantly maintained.

Basic service vehicle daily maintenance procedures.

Basic workplace housekeeping principles and practices.

The structure and purpose of MSDS.

A basic understanding of employer, employee responsibilities, rights and obligations relevant to OHS.

The implications of not adhering to safety procedures and instructions.

The purpose and types of workplace safety signs.

Reason for using personal protective equipment.

Procedures for working in high temperature environments (ambient and enclosed work areas).

The purpose of CPR and EAR emergency procedures.

The responsibilities of the First Aider in context with the basic First Aid procedures relative to those in the range statement.

Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These relate to the ability to:

comply with workplace instructions and procedures

plan and organise work effectively

solve problems and respond to conflict positively

use interpersonal skills that facilitate effective customer service

contribute to dispute resolution

utilise safe and efficient work practices

work safely in high ambient conditions

select and use personal protective equipment

apply basic First Aid techniques

apply CPR and EAR First Aid techniques

apply language and literacy skills to:

locate, interpret and use relevant information

interpret and comply with regulatory information

use active listening techniques.

Other units of competency that could be assessed with this unit

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function, for example PRMCMN202A Provide effective customer service.

Resources required to assess this unit

The candidate and the assessor should have access to the appropriate documentation and resources normally utilised in the workplace. This includes access to:

an actual or a simulated workplace environment

assessment documentation

relevant documentation service manuals, policy and procedure manuals and resources

accident forms and MSDS

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.

Evidence of competency may be obtained from observation of relevant activities within the workplace. If this is not practicable, observation in realistic simulated workplace team situations, including conflict resolution may be substituted.

Oral or written questioning methods covering hypothetical situations may also be used to assess competence. (In assessment situations where the candidate is offered a preference between oral questioning and written assessment, questions are to be identical.)

Basic First Aid procedures are to be assessed under simulated conditions off the job.

Evidence of competency may be derived from observation of the following:

selecting and using approved personal protective equipment in relevant designated work areas

adhering to all required workplace housekeeping practices

compliance with all workplace safety requirements

the ability to carry out daily routine service vehicle maintenance checks

ensuring service vehicle stock levels are maintained

effective interaction with customers (internal and external).

Supplementary evidence may be obtained by relevant authenticated written correspondence from supervisors, team leaders or management staff. Additional evidence may be obtained from relevant workplace audit reports, client/customer survey reports, company appraisal reports or customer satisfaction surveys, if necessary.

Information derived from assessing knowledge of specific enterprise policy, procedures and practices must be treated as commercial-in-confidence.

Note: CPR and EAR First Aid techniques are included due to the amount of service work conducted at a customer's premises where access to First Aid may not be easily available. It is considered that skill in these techniques may contribute to the safety of other team members when working in remote locations. Training and assessment can only be carried out by persons holding, at least, a current Level 2 First Aid Certificate or equivalent.

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

How can information be collected, analysed and organised (2)?

Discuss and verify own role and responsibilities with colleagues or supervisor to ensure compliance with workplace procedures and organisational requirements.

How can communication of ideas and information (2) be applied?

Collect, interpret and comply legislative and procedural requirements applicable to fire protection maintenance.

How are activities planned and organised (2)?

Organise work tasks for self to maximise resources and workplace efficiency.

How can teamwork (2) be applied?

Contribute to efficient completion of work tasks.

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (1) be applied?

Apply basic mathematic techniques and adhere to work schedules.

How can problem-solving skills (2) be applied?

Discuss and clarify information or instructions with colleagues or supervisors.

How can the use of technology (1) be applied?

Access, organise and record information using technology.


Range Statement

The range statement links the required knowledge and organisational and technical requirements to the workplace context. It describes any contextual variables that will be used or encountered when applying the competency in work situations. It allows for different work practices and work and knowledge requirements as well as for differences between organisations and workplaces. The following variables may be present for this particular unit.

Workplace legislationcreating change for the individual may include changes to the relevant industrial award, changes to equal employment opportunities (EEO) legislation.

Workplace procedures may include:

instructions from colleagues/supervisor/manager

specific customer requirements

assignment instructions

equipment manufacturers' requirements

reporting and documentation requirements

personal protective equipment requirements.

Relevant organisational procedures and safety practices may be incorporated in:

organisational employee handbooks

OHS policies

material safety data sheets (MSDS)

associated policy and procedure manuals.

Relevant persons may include:

team leaders

supervisors

managers

colleagues

customers.

Organisational requirements may be located in quality assurance and/or procedures manuals relating to:

legal and organisational policy/guidelines

personnel practices and guidelines outlining work roles, responsibilities and delegations

legislation relevant to the service operation

OHS policies, procedures and programs

documentation and information systems and processes

use of electronic job scheduling and communication devices.

OHS policies and procedures may relate to:

employer/employee rights and responsibilities

the OHS hierarchy of control

assessing the worksite for hazards and risks prior to preparing the worksite for the work procedure

displaying signs and/or utilising barriers in the work area

hazard and risk identification and reporting

risk assessment and control measures

incident/accident investigation

OHS audits and safety inspections

safe operating procedures/instructions including:

working safely around electrical wiring, cables and overhead powerlines

working safely around tools and equipment

work safely on ladders and raised platforms

risk and hazard recognition

emergency procedures

awareness of electrical hazards

following confined spaces procedures

utilising personal protective equipment including:

safety glasses or goggles

safety boots or shoes

hard hat

ear muffs or plugs

appropriate gloves and overalls

sun hat

dust mask

equipment maintenance and use

use and storage of hazardous substances

First Aid.

Information may include:

customer requirements

information on performance of services

requirements in relation to operations and products

compliance with relevant Australian Standards and regulations.

Customers may be either internal or external and may include, but are not limited to:

team members

customers with routine or special requests

regular and new customers including but not limited to:

members of the public

business enterprises

government agencies

people from a range of social, cultural or ethnic backgrounds.

Systems to monitor quantity, quality, cost and resource requirements may include:

quality assurance and approved administrative processes

maintenance record system.

Team members may include:

direct colleagues

other members of the organisation

personnel from allied organisations

staff

customers.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) may include:

safety helmet

safety boots or shoes

respiratory, eye, face and hearing protection

acid resistant apron

protective clothing and gloves.

Legislative and industry requirements may include:

relevant Commonwealth and state/territory building Acts/regulations/codes

OHS legislation, codes and regulations

relevant current Australian Standards e.g. AS1851

Building Code of Australia

dangerous goods regulations

licensing arrangements

environmental regulations

building surveyor requirements

other relevant legislation (including international and shipping/marine codes) relating to fire protection equipment

Australian petroleum industries' requirements.

Basic First Aid procedures may include treatment of:

minor cuts

electric shock

frost bite

spider and snake bites

needle stick injuries

heat stroke.


Sectors

Not Applicable


Employability Skills

Not Applicable


Licensing Information

Not Applicable