Application
The application of this unit in the workplace - the environments, complexities and situations involved - will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package. This text will be useful for the purposes of job descriptions, recruitment advice or job analysis; where possible, it will not be too job specific to allow other industries to import it into other Training Packages, where feasible. | |
Prerequisites
Prerequisite Unit/s | Nil |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Prepare for fire starting | 1.1 Tinder is collected, dried and protected 1.2 Kindling is collected, prepared and stored in a dry location 1.3 Fuel is collected, prepared and stored in a dry location |
2. Start and maintain fire | 2.1 A fire safe area is sited and prepared 2.2 Fire is started from improvised means 2.3 Fire is prevented from extinguishing |
Required Skills
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Required Skills |
implement fire safety |
Required Knowledge |
chemical and electrical hazard awareness fire safety hypothermia range of applications of fire in a survival situation rescue signals |
Evidence Required
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Assessment must confirm the ability to produce fire from traditional means and friction; to nurture the ember (from the traditional means only) into a robust flame (i.e. a small bonfire) through the careful and sequential additions of tinder, kindling and fuel; and to maintain a fire continuously regardless of weather conditions (which must include rain) demonstrating due regard to the safety of persons and equipment, and the surrounding environment. Consistency in performance Competency must be demonstrated once under the range of methods detailed in the establishment of fire but the maintenance of fire should be assessed over time. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Context of assessment Competency must be assessed in a simulated workplace environment. While a person can demonstrate the technical ability to start and maintain a fire, doing so in a survival situation is crucial; consequently it is strongly recommended that holistic assessment be conducted with other associated survival units. Assessment under simulated survival conditions should include: food restrictions (food should be restricted to half the recommended daily caloric intake) the absence of normal living conditions and amenities such as showers, beds and bedding (warmth to be provided by fire), kitchens etc. with the attendant levels of personal discomfort and fatigue a significant period of time - the recommendation is four days. Specific resources for assessment Access to assessment area with access to a sufficient quantity of suitable dry organic material to start fires; friction method fire starting resources including bootlace (as bow-string); and a knife. |
Guidance information for assessment | Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package. |
Range Statement
The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below. | |
Tinder may include | Dried filaments of grass and fibre Extremely fine/ground shavings Fluff/down from clothing Punk from traditional drillings |
Protecting tinder may include | Using purpose waterproof container or improvised equivalent Preventing unnecessary absorption of atmospheric water |
Kindling may include | Leaves Grass Shavings Small twigs |
Fuel includes | Branches Logs |
Preparing a fire safe area includes | Minimising threat to the survivor Minimising threat to the survivor's effects and equipment Preventing escape of the fire into surrounding vegetation |
Improvised means may include | Chemical: brake fluid and potassium permanganate glycerine and potassium permanganate potassium permanganate and sugar Electrical: dry cell and steel wool car battery and jumper leads Friction: flint/striker systems Solar: focal point of headlight dish magnifying glass/lens Traditional: bow bowstring (bootlace) hand drill plough |
Preventing a fire from extinguishing includes | All weather conditions |
Sectors
Not applicable.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills. |
Licensing Information
Not applicable.