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.

Prerequisite Unit/s

Nil

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

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

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.

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

This unit contains employability skills.