PUAFIR218
Respond to isolated structure fire

This unit covers the competency required to respond to an isolated structure fire when working as a member of a team under direct supervision. An ‘isolated structure’ refers to a free-standing building or manmade construction, such as a homestead or farm machinery shed. With an isolated structure, the possibility of fire spread between the structure itself and other structures or property not directly involved in the fire is generally low. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Application

This unit applies to personnel working in rural/urban interface areas and in rural communities who are often required to respond to structure fires and to support asset protection.

An individual operating in this context will perform this role under the direct supervision of a crew leader or Officer-in-Charge.

This unit of competency covers defensive (external) structural firefighting i.e. how to attack a fire from outside a structure and protect exposures. It does not cover offensive firefighting i.e. internal attack within a structure or how to deal with fires involving dangerous goods and/or hazardous substances.

Prerequisites

PUAFIR215 Prevent injury

Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Proceed to fire

1.1 Information received about the location and type of fire is recorded in accordance with organisational requirements.

1.2 Appropriate personalprotective clothing is donned in accordance with organisational procedures.

1.3 Most effective route to the fire is identified.

2. Prepare extinguishing media and/or equipment for use

2.1 Water supplies at the incident to support firefighting are located.

2.2 Equipment to access and supply water to the firefighting operations is identified and assembled in accordance with organisational procedures.

2.3 Nominated extinguishing media and/or equipment is identified, obtained and or accessed.

3. Combat fires

3.1 Personal safety is maintained at all times in accordance with organisational procedures for responding to isolated structure fires, and occupational health and safety guidelines.

3.2 Hazards are identified and reported to supervisors in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.3 Firefighting strategies are implemented under the direction of the supervisor and in accordance with organisational procedures.

3.4 Safe escape routes are identified and maintained at all times.

3.5 Access to the location of the fire is gained, protecting life and minimising damage to theenvironment and property in accordance with organisational procedures

3.6 Extinguishing media and equipment are used in accordance with manufacturers’ specifications and organisational procedures.

3.7 Communication with other team members and supervisor is maintained throughout the incident in accordance with organisational procedures.

4. Observe and report changes in conditions at the fire

4.1 Changing conditions at the fire are observed and the effects on fire behaviour are noted and reported.

4.2 Firefighting tactics are adapted to meet changing conditions and fire behaviour.

5. Participate in ancillary operations

5.1 Ancillary activities to complement firefighting operations and prevent further damage to the structure are undertaken.

5.2 Assistance is given to complete and record appropriate incident information.

6. Conclude firefighting operations

6.1 Firefighting equipment is collected and stowed.

6.2 Incident scene is made safe for the public.

6.3 Defective or missing equipment is identified and reported.

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

apply extinguishing media to the fire

obtain water from reticulated/static water supplies

operate a branch

operate a fire extinguisher

Required Knowledge

behaviour of a building/structure in a fire

causes and signs of structural collapse

extinguishing media

fire behaviour

fire tetrahedron

firefighting foams

firefighting techniques and procedures

fireground signals (audible and visual)

hazards

methods of heat transfer

organisational procedures

portable fire extinguishers

principles and methods of extinguishment

procedures for working with ladders, ropes and lines

safe work practices

tying knots

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

identify signs of structural collapse

apply firefighting techniques

select and use appropriate personal protective clothing

select and use firefighting equipment

implement actions at the incident to avoid the risk of injury

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed on-the-job and/or in a range of simulated environments.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

range of controlled or simulated fires

firefighting equipment

extinguishing media

Method of assessment

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an agency-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

direct observation

interviewing the candidate

journals and workplace documentation

third party reports from supervisors

written or oral questions.

This unit may be assessed with the following unit/s:

PUATEA001B Work in a team

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.

Type of fire must include:

structure fires

Personal protective clothing must include:

appropriate personal protective clothing for the task

turnout uniform and gloves

and may also include:

eye protection

hearing protection

(but does not include breathing apparatus)

Water supplies may include:

open water supply

reticulated water systems

static water supplies

Equipment must include:

branches

fire extinguishers

hoses and hose fittings

nozzles

radios

rope lines

site entry tools such as cutting tools, axes, bolt cutters

small gear and ancillary equipment

and may also include:

hydrants

monitors

standpipes

Extinguishing media must include:

water

foam

and may also include:

other fire extinguishing substances

Hazards must include:

electricity

gas

hazardous products and materials

machinery, equipment, products

smoke, darkness and heat

structural collapse

Access to the location of the fire must include:

appropriate entry techniques

normal entry

and does not include entry to a structure

Damage to the environment may include:

air

flora and fauna

soil

water

Changing conditions at the fire may include:

fire spread

flame colour and size

signs of structural collapse

smoke colour

weather conditions

Ancillary activities may include:

assisting with:

damming water run off

making-up equipment

securing the area

Sectors

Not applicable.

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.

Licensing Information

Not applicable.