This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to operate a range of aviation support equipment related to the loading and transfer of fuels and the mixing and loading of aerial suppressants (consumables) for use in firefighting operations.

The unit applies to personnel such as aircraft officers, airbase managers and support crews who are responsible for operating aviation support equipment used to transfer and/or load fuel. They will use a variety of electronic, mechanical and handheld pumps, internal and external foam injection systems, tools and mixing equipment.

The fire sector is those sections of government departments, statutory authorities or organisations that have responsibility under jurisdictional arrangements for the delivery of firefighting and fire management services.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare equipment for operations

1.1

Requirements for aviation support equipment operation are identified and confirmed with relevant personnel

1.2

Hazards that will impact on operation of aviation support equipment are identified and evaluated

1.3

Personal protective clothing and equipment is selected and used, in accordance with organisational procedures and Work, Health and Safety (WHS)/Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements

1.4

Availability of safety equipment, its accessibility and currency of maintenance are confirmed with relevant personnel

1.5

Aviation support equipment is selected, assembled and set up, in accordance with regulator requirements, organisational procedures and manufacturers' specifications

1.6

Aerial firefighting consumables are checked to ensure they are the correct type, that packaging is free from damage, that they are not leaking, are sealed correctly and are within the use by date

1.7

Ancillary equipment and consumables are transported and stored, in accordance with regulator requirements, organisational procedures and manufacturers' specifications

1.8

All equipment is inspected, tested and adjusted, as required, to ensure safe operation

1.9

Consumables are opened and inspected for contaminants, under pilot supervision, if required

1.10

Contaminated products are identified, marked accordingly and removed

1.11

Information is documented, maintained and reported, in accordance with organisational procedures

2

Operate equipment

2.1

Aircraft is guided to position for refuelling operations and is approached on pilot approval

2.2

Equipment is connected to aircraft and operated, in accordance with organisational procedures, ensuring quality and consistency of product

2.3

Equipment is used, in accordance with regulator requirements, organisational procedures, manufacturers' specifications and WHS/OHS guidelines

2.4

Quality assurance checks are conducted on consumables to be transferred and adjustments are made, if required

2.5

Consumables are transferred to the aircraft using loading equipment with pilot approval, in accordance with organisational procedures and WHS/OHS requirements

2.6

Area of operations is monitored to ensure safety of personnel

2.7

Operation of equipment is monitored and adjusted to reflect changed conditions and operational requirements

2.8

Equipment is disconnected at completion of transfer on pilot approval and is cleared, in accordance with permit issued for aircraft to depart

2.9

Appropriate action is taken to rectify faults or deficiencies in the operation of equipment

2.10

Communication is maintained throughout operations with appropriate personnel

3

Conclude operations and restore equipment

3.1

Excess consumables and waste products are stored and disposed of, in accordance with organisational procedures, regulator requirements and manufacturers' specifications

3.2

Servicing and maintaining of equipment is undertaken, within scope of authority

3.3

Faults in equipment are documented and forwarded for rectification, in accordance with organisational procedures

3.4

All equipment is stowed or forwarded for repairs, as appropriate

3.5

Documentation related to maintenance or damage to equipment is completed and reported, in accordance with organisational procedures

3.6

Site selected for aviation support equipment operations is cleared and restored, in accordance with organisational procedures

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Fire

Fire