This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to take, assess, record and report simple weather observations for a specified area. It includes obtaining weather observations to provide basic interpretations to assist with predictions of future weather conditions and the impact of these conditions on planned field activities or an organisation's ability to respond to a natural disaster.

The unit applies to personnel responsible for taking and recording field weather observations in a specified area.

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

Gather fieldbased weather observations

1.1

Weather instruments that can be used for taking weather observations are identified

1.2

Area specific information is accessed

1.3

Weather observations are collected from the field using handheld weather instruments

1.4

Local topographical influences most likely to affect weather conditions are identified

2

Assess local weather signs to identify likely changes

2.1

Weather signs, that may be used to interpret and predict local conditions, are identified

2.2

Weather signs for monitoring and interpreting current and future conditions are evaluated

2.3

Trends in weather recordings are identified

2.4

Short and long term implications of weather signs are assessed

3

Record and report weather observations

3.1

Weather observations are recorded, in accordance with organisational procedures

3.2

Weather observations are reported to relevant personnel, 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