This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to inspect dangerous goods facilities and identify areas of non-compliance.

The unit applies to personnel authorised by their organisation to prepare for and conduct inspection of sites that store and handle dangerous goods and to identify areas of non-compliance with national and state and territory regulations that apply to the storage and handling of dangerous goods. Personnel are also required to notify relevant authorities of breaches in compliance or health and safety issues, that pose a risk to occupants and/or the community.

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

Identify presence of dangerous goods and/or hazardous chemicals

1.1

Dangerous goods and/or hazardous chemicals are identified, in accordance with organisational procedures

1.2

Dangerous goods and/or hazardous chemical labelling and documentation is located

1.3

Information about hazardous chemicals is confirmed through available sources of information and interpreted, as required

1.4

HAZMAT (Hazardous Materials) identification information about dangerous goods and/or hazardous chemicals is sought from authorised personnel and relevant authorities

2

Establish location and quantity of dangerous goods and/or hazardous chemicals

2.1

Location of dangerous goods and/or hazardous chemicals is identified

2.2

Licensed quantity of dangerous goods and/or hazardous chemicals stored or handled in different locations are determined

2.3

Type of bulk or package storage is identified

2.4

Storage, handling and/or transport of dangerous goods and/or hazardous chemicals is identified

2.5

Number of different classes of dangerous goods located in one area is identified

2.6

Site manifests are located and examined

3

Identify product information

3.1

Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) are located and information is accessed and interpreted

3.2

Product safety information is located and interpreted

3.3

Additional information such as manifests, HAZCHEM signage and safety signs are located and interpreted, where applicable

4

Identify and locate fire safety systems in facility’s plan and associated documentation

4.1

Type of facility is identified

4.2

Fire safety systems and components are correctly identified on facility plans and associated documentation

4.3

Using facility plans and associated documentation to locate fire safety systems in the facility

4.4

Variations between facility plans and actual locations are recorded

5

Verify actual fire safety systems with facility's plan and associated documentation

5.1

Facility plans and associated documentation are compared with actual location of facility’s fire safety systems

5.2

Variations between facility plans, associated documentation and actual locations are recorded

6

Assess operation and maintenance of fire safety systems

6.1

Installed automatic fire alarm systems are checked against stated facility requirements

6.2

Method of operation of facility’s evacuation system is checked using as a guide, AS1670.4-2004 Fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems - System design, installation and commissioning - Sound systems and intercom systems for emergency purposes

6.3

Facility’s emergency organisation is checked using as a guide, AS3745Planning for emergencies in facilities

6.4

Maintenance procedures and log book for automatic fire alarm systems are checked using as a guide, AS 1851Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment

6.5

Maintenance procedures and log books are checked using design requirements as a guide

6.6

Other maintenance requirements for fire safety systems are identified and examined against stated industry standard

6.7

Fire safety systems are tested, in conjunction with a facility representative, and results are recorded and reported, in accordance with organisational procedures

6.8

Variations to design requirements are noted and reported

7

Record and report information

7.1

Information relating to dangerous goods and/or hazardous chemicals located in facility is documented, in accordance with organisational procedures

7.2

Issues identified are documented, in accordance with organisational procedures

7.3

Variations in facility plans and associated documentation are outlined, as required

7.4

Information about facility's fire safety system's operation and maintenance is provided, as required

7.5

Collated information and issues identified are reported to supervisor or relevant authorities, 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.

information about facility's fire safety system’s operation must include two or more of the following

Australian Standards (AS)

British/European Union Standards

company or owner requirements

factory mutual systems – loss prevention data

industry association specification

manufacturers' specifications

other standards such as overseas or international standards e.g. ISO and National Fire Protection Association

Safe Work Australia standards and codes of practice

WHS/OHS legislation

Fire

Fire