ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Determine the requirement, scope and outcome of inspection

1.1 Class of building is identified in accordance with the Building Code of Australia.

1.2 Methodology for conducting the inspection is determined.

2. Identify the fire safety systems on the building plan and associated documentation, and locate the actual systems in the building

2.1 Fire safety systems and components are correctly identified on the building plans and associated documentation.

2.2 Using the building plans and associated documentation, fire safety systems are located in the building.

2.3 Variations between the plans and the actual locations are recorded.

3. Verify the actual fire safety systems with the building plan and associated documentation

3.1 Building plan and associated documentation are compared with the actual location of the building’s fire safety systems.

3.2 Variations between the building plans and associated documentation and actual locations are recorded.

4. Review compliance of the building fire safety systems

4.1 Building fire safety systems are checked against design requirements and relevant standards.

4.2 Building emergency organisational structure is checked against design requirements and relevant standards.

4.3 Maintenance procedures and log books are checked against design requirements and relevant standards.

4.4 Variations to design requirements and relevant standards are noted and reported.

5. Assess the operation and maintenance of the fire safety systems

5.1 Maintenance requirements are identified and examined.

5.2 Maintenance records are located and examined.

5.3 Fire safety systems are tested in conjunction with a building representative, and recorded and reported in accordance with organisational and/or owner/occupier requirements.

6. Assess the operation and maintenance of the fire safety systems

6.1 Variations to building plans and associated documentation are outlined.

6.2 Information on the review of the building’s fire safety systems compliance is provided.

6.3 Reports are distributed in accordance with organisational policies, legislative requirements and/or owner/occupier requirements.

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

Required Skills

interpret building plans in relation to fire safety systems

locate and identify components of the building fire safety system

operate and reinstate fire safety systems in accordance with organisational requirements

Required Knowledge

building evacuation systems

egress routes and housekeeping practices

maintenance procedures

methods of operation of fire suppression systems

relevant manufacturer specifications

relevant standards

role of emergency management organisation

specific building design requirements

types of detection and alarm systems

types of fire suppression systems

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:

compare the building’s actual fire safety system against the system on the building plans and associated documentation

inspect and determine the building’s fire safety system against design requirements or other relevant standards

apply knowledge of building regulations in the area of responsibility

apply knowledge of the Building Code of Australia

report on the inspection and highlight variations.

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 through actual inspections.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

site

building plans and associated documentation for an actual inspection

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

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.

Class of building must include:

buildings and structures, as defined in the Building Code of Australia

Fire safety systems must include:

emergency egress systems (emergency lifts, emergency lighting and power systems, emergency vehicular access, emergency warning and intercommunication system, exit and egress pathways, exit doors, exit signs)

fire detection and alarm systems

fire sprinkler systems

and may also include:

building control systems

building design requirements

communications systems

emergency vehicle access–egress systems

emergency warning and intercommunication system (EWIS)

fire/emergency control centres/rooms

fire resisting structures/compartmentation

fire suppression systems (including hydrants and boosters)

smoke hazard management

Relevant standards must include:

Building Code of Australia

organisational procedures

relevant AS/NZ standards

relevant building regulations

and may also include:

manufacturer specifications