Application
Application of this unit is relevant to the work of a specialist fire investigator.
It focuses on the skills and knowledge required to apply the principles of fire science and fire behaviour when investigating a fire incident.
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Apply principles of fire chemistry in fire behaviour | 1.1 States of matter, changes and impact on combustion are explained 1.2 Chemical reactions, basic chemical structures, bonds and energy are defined 1.3 Process of chemical reaction and oxidisation is explained 1.4 Organic and inorganic compounds are distinguished 1.5 Hydrocarbons and how they are constructed are explained 1.6 Pyrolysis is defined 1.7 Chemistryof combustion in solids, liquids and gases is explained 1.8 Vapour density and its impact on fire spread is assessed 1.9 Different fuel types are identified and fuel loads are assessed 1.10 Difference between exothermic and endothermic reactions is explained |
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the physics of fire and impact on fire behaviour | 2.1 Methods of heat transfer are explained 2.2 Theory of heat release is outlined 2.3 Stages of fire development in structures are identified and outlined 2.4 Stages of fire development in acompartment are identified and detailed 2.5 Concepts of flashover and backdraught, and their signs and symptoms are outlined 2.6 Effect of fuel load on fire behaviour is explained 2.7 Deflagration and detonation are outlined 2.8 Types of ignition are outlined |
Required Skills
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Required Skills |
apply scientific methodology to determine fire cause apply theory of principles of fire chemistry and physics to develop hypothesis based on fire scene evidence identify unrelated fire science evidence (finger prints, forced entry, signs of burglary, tool marks) take notes undertake a risk analysis of a fire scene including consideration of electrical hazards, hazardous materials, physical hazards and environmental hazards |
Required Knowledge |
auto-ignition temperature chemistry and properties of flammable and combustible liquids chemistry of pyrolysis classes of fire compartment fire development and fire spread, including flashover and backdraught data interpretation deflagration detonation drying oils, chemicals, vegetable matter, friction effect of oxygen concentration effects of flammable liquids on a fire scene expected combustion products of different fuels extinguishing theory and methods fire gases fire point flame types (which may include associated temperature ranges, diffused, laminar, pre-mixed, surface, ground and crown wildfires, turbulent) flammability limits flammable products and gases flashpoint heat release rate ignition energy ignition sources physics of heat transfer including radiant, convection, conducted and impact of fire spread products of combustion (carbonaceous and unburnt pyrolysis products) radiant heat flux safe work practices significance of flashpoint in terms of fire scene spontaneous combustion types of combustion wildfire development (surface, ground and crown fires) vapour density |
Evidence Required
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Assessment must confirm the ability to: apply relevant laws, legislation, codes of practice and national standards to fire investigation identify and assess ignition sources demonstrate understanding of compartment fire behaviour and wildfire behaviour and fire spread at an investigation scene assess fuel type and fuel load at investigation scene assess impact of vapour density on fire spread apply relevant physical and chemical principles to fire investigation integrate knowledge of fire chemistry, fire behaviour and science into forming and testing working hypotheses for fire origin and cause validate fire investigation conclusions using scientific principles. Consistency in performance Competency should be demonstrated across a range of workplace and/or simulated situations. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Context of assessment Competency should be assessed in the workplace and in a simulated workplace environment. Specific resources for assessment Access is required to: case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of causes likely to occur for which evidence needs to be gathered and managed. |
Guidance information for assessment | Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this unit may include a combination of: case studies demonstration observation questioning scenarios authenticated evidence from the workplace. |
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. | |
Chemistry of combustion includes: | Combustion products of common fuels Fire extinguishment theory Flammable vapours Ignition temperatures (flashpoint, fire point, auto-ignition temperature or flame point and explosive limits) Interrelationship between fuel size, quantity, arrangement, moisture content, weather and topography on wildfire development and behaviour Non-piloted auto-ignition Spontaneous combustion (drying oils, chemicals, vegetable matter, friction) States of matter (solids, liquids, gases) Toxicity of combustion gases Types of combustion (incipient, smouldering and flaming) |
Fuel types may include: | Class A solid carbonaceous materials Class B flammable liquids Class C flammable gases Class D combustible metals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, aluminium dust, zinc dust, titanium dust Class E fires involving energised electrical equipment Class F fires involving cooking oil and fat Sclerophyll, grass, scrub and pine fuels in wildfires |
Methods of heat transfer include: | Conduction Convection Direct flame impingement Radiation |
Theory of heatrelease includes: | Heat flux Heat release rate Temperature |
Stages of fire development in a compartment | Ignition Growth Flashover Fully developed Decay |
Fuel load may include: | Arrangement Moisture content Quantity Type |
Deflagration and detonation may include: | Dust and vapour explosion Mechanical explosion Solid explosion |
Types of ignition may include: | Chemical/reaction Friction/mechanical Flame/heat Self ignition Spark/arc/electrical |
Sectors
Not applicable.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Licensing Information
Not applicable.