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

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

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.

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