This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to inspect and assess a fire scene to determine whether the origin and possible cause of fire is related to the presence of electrical installations and appliances. It includes identifying sources of evidence, collecting and documenting evidence in preparation for analysis, findings and conclusions.

The unit applies to fire investigators who are required to assess a fire scene to identify the presence of electrical circuits, equipment or appliances that may have contributed to the cause of fire.

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

Coordinate fire investigation

1.1

Cooperation with multi-organisational personnel during the investigation is consistent with roles and responsibilities and is in accordance with organisational procedures

1.2

Information for the fire investigation from multi-organisational personnel is identified and obtained, in accordance with organisational procedures

1.3

Personal protective clothing and equipment is used, in accordance with organisational procedures

1.4

Work, Health and Safety (WHS)/Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) procedures incident are followed

2

Identify, assess and collect circuitry components and appliances

2.1

External and internal survey of fire scene is conducted to identify and assess electrical circuitry, electrical equipment and appliances

2.2

Relevance of electrical circuitry, equipment and appliances to fire cause is assessed and established

2.3

Arrangements are made for the attendance of electrical specialist where it is believed that electrical systems, components or appliances may have contributed to the fire

2.4

Expertise in electrical infrastructure is sourced, where required

2.5

Interviews with witnesses are conducted, in accordance with organisational procedures

2.6

Circuitry plans and/or layouts are obtained

2.7

Areas or items of evidential value at the fire scene are identified and preserved

2.8

Evidence is recorded and collected at the fire scene and observations are documented, in accordance with organisational procedures

2.9

Electrical circuitry components, equipment and appliances of evidential value are protected, in accordance with organisational procedures

3

Arrange for tests on electrical evidence collected

3.1

Advice is received from electrical specialist as to electrical or appliance systems

3.2

Arrangements are made for laboratory and specialist testing and assessment of electrical items

4

Interpret and record findings

4.1

Circuitry components on site plans are documented to support evidence and conclusions

4.2

Circuit diagrams and electrical plans relating to building, components and equipment are determined and interpreted

4.3

Specialist report on electrical circuitry or equipment failure as contributing to the cause of fire is obtained, where required

4.4

Specialist findings about ignition are considered in conjunction with other observations and evidence from the fire

4.5

Product recall and material safety data sheet databases are researched, as required

4.6

Recommendations are forwarded to authorities and/or stakeholders, as required

4.7

Findings are interpreted and recorded, 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