The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

This unit of competency could be assessed in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment providing that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate plumbing and services workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.

It may be assessed on its own or as part of an integrated assessment activity involving preparing, planning and conducting system commissioning procedures for one fire alarm and detection system and completing all associated documentation.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of:

locating, interpreting and applying relevant information, standards and specifications to commissioning fire alarm and detection system interface devices

applying safety requirements throughout the work sequence, including electrical safety requirements and the use of personal protective clothing and equipment

commissioning one fire alarm and detection system interface device, including one pressure switch and one flow switch, plus an actuator and a control and indicating panel, ensuring:

applying sustainability principles and concepts

correctly identifying location, design specification and details of the system

correctly selecting and using appropriate processes, tools and equipment

completing all work to specification

complying with regulations, standards and organisational quality procedures and processes.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This competency is to be assessed using standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge will usually be conducted in an off-site context.

Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards' requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

an induction procedure and requirement

realistic tasks or simulated tasks covering the minimum task requirements

relevant specifications and work instructions

tools and equipment appropriate to applying safe work practices

support materials appropriate to activity

workplace instructions relating to safe work practices and addressing hazards and emergencies

material safety data sheets

research resources, including industry-related systems information.

Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Method of assessment

Assessment methods must:

satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package

include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application

reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles

confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace

where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice, with a decision on competency only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's demonstrated ability and applied knowledge

all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence.

Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.

Supplementary evidence of competency may be obtained from relevant authenticated documentation from third parties, such as existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

Required skills

communication skills to:

access information

determine requirements

enable clear and direct communication, using questioning to identify and confirm requirements, share information, listen and understand

follow and give instructions

use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences

use and interpret non-verbal communication, such as hand signals

initiative and enterprise skills to identify and report to appropriate personnel any faults in tools, equipment or materials

literacy skills to:

complete workplace documentation

read and interpret:

documentation from a variety of sources

plans and specifications

numeracy skills to apply measurements and calculations

planning and organising skills to:

plan and sequence tasks with others

plan and set out work

teamwork skills to able to coordinate and action tasks, work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with varying physical and mental abilities

technology skills to:

access and understand site-specific instructions in a variety of media

disconnect and reconnect system interface devices and associated wiring

reconfirm operation of control and indicating equipment (CIE)

use mobile communication technology

Required knowledge

components and materials of fire alarm and detection system interface devices

correct location and setting of interface devices to meet system design standards

difference between extra low voltage and low voltage system interface wiring connection

job safety analysis (JSA) and safe work method statements (SWMS)

process of installing, testing and commissioning fire alarm and detection system interface devices

properties of water, including pressure and flow rates

relevant statutory requirements related to commissioning fire alarm and detection system interface devices, including automatic smoke and heat venting systems, air handling systems, and emergency warning and intercommunication systems

SI system of units

sources of information and processes for calculating suitable replacement of interface devices

standards applicable to the service

systems operations and procedures

workplace and equipment safety requirements

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Work health and safety is to be according to commonwealth, state and territory legislation and regulations and may include:

handling of materials, including hazardous materials and substances

hazard control

personal protective equipment, including that prescribed under legislation, regulations and workplace policies and practices

safe operating procedures, including recognising and preventing hazards associated with:

electricity

other machines

surrounding structure and facilities

trip hazards

underground services

use of tools and equipment

work site visitors and the public

working at heights

working in confined spaces

working in proximity to others

use of firefighting equipment

use of first aid equipment

workplace environment and safety.

Quality assurance requirements may include:

Environment Protection Authority

internal company quality assurance policy and risk management strategy

International Standards Organisation

site safety plan

workplace operations and procedures.

Tools and equipment may include:

hand and power tools

test equipment.

Commissioning fire alarm and detection system interface devices:

may include verifying interface device operations, including:

alarm volume

annunciators

audible, visible and combination alarms

controls

coordination of alarm signals with other services

dispatching systems

public reporting systems

signal transmission

tactile alarm appliances for people with disabilities

zone alarms

interface devices may include:

pressure switches

flow switches

actuators

solenoids

valve monitoring devices.

Sustainability principles and concepts:

cover the current and future social, economic and environmental use of resources

may include:

efficient energy usage

efficient water usage, including harvesting and disposal.

Relevant standards may include:

AS1670.1 Fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems – System design, installation and commissioning – Fire

AS2118.1 Automatic fire sprinkler systems Part 1 – General requirements

AS1851 Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment.

Statutory and regulatory authority include:

commonwealth, state or territory, and local authorities administering applicable Acts, regulations and codes of practice.