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, provided that the simulated or project-based assessment fully replicates workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.

This unit could be assessed as an activity involving the establishment of the detailed design requirements of a range of fire systems design projects, including discretionary client requirements. The activity should also include researching and interpreting the specifics of applicable legislation, regulatory processes and relevant codes and standards for a range of types of buildings in different project locations.

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 the required skills and knowledge specified within this unit.

In particular the person should demonstrate:

an ability to interpret the detailed requirements of fire systems design specifications

an understanding of the extent of compliance requirements and procedures to which fire systems design projects are subject, for a range of projects, including:

low-rise buildings

medium-rise buildings

high-rise buildings (over 25 metres)

buildings over 45 metres in height

the ability to discern mandatory and discretionary requirements and to research the detailed compliance requirements for a range of fire systems design projects in different locations

the ability to gather, research and interpret information that may differ in only the slightest of details from one design or location to another

the ability to present research findings to relevant stakeholders and conduct negotiations regarding detailed design changes imposed by:

compliance requirements

detailed designs of other services

aesthetic requirements.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge may be conducted in an off-site context. It is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards' requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

design briefs, drawings, plans and specifications

copies of codes, standards, legislation and regulatory requirements

access to information and communications technology hardware and software.

Method of assessment

Assessment 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.

Guidance information for assessment

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.

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.

Required skills

accurate measuring

accurate naming and filing of drawings, including:

formal document control

formal amendments, including:

history

transmittal notices

editing and creating drawings, including:

layout

section

detail

external references

freezing layers

operating computer software packages and systems, including:

word processing

spreadsheet

email

internet

proprietary project management software

parametric modelling of services coordination using proprietary software, such as Navis-Works or MEP-REVIT

numeracy skills for calculating dimensions

language and literacy skills for:

listening to and communicating clearly with colleagues and contractors

participating in meetings, such as negotiations with fire engineering consultant, architect, builder or other service contractors

researching, accessing, reading, interpreting and applying current relevant legislation, codes and standards

letter writing, especially to formalise:

recognition of conflicts and errors on drawings supplied by other service contractors

agreements with other services, for example whichever service is fitted last must fit around existing services

updating knowledge of products, software systems and technology

reading and interpreting drawings, plans and specifications, including:

architectural

structural

mechanical

hydraulic

electrical

researching and evaluating competing technologies in new products and systems

developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with project team members, workplace colleagues and clients

negotiation and conflict management

initiating and running meetings with lead contractor and other service contractors

project management

organising own work, including creating personal systems and checklists for planning, managing and checking work

lateral thinking and problem solving

maintaining concentration, focus and attention to detail for long periods

Required knowledge

workplace design tools and processes

level of accuracy required in detailed design drawings

naming conventions for design drawings and drawing register

fire science, including:

fire behaviour and dynamics

impact of fire on structures and materials

products of combustion

fire control strategies

fire retardants

fire detection technologies

fire suppression technologies

fire containment

fire engineering principles, including:

engineered solutions

innovative fire systems

fire modelling

parametric modelling software, such as Navis-Works or MEP-REVIT

computer software functions and operation, including:

word processing

spreadsheet

email

internet

proprietary project management software

relevant current legislation, codes and standards, including:

building Acts

building regulations

infrastructure supply regulations

the Building Code of Australia

Australian standards for fire systems

international standards for fire systems

other fire system standards commonly required by building insurers

regulatory requirements, systems and processes

protection requirements for different buildings

fire systems' technology and components, including:

water-based systems, including:

wet pipe sprinkler systems

deluge and drencher systems

dry pipe sprinkler systems

pre-action sprinkler systems

early suppression fast response (ESFR)

hydrants, hose reels and monitors

water supply tanks

fire pump sets

detection and warning systems, including:

emergency warning and intercommunications systems (EWIS)

fire detection and alarm systems

smoke control systems

emergency lighting systems

purpose and operation of fire systems, including:

layout

system operation

performance requirements

maintenance standards

system activation and operation

passive fire safety elements:

identification of passive elements

impact of fire systems design on passive elements

specifications required to safeguard integrity of passive fire element performance where penetrations are necessitated by the fire systems design

characteristics and limitations of products and materials used in fire systems and issues relating to material compatibility

interconnection of fire systems, including:

cause and effect matrix

interface with other services

basic principles of structural engineering

characteristics of building materials

construction industry terminology

roles and responsibilities of relevant building project personnel, including:

architect

lead contractor

mechanical engineer

hydraulic engineer

electrical engineer

on-site issues that can arise during the construction phase and impose changes to the designs of fire systems and other services

installation methods, including:

access requirements

health and safety requirements

fluid mechanics and hydraulics relating to:

water supply

pressure

pump selection

tank selection

pressure vessels

pipe range

sustainability requirements and ratings, including:

energy conservation

water conservation

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.

Fire systems may include:

water-based systems, including:

wet pipe sprinkler systems

deluge and drencher systems

dry pipe sprinkler systems

pre-action sprinkler systems

early suppression fast response (ESFR)

hydrants, hose reels and monitors

detection and warning systems, including:

emergency warning and intercommunications systems (EWIS)

fire detection and alarm systems

smoke control systems

emergency lighting systems.

Engineered or innovative solutions may include those defined in the Building Code of Australia as:

'solutions which comply with the Performance Requirements other than by reason of satisfying the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions'.

Relevant drawings, plans and schedules for the building project may include:

drawings, including:

architectural

structural

mechanical

hydraulic

electrical

layout

section

detail

external references

project plan

project schedule

design brief

design specifications.

Legislation may include:

international, state and territory, or local legislation relevant to various sites of major fire systems design projects and impacting on detailed designs for specific locations.

Regulatory requirements may include:

mandatory requirements

design approval

fire brigade requirements

certification of installation

infrastructure supply regulations.

Codes and standards may include:

the Building Code of Australia

the Plumbing Code of Australia

Australian standards for fire systems

international standards for fire systems

other fire system standards commonly required by building insurers.

Types of buildings and situations may include:

different types of buildings, including:

residential

commercial

industrial

mixed classification

buildings in different locations, including:

local

involving more than one state or territory

international

classifications of buildings in the Building Code of Australia:

occupancy classes

multiple classifications

parts with more than one classification

fire hazard properties of materials and smoke growth rate

classifications of buildings specified in relevant Australian or international standards

classifications of buildings relating to standards or codes applied by building insurers.