Knowledge needed to achieve the performance criteria
Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit of competency in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below.
Definition and purpose of portable and wheeled fire extinguishers.
Purpose of pictographs.
Purpose and range of the Australian colour-coding system for wheeled and portable fire extinguishers.
Purpose of hose reels, delivery lay flat fire hoses, fire blankets and smoke alarms (battery-operated).
Purpose and types of fire hydrant system components.
Purpose and type of fire pump sets.
Purpose and types of automatic fire suppression systems
Purpose and type of detection and alarm systems.
Purpose and types of hinged and non-hinged smoke and fire doors.
Awareness of other types of non-battery powered smoke alarms.
Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria
To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These relate to the ability to:
use effective and appropriate questioning/listening techniques
recognise, analyse and identify portable fire equipment products and fixed automatic fire systems equipment
apply language, literacy and numeracy skills to:
communicate with others in a clear and concise manner in both written and verbal modes
read, understand and comply with work instructions/specifications
read, understand and record measurements.
Other units of competency that could be assessed with this unit
Competency in this unit underpins competency in other aspects of servicing fire protection equipment. This unit of competency is a prerequisite for the following technical fire protection units in the PRM04 Asset Maintenance Training Package:
PRMPFES09B Service portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets in the field
PRMPFES10B Inspect, test and replace fire hose reels in the field
PRMPFES11B Install portable fire extinguishers, fire blankets and battery powered smoke alarms
PRMPFES14C Service portable fire extinguishers in the workshop
PRMPFES15B Service delivery lay flat fire hoses in the workshop
PRMPFES16B Inspect and service delivery lay flat fire hoses and nozzles in the field
PRMPFES19B Install and service portable foam liquid proportioning equipment
PRMPFES20B Service wheeled fire extinguishers in the field
PRMPFES21C Service wheeled fire extinguishers in the workshop
PRMPFES37A Inspect and maintain fire hydrants
PRMPFES38A Inspect and maintain portable fire monitors.
This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function, for example:
PRMPFES05B Use portable fire fighting equipment
PRMPFES06C Prepare for installation and servicing operations.
Resources required to assess this unit
The candidate and the assessor should have access to the appropriate documentation and resources normally utilised in the workplace. This includes access to:
an actual or simulated work environment
product examples or clear photographs/drawings of relevant products
assessment documentation
training and assessment record book.
Gaining evidence to assess this unit
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, the competency should be demonstrated over a period of time and be observed by the assessor (or assessment team working together to conduct the assessment). The competency is to be demonstrated in a range of situations, which may include customer/workplace interruptions and involvement in related activities normally experienced in the workplace.
Assessment of underpinning knowledge is best obtained by either oral questioning or a written assessment. (In both assessment methods the questions should be identical in context.)
Evidence of competency is based on the candidate's ability to identify and explain the purpose of each item described in the range statement.
Assessment may be conducted in any environment that conforms to the basic principles of assessment (flexible, fair, etc).
Performance and assessment of this unit must be carried out within the relevant requirements of the following legislative and industry framework:
building Acts/regulations/codes
Australian Standards identified as relevant
environmental regulations
manufacturers' specifications
organisational requirements, including OHS policies and procedures
OHS legislation, codes and regulations.
Key competency levels
There are a number of processes learnt throughout work and daily life that are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work environments. Some of these work processes are covered by the key competencies listed below. Information provided to each question highlights how these processes are applied in this unit of competency.
The number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency should be demonstrated.
1 | Perform the process | 2 | Perform and administer the process | 3 | Perform, administer and design the process |
| | | | | |
How can information be collected, analysed and organised (2)? | Gather information from a number of sources in the process of identifying fire protection equipment |
How can communication of ideas and information (1) be applied? | Discuss identification processes and confirm with colleagues or supervisors compliance with relevant procedures. |
How are activities planned and organised (2)? | Monitor work activities while identifying portable and fixed fire fighting, suppression, detection and alarm equipment and observing safety procedures. |
How can teamwork (1) be applied? | Provide support and assistance within work groups. |
How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (1) be applied? | Use basic mathematical techniques, including reading technical instructions, work schedules and building plans to locate and identify portable and fixed fire equipment. |
How can problem-solving skills (1) be applied? | Discuss with colleagues/supervisor, straightforward problems which may arise throughout the identification process. |
How can the use of technology (2) be applied? | Discuss technological principles as appropriate for the identification/product analysis process. |