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.
The key features of legislation, regulations and codes applicable to inspecting and maintaining portable foam generating equipment.
The purpose of the Building Code of Australia.
The implications of NOT applying legislative requirements to job functions.
Action to take when a breach of health, safety and other policies occurs.
How foam is generated.
The classification of foams.
The purpose of each foam type.
Characteristics of effective foam.
Meaning of foam percentages.
Environmental considerations of foams.
Purpose of inductors.
Reason for collecting foam samples.
Identification and function of major items of foam generating equipment.
How foam can be used to extinguish a fire.
Difference between portable and fixed foam storage.
Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria
To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These relate to the ability to:
effectively use foam sample collection procedures
use hand and power tools safely and with dexterity
report and record information neatly and legibly when completing documentation
plan and organise work in order to estimate time to complete activities and prioritise tasks
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
use appropriate workplace housekeeping procedures
utilise effective customer service skills and relate to people from a range of social and cultural backgrounds.
Other units of competency that could be assessed with this unit
This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.
Resources required to assess this unit
The following resources should be available:
access to customer premises or a simulated workplace environment
assessment documentation
all necessary tools, specialist equipment, manuals and relevant 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 competence over the full range of performance criteria should be made through practical demonstrations at a customer's premises. However, at times this may not be practicable, and in these situations, the conditions normally available to the candidate may be simulated in an environment suitable for assessment.
Competency is to be demonstrated through a single, practical demonstration covering the full range of performance criteria. The ability to transfer skills to other situations described in the range statement is inferred from this assessment. (Oral questioning may be used to provide evidence of this ability.)
Candidates should also be given the opportunity to practise and undertake self-assessment of performance before requesting formal assessment
Oral questioning or a written assessment may be used to assess underpinning knowledge. (In assessment situations where the candidate is offered a preference between oral questioning and written assessment, questions are to be identical.)
Assessment of evidence should establish the candidate's ability to perform the job to the standard required in the workplace.
Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence or reports from supervisors or team leaders. Other forms of evidence may include audit reports, client/customer survey reports and appraisal reports.
Note: The candidate should be encouraged to compile a portfolio of examples of completed documentation relevant to the candidate's organisation. One accurate example of each completed document is suggested as sufficient to infer competency and the ability to transfer the appropriate skills to each document type when required in the workplace. (Oral questioning may contribute as evidence of this ability.)
Information derived from enterprise policy and practices must be treated as commercial-in-confidence.
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 to the required maintenance procedure
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 |
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How can information be collected, analysed and organised (2)? | Gather information from a number of sources including regulatory, manufacturer, organisational and customer sources in order for accurate inspecting and maintenance activities to occur. |
How can communication of ideas and information (2) be applied? | Discuss and confirm customer requirements and complete administrative documentation. |
How are activities planned and organised (2)? | Plan inspection and maintenance activities to assemble appropriate tools and hardware for on-site services and organise work schedules to suit customer and organisational requirements. |
How can teamwork (1) be applied? | Apply consultative and collaborative approaches through support and assistance provided to customers and work groups. |
How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (2) be applied? | Apply mathematical techniques through inspection and testing on-site activities and apply time management principles while adhering to designated work schedules. |
How can problem-solving skills (3) be applied? | Identify potential problem throughout inspection and testing activities especially with regard to ambiguous information received from information sources and identify processes to be followed when unusual faults are detected. |
How can the use of technology (2) be applied? | Demonstrate sound technical knowledge and design features of equipment to allow accurate inspection and testing to occur. |