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

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

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of applying:

the underpinning knowledge and skills

relevant legislation and workplace procedures

other relevant aspects of the range statement

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts

Resources for assessment include:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or

access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace

In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:

relevant and appropriate materials and/or equipment, and/or

applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

Method of assessment

Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a registered training organisation

As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests

Practical assessment must occur:

through appropriately simulated activities at the registered training organisation, and/or

in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

This describes the essential knowledge and skills and their level required for this unit.

Required knowledge:

Australian codes of practice, regulations and safeworking systems relevant to the use and checking of firefighting equipment

Relevant OH&S and environmental protection procedures and guidelines

Workplace procedures and policies for the use and checking of firefighting equipment

The chemistry of fire, the effects of different types of material in a fire and the principles underlying the spread of fire and its extinguishment

The different classes of fire, their characteristics and strategies and equipment needed for their extinguishment

Types of firefighting appliances, equipment and systems, their identifying features, principles of operation and the procedures for their use and basic checking of serviceability

Fixed fire prevention and extinguishing installations and their principles of operation

Firefighting techniques, agents and precautions applicable to different classes of fire

Typical problems that can occur with firefighting equipment and operations and appropriate action and solutions

Manufacturers instructions for the checking of firefighting equipment

Required skills:

Communicate effectively with others when fighting fires using firefighting equipment

Read and comprehend simple statements in English

Read and interpret instructions, procedures, regulations, signs and labels relevant to the use of firefighting equipment and apply them to work activities

Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

Work safely and collaboratively with others when fighting fires using firefighting equipment

Adapt appropriately to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions with others

Promptly report and/or rectify any identified problems, faults or malfunctions that may arise when using firefighting equipment in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

Implement contingency plans for unanticipated situations that may occur when using firefighting equipment

Apply precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate hazards that may exist during work activities

Monitor work activities in terms of planned schedule

Modify firefighting activities and take appropriate initiatives depending on limits of responsibility, differing workplace contexts, risk situations and environments

Work systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment

Identify and correctly select, use and carry out basic checks on firefighting equipment relevant to own work functions

Operate and adapt to differences in firefighting equipment and emergency procedures in the workplace

Monitor performance of firefighting equipment and take appropriate action is required

Select and use required personal protective equipment conforming to industry and OH&S standards

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.

Work may be conducted:

in a range of work environments

by day or night

Customers may be:

internal or external

Workplaces may comprise:

large, medium or small worksites

Work may be conducted in:

limited or restricted spaces

exposed conditions

controlled or open environments

Types of fires which may occur include:

Classes A, B, C and F in the standard classification of fires

Firefighting equipment, appliances and systems may include:

portable fire extinguishers including foam, water, CO2, dry chemical and wet foam

sprinkler systems

fire hoses and hydrants

fire blankets

Hazards in the work area may include exposure to:

chemicals

dangerous or hazardous substances

live electrical circuits

movements of equipment, goods, materials, trains and vehicular traffic

Consultative processes may involve:

other employees and supervisors

current and potential customers

suppliers, customers and clients

relevant authorities and institutions

management and union representatives

industrial relations and OH&S specialists

Communication in the work area may include:

phone

electronic data interchange (EDI)

fax

email

internet

RF systems

oral, aural or signed communications

Dependent of the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, workplace procedures may include:

standard operating procedures

company procedures

enterprise procedures

organisational procedures

established procedures

Personal protective equipment may include:

gloves

safety headwear and footwear

safety glasses

two-way radios

protective clothing

high visibility clothing

Information documents may include:

workplace fire emergency procedures and policies

relevant OH&S and environmental protection regulations

codes of practice and regulations relevant to fire emergencies, including safeworking regulations and local authority regulations and procedures

Australian regulations and codes of practice for the transport of dangerous goods and hazardous substances

operations manuals, job specifications and induction documentation

manufacturers specifications for firefighting equipment

technical instructions

electrified territory regulations

dangerous goods declarations and material safety data sheets (where applicable)

goods manifest

award, enterprise bargaining agreement, and other industrial arrangements

relevant Australian standards and certification requirements

quality assurance procedures

emergency procedures

Applicable regulations and legislation may include:

relevant codes, regulations and safeworking systems for the use and checking of firefighting equipment

the Code of Practice for the Defined Interstate Rail Network in situations where fire emergencies occur on that network

Australian and international regulations and codes of practice for the transport of dangerous goods and hazardous substances

relevant state/territory OH&S and environmental protection legislation

workplace relations regulations