Unit Sector

Pre-Requisites

Nil

Performance Criteria

1.  Use portable fire extinguishers to extinguish a simulated fire 
1.1 Determine the classification and fire type
1.2 Select the appropriate fire extinguisher to attack the fire
1.3 Demonstrate usage of fire extinguishers safely according to manufacturers' instructions, and in accordance with relevant OHS and workplace policies and procedures

2.  Demonstrate correct usage of a fire hose reel 
2.1 Demonstrate usage of the hose reel safely according to manufacturers' instructions and in accordance with relevant OHS and workplace policies and procedures
2.2 Turn off water in the approved sequence and check the hose reel for leaks
2.3 Rewind the hose reel correctly after use 

3.  Demonstrate correct usage of a fire blanket 
3.1 Demonstrate usage of the fire blanket safely according to manufacturers' instructions and in accordance with relevant OHS and workplace policies and procedures 

Range Statement

Classifications of fires include Classes:

• A, B, C, D, E and F. 

Fire types may include:

• ordinary combustibles
• flammable and combustible liquids
• flammable gases
• energised electrical equipment
• combustible metals
• cooking oils and fats 

Appropriate fire extinguishers may include:

• water
• foam
• powder
• CO 2
• wet chemical
• vaporising liquid

Relevant OHS and workplace policies and procedures may be located in quality assurance and/or procedures manuals relating to:

• appropriate techniques to use in relation to emergency management of fires
• personnel practices and guidelines outlining work roles, responsibilities and delegations
• OHS policies, procedures and programs including:
• safety procedures including:
  • working safely around electrical wiring, cables and overhead powerlines
  • working safely around tools and equipment
  • working safely on ladders and raised platforms
  • risk and hazard recognition
  • emergency procedures
  • awareness of electrical hazards
  • following confined spaces procedures
  • First Aid
  • utilising personal protective equipment including:
    • safety glasses or goggles
    • safety boots or shoes
    • hard hat
    • ear muffs or plugs
  • assessing the work site for hazards and risks prior to preparing the work site for the work procedure
  • displaying signs and/or utilising barriers in the work area

Hose reel types may be:

• wall-mounted
• swing-hinged
• vehicle-mounted

Evidence Guide

Knowledge needed to achieve the performance criteria 

• The theory of fire including the Triangle of Combustion.
• The implications of incorrect use of fire extinguishers and hose reels on classes of fire.
• How fire can be spread by conduction, convection, radiation and direct burning.
• Why cooking oil and fat fires require special attention.
• Basic methods of locating a fire.
• The meaning of secondary damage.
• How water pressure influences the discharge distance for hose reels.

Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria 

• apply appropriate decision-making techniques
• use equipment appropriately and safely with regard to OHS issues and requirements
• 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
• 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, for example:

• PRMPFES04B Identify fire protection equipment
• PRMPFES06B Prepare for installation and servicing operations

Resources required to assess this unit 

• The following resources should be available :
• actual or simulated work environment
• assessment documentation
• training and assessment record book

Gaining evidence to assess this unit 

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, 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 may be by way of a single practical demonstration, using simulated fire situations. Due to safety and cost factors, methods of extinguishing Class D, E and F fires are confined to oral explanations and role-play/simulations only.

Oral questioning or written assessment and hypothetical situations (scenarios) 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.)

Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence from existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

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

Note: All practical demonstrations involving the use of simulated fires must adhere to the safety and environmental regulations relevant to each state or territory.