Description

This unit covers the competency required to respond and suppress a fire. It also includes the ability to identify the nature and classification of the fire, report the fire and carry out evacuation procedures.

The unit deals with the ability to respond to fire that may occur in an open field, building or in a storage area and may be located on land, on board a ship at sea or in harbour, in the air and in the day or night and under any weather conditions.

The unit does not cover the competencies needed to become a professional or volunteer firefighter; these competencies are covered in other units in the Fire sector of the Public Safety Training Package.

Pre/Co-Requisites

Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for fire

1.1. Procedures related to a fire emergency are accessed, interpreted and rehearsed

1.2. Location of firefighting equipment is identified and the equipment is checked in accordance with organisation procedures and referred for maintenance/replacement as required

2. Carry out initial notification and assessment

2.1. Nature and scope of the fire is identified, confirmed and reported to appropriate personnel

2.2. Fire situation is assessed and appropriate course of action is determined in keeping with requirements for personal safety

2.3. Notification of fire threat is undertaken in accordance with authorised procedures

2.4. Emergency evacuation procedures are followed, where appropriate, and in accordance with organisation procedures

3. Extinguish fires

3.1. Fires are extinguished using the appropriate equipment, materials and procedures

3.2. Extinguisher is applied to ensure fast knockdown of fire

3.3. Extinguisher is used at the appropriate range and time

3.4. Extinguisher is used to minimise damage to equipment and facilities and to minimise risk of injury to personnel

Key Competencies

Communicating ideas and information

• Communicate ideas and information to reporting procedures (verbal and written) 

Collecting analysing and organising information

• Collect, organise and understand information related to recognising and reporting situations

 Planning and organising activities 

• Plan and organise activities which implement and follow standard procedures 

Working with others and in teams

• Work with others and in a team by assisting and cooperating with team members 

Using mathematical ideas and techniques 

• Use mathematical ideas and techniques to document and report numbers for emergency procedures

Solving problems 

• Establish diagnostic processes which recommend improvements for OH&S issues

Using technology 

• Use workplace technology related to the use of technology to assist with safe work practices

Range Statement

Firefighting equipment may include

• Extinguishers
• Monitors
• Fire hydrants
• Fire-hose reels
• Firefighting vehicles
• Personal protection equipment (PPE)
• Fire blanket

Organisation may include

• The Defence organisation
• Other government departments or instrumentalities that work with explosive ordnance
• Enterprises that work with explosive ordnance

Evidence Guide

Critical Aspects of Evidence

• Assessment must confirm the ability to adhere to relevant occupational health and safety requirements and operational safety, and must be performed in a manner which maximises individual safety and the safety of others. The identification and location of firefighting equipment in a local area, the conduct of periodic checks of firefighting equipment, the assessment of the fire situation, the notification of the fire situation to relevant authorities, the application of evacuation procedures and the identification, selection and use of fire fighting equipment must be demonstrated.

Underpinning Knowledge

• Site emergency plan
• Local area emergency procedures
• Types, operations and application of firefighting equipment including extinguishers, hose-reels and, where appropriate, monitors
• Fire alarm systems
• Verbal and nonverbal communication techniques including language, language style, active listening
• Principles of teamwork and team aims and objectives
• Composition of teams and roles and responsibility of team members
• Techniques for supporting others/team members

Underpinning Skills

• Access, read and interpret local emergency procedures
• Identify emergency alarms and match with response requirement
• Assess fire situation and notify authorities
• Identify, select and use firefighting equipment
• Apply evacuation procedures
• Carry out periodic checks on firefighting equipment
• Use a variety of verbal and non-verbal communication techniques
• Participate in a team

Resource implications

• Access to facilities and resources used in responding to fire in a facility where packaging, storage, distribution and maintenance of explosive ordnance is undertaken, including a licensed explosive site

Consistency in performance

• Competency should be demonstrated in a range of actual or simulated explosive ordnance contexts

Context of assessment

• Competency should be assessed in the workplace or under conditions that accurately simulate a realistic workplace in accordance with all relevant legislation and organisation requirements.
• The assessment environment should include open field/at sea conditions, during the day or night and under a representative set of weather conditions.