Description

This unit covers the competency for responding to an isolated/remote structure fire, when working as a member of a team, under direct supervision.

Isolated/remote structures include houses and farm buildings.

There may be a village with some community buildings or some agricultural buildings. All structures are isolated from each other and the possibility of fire spread between structures is extremely low.

This competency does not cover firefighting strategies at fires within any structures, nor fires involving dangerous goods and/or hazardous substances.

Pre/Co-Requisites

Pre-requisite units:

• PUAFIR201B Prevent injury

Co-requisite units:

• PUATEA001B Work in a team

Performance Criteria

1. Proceed to fire

1.1. Information received about the location and type of fire is recorded in accordance with the organisation’s requirements
1.2. Appropriate protective clothing is donned in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
1.3. The most effective route to the fire is identified

2. Prepare extinguishing media and/or equipment for use

2.1. Water supplies at the incident to support firefighting are located
2.2. Equipment to access and supply water to the firefighting operations is identified and assembled in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
2.3. Nominated extinguishing media and/or equipment is identified, obtained and or accessed

3. Combat fires

3.1. Personal safety is maintained at all times in accordance with the organisation’s procedures for responding toisolated and remote structure fire and occupational health  and safety guidelines
3.2. Hazards are identified and reported to supervisors in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
3.3. Firefighting strategies are implemented under the direction of the supervisor and in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
3.4. Safe escape routes are identified and maintained at all times
3.5. Access to the fire is gained, protecting life and minimising damage to property and environment in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
3.6. Extinguishing media and equipment are used in accordance with the manufacturers’ specifications and the organisation’s procedures
3.7. Communications with other team members and supervisor are maintained throughout the incident in accordance with the organisation’s procedures

4. Observe and report changes in conditions at the fire

4.1. Changing conditions at the fire are observed and the effects on fire behaviour are noted and reported
4.2. Firefighting tactics are adapted to meet changing conditions and fire behaviour

5. Participate in ancillary operations

5.1. Ancillary operations to complement firefighting operations and prevent further damage to the structure are undertaken
5.2. Assistance is given to complete and record appropriate incident information

6. Conclude firefighting operations

6.1. Firefighting equipment is collected and stowed
6.2. The incident scene is made safe for the public
6.3. Defective or missing equipment is identified and reported

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

Types of fire must include

• structure fires

Protective clothing must include

• Turnout uniform and gloves
• structural fire tunic and over-trousers
• eye protection
• hearing protection
• and does not include Breathing Apparatus

Access methods into asite must include

• forcible entry
• normal entry
• and does not include entry to a structure

Water supplies must include

• static water supplies
• open water supply

and may also include

• reticulated water systems

Equipment must include

• hoses and hose fittings
• branches
• nozzles
• standpipes
• small gear and ancillary equipment
• rope lines
• forcible entry tools such as cutting tools, axes, bolt cutters
• fire extinguishers
• radios

and may also include

• monitors and hydrants

Fire extinguishing media must include

• water
• foam

and may also include

• other fire extinguishing substances

On-scene hazards must include

• smoke, darkness and heat
• electricity
• gas
• structural collapse
• machinery, equipment, products
• hazardous products and materials

Changing conditions at the fire must include

• weather conditions
• flame colour and size
• smoke colour
• fire spread
• signs of structural collapse

Ancillary activities may include assisting with

• making-up equipment
• securing the area
• damming water run off

Environmental damage may include

• air
• soil
• water
• hazards to flora and fauna

Evidence Guide

Critical Aspects of Evidence

It is essential for this unit that competence be demonstrated in:

• identification of signs of structural collapse
• application of firefighting techniques
• selection and use of appropriate protective clothing
• selection and use of firefighting equipment
• actions implemented at the incident to avoid the risk of injury

Underpinning Knowledge

• causes and signs of structural collapse
• behaviour of a building/structure in a fire
• fireground signals (audible and visual)
• organisational procedures
• fire tetrahedron
• methods of heat transfer
• principles and methods of extinguishment
• fire behaviour
• portable fire extinguishers
• extinguishing media
• firefighting foams
• hazards
• procedures for working with ladders, ropes and lines and tying knots
• firefighting techniques and procedures
• safe work practices

Underpinning Skills

• applying extinguishing media to the fire
• obtaining water from reticulated/static water supplies
• operating a fire extinguisher
• operating a branch

Resource implications

• access to a range of controlled or simulated fires
• firefighting equipment
• extinguishing media

Consistency in performance

• Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments

Context of assessment

• A combination of oral or written presentation, observation on the job and/or in a range of simulated environments