Description

Pre-requisites

• PUAFIR209B Work safely around aircraft

Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for operations of ignition equipment
1.1. Personal protection and safety equipment and procedures are selected and inspected/tested prior to operations commencing
1.2. Requirements for operations are identified and confirmed with relevant personnel
1.3. Activities are undertaken in accordance with OH&S requirements, organisation’s guidelines and aviation regulations
1.4. Incendiary device to be used is confirmed
1.5. Incendiary devices and associated consumable materials are stored and transported in accordance with the organisation’s requirements
1.6. Ignition equipment is installed in aircraft in accordance with the organisation and aircraft operator requirements
1.7. Ignition equipment is inspected to ensure correct operation
1.8. Mixing operations for incendiary device are undertaken as per manufacturer’s guidelines and prevailing conditions
1.9. Incendiary devices are loaded into ignition equipment in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
1.10. Ignition equipment is tested, and adjusted where required, to ensure correct operation

2. Conduct aerial ignition operations
2.1. Ignition equipment is operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and the organisation’s procedures
2.2. Adjustments to ignition equipment are undertaken as required in response to changed conditions or alterations to burn plan
2.3. Emergency procedures are conducted as required
2.4. Communications between pilot, navigator and ignition equipment operator are maintained
2.5. Ignition operations are completed in accordance with burn plan

3. Service, maintain and store incendiary equipment
3.1. Excess incendiary devices are disposed of in accordance with the organisation’s guidelines
3.2. Service, maintenance and repairs of ignition equipment is undertaken within scope of authority
3.3. Major faults to equipment are documented and forwarded to appropriate personnel for action
3.4. Ignition equipment is stowed and forwarded to appropriate personnel for rectification

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

Ignition equipment includes

• helitorch/aerial driptorch
• hand-held manual incendiary injection
• automated incendiary machines

Equipment may be operated in the following

• fixed wing
• rotary winged aircraft

Incendiary materials may include

• potassium permanganate
• ethylene glycol (antifreeze)
• unleaded or super petrol
• aluminium powder (Surefire)
• methanol

Personal protective equipment may include

• fire resistant clothing
• safety helmets with visors
• rubber gloves
• vapour masks and respirators
• eye protection
• gloves and personal protection
• ear protectors
• footwear

Mixing equipment may include

• hand mixing tools and pumps
• air compressors and air operated pumps

Operations may include

• compliance with aeronautical engineer’s orders
• organisation’s operational procedures
• Fire Code of Practice
• installation on hook-up procedures
• flight supplement specifications
• aircraft safety procedures
• OH&S guidelines
• manufacturers’ specifications
• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
• dangerous goods legislation

Emergency procedures may include

• jammed incendiary device
• ignited incendiary device
• electrical system fault
• fuel spillage
• incendiary fire in ignition device
• fuel fire

Servicing, maintaining and stowing equipment may include

• strip and assembling equipment
• fault finding and rectification
• service, cleaning and maintenance according to manufacturer’s specifications
• liaising with specialist personnel
• security procedures

Evidence Guide

Critical Aspects of Evidence

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

• adherence to safe working practice including safety response
• action in the event of machine or ignition equipment malfunction
• demonstration of correct pre-flight testing and installation procedures
• accurately dispensing incendiaries
• servicing and maintenance of equipment

Underpinning Knowledge

• aircraft safety
• mechanical knowledge sufficient to maintain and repair machines
• legislative and organisation’s rules and regulations governing aerial ignition operations
• forms and applications of various aerial ignition technology
• safety and emergency procedures when undertaking aerial ignition operations

Underpinning Skills

• mechanical aptitude including appropriate hand-eye coordination
• work as a member of a team
• effective use of communications equipment
• capacity to effectively operate in an aircraft for extended periods

Resource implications

• aerial ignition equipment and materials
• transport of incendiary devices and ignition equipment
• personal protective and safety equipment
• an area to conduct operations
• aircraft and necessary equipment
• appropriate tools and equipment for testing, maintenance and inspection of equipment
• safe disposal facilities

Consistency in performance

• Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments
• Shows evidence of application of relevant workplace procedures including:
  • codes of practice
  • hazard policy and procedures
  • job procedures and work instructions
  • guidelines relating to safe use of equipment
  • house keeping procedures
  • following workplace procedures
• action taken promptly - accidents and incidents reported within regulatory and organisation’s requirements
• work completed systematically in accordance with safe operating procedures to minimise risk of injury to self, others or damage to equipment
• Competency in using this equipment is required at least 2 yearly under carriage of dangerous goods CAR 262a

Context of assessment

Assessment will take place in a simulated environment followed by assessment by an accredited operator on-the-job