Description
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This unit covers controlling fires in underground metalliferous mines. It includes: assessing the situation and preparing for fire control operations; controlling the fire; and restoring and refurbishing fire equipment to operational condition.
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Pre/Co-Requisites
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Nil
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Application
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This unit is appropriate for those working in a operational roles, underground mines within:
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Performance Criteria
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1. Assess situation and prepare for fire control operations
1.1 Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to controlling fires in underground metalliferous
mines
1.2 Interpret data and reports to determine cause and location of fire and record on the mine plan
1.3 Assess type, size and spread of fire to determine risk to people and plant/machinery
1.4 Identify and assess potential ignition sources for further fires to determine control measures, and record on the
mine plan
1.5 Assess secondary risks and recommend actions to control these risks and protect people
1.6 Assess fire-fighting personnel's exposure to fire, and identify methods and equipment to control these identified
risks
1.7 Determine personnel numbers, equipment and personal protective equipment requirements for fire control operations
1.8 Determine fire-fighting strategy and procedures to best control the situation
1.9 Assess fire control equipment and fire fighting media capability and quantity and make decisions about the most
appropriate course of action
1.10 Assign duties to personnel available to control the fire
1.11 Identify and apply ventilation monitoring and control measures
1.12 Assess need for evacuation of personnel and take appropriate action
1.13 Prepare action plan for fire control operations
2. Control the fire
2.1 Secure fire area/zone to prevent entry of non-involved personnel
2.2 Access, assemble and test equipment determined in the action plan to manufacturer's instructions and recommended/site practices and safety parameters
2.3 Employ fire-fighting techniques and methods determined in the action plan, within given personnel competence and availability and equipment constraints to standard operating procedures
2.4 Maintain communication with other fire-fighters and Incident Control on condition of fire and status of fire control operations
2.5 Continuously monitor fire and put controls in place to ensure the safety of personnel in the vicinity of the fire
2.6 Continuously reassess and apply ventilation control measures to operations
2.7 Continuously monitor fire and fire-fighting activities to determine ability to continue to handle the situation, and
take action
2.8 Minimise damage and disruption to mine working during the fire control operation, consistent with safety requirements
2.9 Assess fire intensity and magnitude and withdraw from fire zone and relocate fire control equipment to a safe place if fire is uncontrollable
2.10 Bring fire safely under control and extinguish
2.11 Monitor fire site and take actions to prevent possible re-ignition according to site-recommended procedures
2.12 Report to Incident Control according to site-recommended procedures
2.13 Monitor for structural and ground support integrity
3. Restore and refurbish fire equipment to operational condition
3.1 Inspect equipment for any damage sustained in fire control operations
3.2 Repair, replenish or replace defective/depleted equipment to meet manufacturer's specifications and/or Australian
standards
3.3 Tag and quarantine unusable equipment
3.4 Return fire control system and equipment to operational readiness
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Required Skills & Knowledge
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Required Skills
- apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures
- locate fire fighting equipment on mine sites
- interpret emergency preparedness plans
- navigate in underground mines
- read maps and interpret symbols
- apply fires call-outs response procedures
- work as a member of a team
- handle and control hazardous substances in a fire situation
- locate plant and fire suppression systems on a mine layout plan
- locate and operate fixed and portable fire suppression equipment
- locate and demonstration the correct use of ladders and other approved devices
- select appropriate extinguishing media for fire control and extinguishment
- operate emergency communications systems
- carry out effective fire-ground management procedures
- utilise and troubleshoot water supply systems and identify alternative systems
- interpret and use signals
- access, interpret and apply technical and safety information
- apply diagnostic/faultfinding techniques
- comply with environmental requirements
- apply isolation procedures
Required Knowledge
- the location of fire fighting equipment on mine sites
- interpretation of emergency preparedness plans
- response to call-outs to fires
- types of fire and associated risks and control measures
- mine plant and fire suppression systems
- ventilation management during fire situations
- operation of fixed and portable fire suppression equipment
- the correct use of ladders and other devices
- interpretation of Hazchem labels and signs
- hazard/risk management principles and practices (including assessment and control)
- the hazards associated with hazardous chemicals and how to handle them in a fire situation
- identification, selection and operation of appropriate equipment
- identification and application of appropriate personal safety equipment
- identification of the properties of extinguishing media and the selection of those appropriate to the situation
- communications systems' types and protocols
- fire-ground management procedures
- utilisation and troubleshooting of water supply systems and identification of alternative
- interpretation and use of signals
- refurbishment of fire-fighting equipment and systems
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Range Statement
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Relevant compliance documentation may include:
- legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures
- manufacturer's guidelines and specifications
- Australian standards
- code of practice
- Employment and workplace relations legislation
- Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation
Fires may include:
- A, B, C, D, F class fires and E rated fires (International Standard-check name)
- accessible
- inaccessible
- uncontrolled fires
- mobile plant
- structural fires
Potential ignition sources may include but limited to:
- ignition sources associated with friction eg belt conveyors
- ignition sources associated with fuel and oil storage/service bays
- ignition sources associated with electricity eg battery charging stations, shorting of cables
- frictional ignition sources at the mining face eg explosives, gases
- static electricity as an ignition source
- ignition sources associated with the combustion of synthetic materials
- hot materials/surfaces
Secondary risks may include:
- environmental
- electrical
- smoke
- toxic gases
- loss of visibility
- volatile substances (oxidising agents)
- heat illness
- secondary explosions
- burns
- spillage
- structural collapse
Fire-fighting is limited to:
- fires within the capability of the rescue team members
Personal protective equipment may include:
- industrial clothing
- thermal suits
- face shields
- eye protection
- respiratory protection
- safety footwear
- head protection
- hand protection
Fire control equipment may include:
- fire hoses and fittings
- extinguishers
- mine water supply systems
- hydrants
- foam generators
- water turbine
- vehicles
- fixed and mobile fire suppression plant
- ladders
Fire fighting media may include:
- water
- low expansion foam
- high expansion foam
- dry chemical powder
- Carbon Dioxide
- vaporising liquid
- alcohol rated foam
- dry agents
Action plans may include:
- RECEO VS - (rescue exposures control/contain extinguish overhaul - ventilate and salvage) International Response
- fire control equipment requirements
- fire fighting capability
- personnel numbers and experience
- duties assigned to fire control and support personnel
- fire fighting strategy and procedures
- PPE requirements
- communications methods and protocols
- risk assessment requirements
- ventilation management
- emergency and First Aid procedures
- contingency plans
Communications may include:
- reports
- 2- way radio
- telephone
- mobile phone
- hand signals
- runners
- light signals
Incident Control has:
- overall planning, approval and control of an incident
Structural integrity may include:
- stability of walls and backs in underground
- stability of major structures on surface
Returning equipment to operational readiness may include:
- inspection
- cleaning
- repair
- replacement
- re-fill
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Evidence Guide
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
- knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for controlling fires in underground metalliferous mines
- implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient controlling of fires in underground metalliferous mines
- working with others to control fires in underground metalliferous mines that meet all of the required outcomes
- consistent timely controlling of fires in underground metalliferous mines that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes
Context of and specific resources for assessment
- This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
- The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.
- Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.
- Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.
- Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in the work environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to site circumstances.
- Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
- Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.
Method of assessment
- written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge
- observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:
- implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes
- consistently achieving the required outcomes
- first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:
- working with others to control fires in underground metalliferous mines
Guidance information for assessment
Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues. |
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