Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.
Simple prescribed burn is characterised by:
completion in one shift
low intensity
low potential impact on assets
low risk
minimal variation of fuel and terrain
small area
Complex prescribed burn ischaracterised by:
medium to large areas
moderate to high risk
range of fire intensity
significant potential impact on assets
variety of fuels and terrain
Prescribed burn plans may include:
approval of the plan for the conduct of prescribed burning
map identifying the area to be burned
specifications and conditions under which the operation is to be conducted
Burn objectives may include:
asset protection
biodiversity protection
community protection
habitat management
hazard reduction
management of cultural sites and activities
protection of fire sensitive communities
vegetation management
Target groups may include:
adjacent land owners and/or managers
community groups with specific interests
commercial operations within the impact zone
government organisations including local, state and federal
other groups and people within the prescribing organisation
Burn ignition strategies and tactics may include
contingency planning
fire behaviour to be achieved
ignition methods, lighting patterns, sequencing and timing of ignition
Hazards may include
adjoining land use, proximity to urban areas
adverse terrain and/or weather conditions
falling trees and limbs
flammable hazardous materials
flammable vegetation
high fuel loads
powerlines
road traffic
Safety of people may include
people involved with burn implementation
people on areas adjacent to the burn area
people permanently or temporarily in the burn area
smoke vulnerable communities
Protection of property and assets may include
commercial crops or other assets on the burn area
cultural sites, historical buildings, etc
property and assets adjacent to or within the burn area
stock
Protection of the environment may include
native flora and fauna including rare and endangered species
safe use of chemical fire suppressants
smoke management
soil conservation
water quality
Resources required may include
aircraft and crews including incendiary operations supervisor and incendiary machine operator for aerial ignition
aircraft ground support
crews and supervisors for ground ignition, control and patrol work
equipment and supplies (fuel, incendiaries)
planning and logistical support
tankers, other ignition and suppression vehicles, equipment and fuel
Contingencies may include
dealing with escapes
period for which the burn will be ‘live’
resource requirements
safety considerations (such as escape routes and safety zones)
resource breakdowns
special resources/secondary control lines
wind changes

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
work effectively as part of a team
develop timelines for burn planning and conduct
identify risks and hazards
develop burn objectives
develop strategies and tactics to meet burn objectives
identify actions required to minimise unacceptable impacts of burn preparation and conduct
identify and consult with target groups
document prescribed burn plan
develop tactics for a complex burn involving multiple fuel types
develop ignition patterns and sequences for proposed conditions.
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated over time in an operational environment or in an agency-approved simulated workplace environment.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed in an agency approved simulated and/or workplace environment.
Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
area requiring the application of fire under prescribed conditions
existing management plans and data relevant to the area being prescribed.
Method of assessment

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.
Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.
Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an agency-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:
direct observation
interviewing the candidate
journals and workplace documentation
third party reports from supervisors
written or oral questions