Elements and Performance Criteria

Portable fire extinguisher types include
stored pressure
rechargeable/non-rechargeable
reversible
cartridge operated.

Wheeled fire extinguisher types include
stored pressure
cartridge
reversible.

Extinguishants may include
water
foam
wet chemical
powder
CO 2
vaporising liquid.

Expellants may include
CO 2
nitrogen
dry air.

Hose reel types may include
wall-mounted
swing-hinged
vehicle-mounted.

Delivery lay flat fire hoses may include
percolating/non-percolating
low, medium and high classes
a range of different hose diameters.

Delivery lay flat fire hose couplings may include
BIC
STORZ
threaded.

Fire hydrant system components may include
internal hydrant valve (points, landing valves, outlets)
external hydrant valve
hydrant valves that are incorporated in a fire cabinet
pressure reducing valve (ratio valve)
water supply system (tanks, pump sets)
fire brigade booster connections
reticulating pipe work.

Fire blanket containers may include
plastic/vinyl covers
metal tubes.

Battery-operated smoke alarms may include
ionisation
photoelectric.

Fire doors may include
1 hour or 2 hour fire rated assemblies
self-closing or sliding
automatic closing.

Smoke doors may include
solid core or fire resistance rated
self-closing or sliding
automatic closing.

Fire pump sets may include
dedicated pump set driven by electric or diesel or a combination of both motors that supply fire systems such as hydrants and sprinklers.

Automatic fire suppression systems may include
automatic sprinkler systems
pre-engineered fire suppression systems
gaseous fire suppression systems.

Automatic detection and alarm systems may include
automatic detection systems
automatic evacuation and warning intercommunion systems.

Knowledge needed to achieve the performance criteria
Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit of competency in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below.
Definition and purpose of portable and wheeled fire extinguishers.
Purpose of pictographs.
Purpose and range of the Australian colour-coding system for wheeled and portable fire extinguishers.
Purpose of hose reels, delivery lay flat fire hoses, fire blankets and smoke alarms (battery-operated).
Purpose and types of fire hydrant system components.
Purpose and type of fire pump sets.
Purpose and types of automatic fire suppression systems
Purpose and type of detection and alarm systems.
Purpose and types of hinged and non-hinged smoke and fire doors.
Awareness of other types of non-battery powered smoke alarms.

Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These relate to the ability to:

use effective and appropriate questioning/listening techniques
recognise, analyse and identify portable fire equipment products and fixed automatic fire systems equipment

apply language, literacy and numeracy skills to:

communicate with others in a clear and concise manner in both written and verbal modes
read, understand and comply with work instructions/specifications
read, understand and record measurements.

Other units of competency that could be assessed with this unit

Competency in this unit underpins competency in other aspects of servicing fire protection equipment. This unit of competency is a prerequisite for the following technical fire protection units in the PRM04 Asset Maintenance Training Package:

PRMPFES09B Service portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets in the field
PRMPFES10B Inspect, test and replace fire hose reels in the field
PRMPFES11B Install portable fire extinguishers, fire blankets and battery powered smoke alarms
PRMPFES14B Service portable fire extinguishers in the workshop
PRMPFES15B Service delivery lay flat fire hoses in the workshop
PRMPFES16B Inspect and service delivery lay flat fire hoses and nozzles in the field
PRMPFES19B Install and service portable foam liquid proportioning equipment
PRMPFES20B Service wheeled fire extinguishers in the field
PRMPFES21B Service wheeled fire extinguishers in the workshop
PRMPFES37A Inspect and maintain fire hydrants
PRMPFES38A Inspect and maintain portable fire monitors.

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function, for example:

PRMPFES05B Use portable fire fighting equipment
PRMPFES06B Prepare for installation and servicing operations.

Resources required to assess this unit

The candidate and the assessor should have access to the appropriate documentation and resources normally utilised in the workplace. This includes access to:

an actual or simulated work environment
product examples or clear photographs/drawings of relevant products
assessment documentation
training and assessment record book.

Gaining evidence to assess this unit
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, the competency should be demonstrated over a period of time and be observed by the assessor (or assessment team working together to conduct the assessment). The competency is to be demonstrated in a range of situations, which may include customer/workplace interruptions and involvement in related activities normally experienced in the workplace.
Assessment of underpinning knowledge is best obtained by either oral questioning or a written assessment. (In both assessment methods the questions should be identical in context.)
Evidence of competency is based on the candidate's ability to identify and explain the purpose of each item described in the range statement.
Assessment may be conducted in any environment that conforms to the basic principles of assessment (flexible, fair, etc).
Performance and assessment of this unit must be carried out within the relevant requirements of the following legislative and industry framework:
building Acts/regulations/codes
Australian Standards identified as relevant
environmental regulations
manufacturers' specifications
organisational requirements, including OHS policies and procedures
OHS legislation, codes and regulations.

Communicating ideas and information
Gather information from a number of sources in the process of identifying fire protection equipment (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Discuss identification processes and confirm with colleagues or supervisors compliance with relevant procedures. (1)

Planning and organising activities
Monitor work activities while identifying portable and fixed fire fighting, suppression, detection and alarm equipment and observing safety procedures. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Provide support and assistance within work groups. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Use basic mathematical techniques, including reading technical instructions, work schedules and building plans to locate and identify portable and fixed fire equipment. (1)

Solving problems
Discuss with colleagues/supervisor, straightforward problems which may arise throughout the identification process. (1)

Using technology
Discuss technological principles as appropriate for the identification/product analysis process. (2)