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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Rules and regulations may include:
dangerous goods regulations
environmental regulations
licensing arrangements
OHS legislation, regulations and codes
relevant commonwealth and state or territory regulations and codes
relevant Australian standards, such as:
AS 1851 Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment
note: Australian standards are frequently revised and users must always check for currency and amendments.
Requirements may be confirmed with:
colleagues
managers
supervisors
team leaders.
Work procedures may include:
assignment instructions
equipment manufacturers’ requirements
instructions from colleagues, supervisor or manager
personal protective equipment requirements
reporting and documentation requirements
specific customer requirements
work instructions to prevent the emission of ODS and SGG in the workplace.
Checking compliance requirements may include:
applying inspection, test, and preventive maintenance requirements according to Australian standards
reviewing documentation to verify that extinguishers comply with relevant rules and regulations.
Action may include:
advising customer
documenting non-compliance
making equipment safe
reporting, as required.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
job scheduling systems and communication devices
personnel practices and guidelines outlining work roles, responsibilities and delegations
recording and reporting documentation and systems
relevant OHS policies, procedures and programs
relevant rules and regulations
standard operating procedures, work instructions and manuals.
Fire extinguishers may include:
portable extinguishers as defined in AS/NZS 1841 Portable fire extinguishers
wheeled extinguishers as defined in AS 4265 Wheeled fire extinguishers.
Inspection and testing:
include additional and permissible inspection and testing activities specified in AS 1851 Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment, to be conducted only at three, five and six-yearly intervals, which are:
inspecting the condition of all parts for damage, corrosion and blockages
testing the discharge action and actuating devices
depressurising and dismantling extinguishers
repairing and replacing components and seals
hydrostatic pressure testing of extinguishers as permitted
reassembling, filling or recharging, pressurising and leak testing extinguishers
reinstating extinguishers ready for use
do not include hydrostatic pressure testing of the following extinguishers, which must be tested at an approved gas cylinder test station:
carbon dioxide portable extinguishers
all wheeled extinguishers.
Environmental regulations may be located in:
appropriate Australian standards covering environmental safeguards
procedures and work instructions to prevent the emission of ODS and SGG in the workplace.
Documentation may include:
certificates of inspection
corrective action reports
equipment recommendation forms
job cards
maintenance record systems
product documentation.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
This unit of competency could be assessed by practical demonstration of inspecting, testing and maintaining fire extinguishers.
Oral questioning may be used to assess underpinning knowledge of procedures for preventing emission of ODS and SGG in the workplace.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the required skills and knowledge specified in this unit.
In particular the person should demonstrate the ability to:
conduct inspection, testing and servicing activities scheduled at three, five and six-yearly intervals, as specified in AS 1851 Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment, on fire extinguishers in each of the following categories:
water, foam or wet chemical
powder
carbon dioxide (excluding hydrostatic pressure testing)
vaporising liquid (must have the relevant EAHL)
wheeled extinguisher of any type (excluding hydrostatic pressure testing)
follow procedures to prevent the emission of ODS and SGG vaporising liquid type extinguishing agents
conduct an extinguisher valve rebuild according to manufacturers’ listing requirements and Australian standards.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge may be conducted in an off-site context. It is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards’ requirements.
Resource implications for assessment include:
access to workshop facilities or a simulated workplace environment
assessment documentation, including training and assessment record books
necessary tools, equipment, spare parts and relevant documentation.
Method of assessment
Assessment methods must:
satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Property Services Training Package
include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application
reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles
confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.
Guidance information for assessment
Information derived from enterprise policies and practices must be treated as commercial in confidence.
Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.
Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.
This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function.