Elements and Performance Criteria

RANGE STATEMENT
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any 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.
Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version must be used.
Context
This competency applies to anyone required to wear breathing apparatus as part of their job.
Procedures
All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.
Procedures include all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.
Tools and equipment
This competency includes use of breathing apparatus, including:
open circuit
airline equipment.
Hazards
Typical hazards include:
fire
failure to maintain a face seal
exhaustion of air supply
malfunction of equipment
disorientation in smoke/darkness or confinement
structural hazards and/or hazardous materials
entrapment.
Problems
'Respond to routine problems' means 'apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems'.
Variables
Key variables to be monitored for an irrespirable atmospheres include
heated atmospheres
asphyxiating atmosphere (oxygen deficient)
(non-skin absorption) toxic or poisonous atmosphere
smoke or suspended particles/fibres in atmosphere.

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.
Overview of assessment
A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment. Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the competency as a whole, as defined by the Elements, Performance Criteria and skills and knowledge.
Assessment will occur using industrial breathing apparatus and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
In accordance with AS/NZ 17151716, it is essential that competence is demonstrated in the ability to:
appropriately conduct pre-donning tests
correctly don breathing apparatus
operate breathing apparatus
move in conditions of reduced visibility
use breathing apparatus in emergency procedures
follow organisation procedures
correctly remove breathing apparatus
return breathing apparatus to operational status.
Assessment method and context
Competence in this unit may be assessed:
by using an appropriate, industrial breathing apparatus and scenarios
in a situation allowing the generation of evidence of the ability to respond to problems
by using a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios
through a combination of these techniques.
In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practical/simulation or similar assessment. Assessors need to be aware of any cultural issues that may affect responses to questions.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed.
Specific resources for assessment
This section should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement for this unit of competency. Resources required include suitable access to breathing apparatus and associated equipment that allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios and questions will also be required to the extent that they form part of the assessment method. Questioning may take place either in the workplace, or in an adjacent, quiet facility such as an office or lunchroom. No other special resources are required.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.