Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 9:21 PM AWST
23/07/2026 9:21 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Inspect building fire safety systems
Inspect building fire safety systems
Unit of competency
National Code
PUAFIR507B
PUAFIR507B
State Code
WG151
WG151
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
21/03/2013
Field of Education
039905 - Fire Technology
Original Release Date
21/03/2013
Nominal Hours
140
Description
This unit covers the competency required to interpret building plans and associated documentation for fire safety systems; to locate and note variations to systems; to assess the operation and maintenance of the systems; and to report on the findings of the inspection in accordance with organisational requirements. Legislative, regulatory and certification requirements are applicable to this unit.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Determine the requirement, scope and outcome of inspection
- 1.1 Class of building is identified in accordance with the Building Code of Australia.
- 1.2 Methodology for conducting the inspection is determined.
2. Identify the fire safety systems on the building plan and associated documentation, and locate the actual systems in the building
- 2.1 Fire safety systems and components are correctly identified on the building plans and associated documentation.
- 2.2 Using the building plans and associated documentation, fire safety systems are located in the building.
- 2.3 Variations between the plans and the actual locations are recorded.
3. Verify the actual fire safety systems with the building plan and associated documentation
- 3.1 Building plan and associated documentation are compared with the actual location of the building’s fire safety systems.
- 3.2 Variations between the building plans and associated documentation and actual locations are recorded.
4. Review compliance of the building fire safety systems
- 4.1 Building fire safety systems are checked against design requirements and relevant standards.
- 4.2 Building emergency organisational structure is checked against design requirements and relevant standards.
- 4.3 Maintenance procedures and log books are checked against design requirements and relevant standards.
- 4.4 Variations to design requirements and relevant standards are noted and reported.
5. Assess the operation and maintenance of the fire safety systems
- 5.1 Maintenance requirements are identified and examined.
- 5.2 Maintenance records are located and examined.
- 5.3 Fire safety systems are tested in conjunction with a building representative, and recorded and reported in accordance with organisational and/or owner/occupier requirements.
6. Assess the operation and maintenance of the fire safety systems
- 6.1 Variations to building plans and associated documentation are outlined.
- 6.2 Information on the review of the building’s fire safety systems compliance is provided.
- 6.3 Reports are distributed in accordance with organisational policies, legislative requirements and/or owner/occupier requirements.
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.
Class of building must include:
buildings and structures, as defined in the Building Code of Australia
Fire safety systems must include:
emergency egress systems (emergency lifts, emergency lighting and power systems, emergency vehicular access, emergency warning and intercommunication system, exit and egress pathways, exit doors, exit signs)
fire detection and alarm systems
fire sprinkler systems
and may also include:
building control systems
building design requirements
communications systems
emergency vehicle access-egress systems
emergency warning and intercommunication system (EWIS)
fire/emergency control centres/rooms
fire resisting structures/compartmentation
fire suppression systems (including hydrants and boosters)
smoke hazard management
Relevant standards must include:
Building Code of Australia
organisational procedures
relevant AS/NZ standards
relevant building regulations
and may also include:
manufacturer specifications
Class of building must include:
buildings and structures, as defined in the Building Code of Australia
Fire safety systems must include:
emergency egress systems (emergency lifts, emergency lighting and power systems, emergency vehicular access, emergency warning and intercommunication system, exit and egress pathways, exit doors, exit signs)
fire detection and alarm systems
fire sprinkler systems
and may also include:
building control systems
building design requirements
communications systems
emergency vehicle access-egress systems
emergency warning and intercommunication system (EWIS)
fire/emergency control centres/rooms
fire resisting structures/compartmentation
fire suppression systems (including hydrants and boosters)
smoke hazard management
Relevant standards must include:
Building Code of Australia
organisational procedures
relevant AS/NZ standards
relevant building regulations
and may also include:
manufacturer specifications
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:
compare the building’s actual fire safety system against the system on the building plans and associated documentation
inspect and determine the building’s fire safety system against design requirements or other relevant standards
apply knowledge of building regulations in the area of responsibility
apply knowledge of the Building Code of Australia
report on the inspection and highlight variations.
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed on-the-job through actual inspections.
Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
site
building plans and associated documentation for an actual inspection
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
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
compare the building’s actual fire safety system against the system on the building plans and associated documentation
inspect and determine the building’s fire safety system against design requirements or other relevant standards
apply knowledge of building regulations in the area of responsibility
apply knowledge of the Building Code of Australia
report on the inspection and highlight variations.
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed on-the-job through actual inspections.
Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
site
building plans and associated documentation for an actual inspection
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
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAY52 | PUAFIR507 | Inspect building fire safety systems | Unit of competency |
