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. 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.
Fire suppression solutions include:
gaseous agent systems, including:
carbon dioxide
inert gases
halocarbon systems
FM-200
FE-25
Inergen
foam systems, including:
low expansion foams
medium expansion foams
high expansion foams
water spray systems, including:
deluge systems
medium and high velocity water spray systems
high speed deluge systems.
The risk profile of the building or facility will reflect the usage of the building, including:
the need to protect people
the value of the goods stored
the susceptibility of the stored goods to water or other forms of damage.
The special hazard standards include:
U.S. NFPA standards, including:
NFPA 2001 Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems
NFPA 11 Low, Medium and High Expansion Foam Systems
NFPA 11A Medium and High Expansion Foam Systems
NFPA 13 The Installation of Sprinkler Systems
NFPA 16 Deluge Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray Systems
relevant Australian standards, including:
AS4214 Gaseous fire extinguishing systems
AS2008 Part 1
AS2008 Part 3
also note:
building insurers may specify the standards they require to issue cover on buildings and facilities
increasingly, international ISO standards are being identified for the industry
special hazards are not referenced in the Building Code of Australia.
Fire detection and occupant warning solutions include:
smoke-sensing detectors
heat-sensing detectors
fire alarms
flame detectors
fire gas detectors.
Project drawings and documentation may include:
architectural
structural
mechanical
electrical
hydraulic
fire engineer's or estimator's specifications.
Interactions between multiple systems on a complex site are analysed to:
ensure the most effective selection of systems to protect different assets
maximise the effectiveness of the systems
maximise the efficiency of the installation process.
Efficient and workable layout and location relate to:
penetrations
conflict with other services
occupational health and safety risks
access constraints
installation problems
aesthetic requirements
efficiencies to facilitate work on site
reduction of labour costing.
System components may include:
discharge nozzles
pipework
brackets
system valves
zone valves
fire panels.
Calculations that relate to the various forms of special hazard systems include:
water-spray system calculations
hydraulic calculations to assess pressure requirements and confirm pipe sizes
gaseous system calculations
foam system calculations.
Infrastructure for special hazard solutions include:
pipework
storage containers
delivery systems for the suppression agent (e.g. foam, gas or water)
tanks.
Large and complex projects may use expert personnel to:
design sub-components of a total solution, for example electrical components.
Negotiated changes may be made due to:
non-compliance with applicable legislation, codes and standards
impact on installation risks and constraints
impact on cost-effectiveness.
Fittings and components may include:
hangers
sprinkler heads
elbows
tees
pumps
tanks
control valves.

EVIDENCE GUIDE
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 in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment, provided that the simulated or project-based assessment fully replicates workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.
This unit could be assessed as an activity involving the analysis, design and evaluation of complex special hazard fire systems, including the application of appropriate codes and standards in accordance with the design requirements of the client.
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 within this unit.
In particular the person should demonstrate:
knowledge of fire sciences sufficient to ensure the design of compliant and effective systems that address the specific conditions of the projects being undertaken
numeracy skills sufficient to ensure accurate calculations of system capacities and performance
the ability to read and interpret a range of design documents, including concept briefs, design briefs, drawings, plans and specifications
an understanding of and ability to apply legislation, codes, standards, and regulatory and insurance requirements that may apply to special hazard fire systems design projects, including U.S. NFPA standards
the ability to research appropriate special hazard fire detection and warning systems
the ability to produce accurate technical drawings of the layout for the special hazard design
the ability to design integrated solutions encompassing fire detection, warning and suppression components for special hazard fire systems as they apply to at least three different types of hazards requiring the application of different technical solutions.
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 relevant Australian and international codes and standards
access to legislation relevant to the jurisdiction
project documentation, including design brief, design drawings, specifications, construction schedules and other supporting documents
research resources, including product information and data
theoretical texts and other information to support the assessment of the unit's required skills and knowledge
relevant computer software packages and suitable hardware.
Method of assessment
Assessment methods must:
satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Construction, Plumbing and 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
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.