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.
Project drawings and documentation may include:
architectural
structural
mechanical
electrical
hydraulic
water-based fire suppression systems
fire engineer's or estimator's specifications.
Codes and standards may include:
the Building Code of Australia
current relevant Australian standards for fire systems
current relevant international standards for fire systems
codes and standards stipulated by the building insurer.
Efficient and workable layout and location relate to:
selection of cost-effective components and materials
consideration of:
penetrations
conflict with other services
interfaces with other services
occupational health and safety risks
access constraints
installation problems
aesthetic requirements
efficiencies to facilitate work on site and reduce labour costing.
Detection and warning system components may include:
components for:
emergency warning and intercommunications systems (EWIS)
fire detection and alarm systems
smoke control systems
emergency lighting systems
fire alarm and control panels:
conventional
addressable
detectors, including:
heat
smoke
flame sensing
spot
projected beam
aspiration type
power source
batteries
cabling.
Electrical calculations may include the calculation of:
the voltage drop in a wiring path given the required electrical parameters
battery capacity requirements given the required performance parameters
power supply and battery charge capacity requirements given the required performance parameters
Cable Services Australia (CSA)cable size and cabling medium type given the required electrical performance parameters
total power supply consumption requirements of field equipment in normal and active (alarm) state given the required electrical performance parameters of equipment installed
the number of points, circuits and zones on a system given the required performance parameters of a wiring path.
Negotiations regarding amendments to design drawings may arise 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:
smoke alarms
smoke detectors
manual call buttons
fire alarm panels
fireproof cable
batteries
amplifiers
speakers
emergency lighting.

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 effective performance and application of principles relating to the design of fire detection and occupant warning systems for a range of different types of buildings.
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:
the ability to:
read and interpret a range of design drawings
create, manipulate, save, file and share design drawings
identify, interpret and apply relevant current legislation, codes, standards and regulatory requirements impacting on fire detection and warning system designs
interpret and apply fire engineer's designs for alternative solutions
a comprehensive understanding of technical issues impacting on fire detection and occupant warning system designs
a comprehensive understanding of the relevant regulatory approval and fire systems design certification processes
the ability to produce fully compliant designs which also meet client requirements for fire detection and warning systems for a range of types of sites, including:
low-rise buildings
medium-rise buildings
high-rise buildings (over 25 metres)
buildings over 45 metres in height.
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:
relevant design briefs, drawings, plans and specifications
copies of relevant codes, standards, legislation and regulatory requirements
access to relevant information and communications technology - hardware and software
access to relevant manufacturer's information regarding fittings and components.
Method of assessment
Assessment 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.