Elements and Performance Criteria

Classifications of fires include Classes

A, B, C, D, E and F.

Fire types may include
ordinary combustibles
flammable and combustible liquids
flammable gases
energised electrical equipment
combustible metals
cooking oils and fats.

Appropriate fire extinguishers may include
water
foam
powder
CO 2
wet chemical
vaporising liquid.

Relevant OHS and workplace policies and procedures may be located in quality assurance and/or procedures manuals relating to
appropriate techniques to use in relation to emergency management of fires
personnel practices and guidelines outlining work roles, responsibilities and delegations
OHS policies, procedures and programs including:
safety procedures including:
working safely around electrical wiring, cables and overhead powerlines
working safely around tools and equipment
working safely on ladders and raised platforms
risk and hazard recognition
emergency procedures
awareness of electrical hazards
following confined spaces procedures
First Aid
utilising personal protective equipment including:
safety glasses or goggles
safety boots or shoes
hard hat
ear muffs or plugs
assessing the work site for hazards and risks prior to preparing the work site for the work procedure
displaying signs and/or utilising barriers in the work area.

Hose reel types may be
wall-mounted
swing-hinged
vehicle-mounted.

Knowledge needed to achieve the performance criteria
Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit of competency in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below.
The theory of fire including the Triangle of Combustion.
The implications of incorrect use of fire extinguishers and hose reels on classes of fire.
How fire can be spread by conduction, convection, radiation and direct burning.
Why cooking oil and fat fires require special attention.
Basic methods of locating a fire.
The meaning of secondary damage.
How water pressure influences the discharge distance for hose reels.

Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These relate to the ability to:

apply appropriate decision-making techniques
use equipment appropriately and safely with regard to OHS issues and requirements

apply language, literacy and numeracy skills to:

communicate with others in a clear and concise manner in both written and verbal modes
read, understand and comply with work instructions/specifications
read, understand and record measurements
utilise effective customer service skills and relate to people from a range of social and cultural backgrounds.

Other units of competency that could be assessed with this unit

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function, for example:

PRMPFES04B Identify fire protection equipment
PRMPFES06B Prepare for installation and servicing operations.

Resources required to assess this unit

The following resources should be available :

actual or simulated work environment
assessment documentation
training and assessment record book.

Gaining evidence to assess this unit
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, competency should be demonstrated over a period of time and be observed by the assessor (or assessment team working together to conduct the assessment). The competency is to be demonstrated in a range of situations, which may include customer/workplace interruptions and involvement in related activities normally experienced in the workplace.
Assessment may be by way of a single practical demonstration, using simulated fire situations. Due to safety and cost factors, methods of extinguishing Class D, E and F fires are confined to oral explanations and role-play/simulations only.
Oral questioning or written assessment and hypothetical situations (scenarios) may be used to assess underpinning knowledge. (In assessment situations where the candidate is offered a preference between oral questioning and written assessment, questions are to be identical.)
Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence from existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.
Performance and assessment of this unit must be carried out within the relevant requirements of the following legislative and industry framework:
building Acts/regulations/codes
Australian Standards identified as relevant to the required maintenance procedure
environmental regulations
manufacturers' specifications
organisational requirements, including OHS policies and procedures
OHS legislation, codes and regulations.
Note: All practical demonstrations involving the use of simulated fires must adhere to the safety and environmental regulations relevant to each state or territory.

Communicating ideas and information
Gather information from regulatory and organisational sources in relation to the portable fire fighting equipment to be utilised in demonstrations. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Communicate using significant verbal communication skills and appropriate questioning techniques in order for knowledge to be imparted to customers. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Demonstrate different sound planning and delivery techniques. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Provide support and assistance within work groups. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Demonstrate application of basic mathematical techniques and appropriate space required. (1)

Solving problems
Discuss and identify problem-solving requirements throughout the fire type demonstration. (2)

Using technology
Discuss technological principles and demonstrate physical skills to be applied throughout the demonstration of using portable fire fighting equipment. (2)