Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 2:34 PM AWST

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Respond to isolated structure fire

Respond to isolated structure fire

Unit of competency
National Code
PUAFIR218
State Code
WG116
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
02/05/2013
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
07/11/2014
Field of Education
039905 - Fire Technology
Original Release Date
07/11/2014
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit covers the competency required to respond to an isolated structure fire when working as a member of a team under direct supervision. An ‘isolated structure’ refers to a free-standing building or manmade construction, such as a homestead or farm machinery shed. With an isolated structure, the possibility of fire spread between the structure itself and other structures or property not directly involved in the fire is generally low. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Proceed to fire
  • 1.1 Information received about the location and type of fire is recorded in accordance with organisational requirements.
  • 1.2 Appropriate personalprotective clothing is donned in accordance with organisational procedures.
  • 1.3 Most effective route to the fire is identified.
2. Prepare extinguishing media and/or equipment for use
  • 2.1 Water supplies at the incident to support firefighting are located.
  • 2.2 Equipment to access and supply water to the firefighting operations is identified and assembled in accordance with organisational procedures.
  • 2.3 Nominated extinguishing media and/or equipment is identified, obtained and or accessed.
3. Combat fires
  • 3.1 Personal safety is maintained at all times in accordance with organisational procedures for responding to isolated structure fires, and occupational health and safety guidelines.
  • 3.2 Hazards are identified and reported to supervisors in accordance with organisational procedures.
  • 3.3 Firefighting strategies are implemented under the direction of the supervisor and in accordance with organisational procedures.
  • 3.4 Safe escape routes are identified and maintained at all times.
  • 3.5 Access to the location of the fire is gained, protecting life and minimising damage to theenvironment and property in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 3.6 Extinguishing media and equipment are used in accordance with manufacturers’ specifications and organisational procedures.
  • 3.7 Communication with other team members and supervisor is maintained throughout the incident in accordance with organisational procedures.
4. Observe and report changes in conditions at the fire
  • 4.1 Changing conditions at the fire are observed and the effects on fire behaviour are noted and reported.
  • 4.2 Firefighting tactics are adapted to meet changing conditions and fire behaviour.
5. Participate in ancillary operations
  • 5.1 Ancillary activities to complement firefighting operations and prevent further damage to the structure are undertaken.
  • 5.2 Assistance is given to complete and record appropriate incident information.
6. Conclude firefighting operations
  • 6.1 Firefighting equipment is collected and stowed.
  • 6.2 Incident scene is made safe for the public.
  • 6.3 Defective or missing equipment is identified and reported.
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.
Type of fire must include:
structure fires
Personal protective clothing must include:
appropriate personal protective clothing for the task
turnout uniform and gloves
and may also include:
eye protection
hearing protection
(but does not include breathing apparatus)
Water supplies may include:
open water supply
reticulated water systems
static water supplies
Equipment must include:
branches
fire extinguishers
hoses and hose fittings
nozzles
radios
rope lines
site entry tools such as cutting tools, axes, bolt cutters
small gear and ancillary equipment
and may also include:
hydrants
monitors
standpipes
Extinguishing media must include:
water
foam
and may also include:
other fire extinguishing substances
Hazards must include:
electricity
gas
hazardous products and materials
machinery, equipment, products
smoke, darkness and heat
structural collapse
Access to the location of the fire must include:
appropriate entry techniques
normal entry
and does not include entry to a structure
Damage to the environment may include:
air
flora and fauna
soil
water
Changing conditions at the fire may include:
fire spread
flame colour and size
signs of structural collapse
smoke colour
weather conditions
Ancillary activities may include:
assisting with:
damming water run off
making-up equipment
securing the area
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:
identify signs of structural collapse
apply firefighting techniques
select and use appropriate personal protective clothing
select and use firefighting equipment
implement actions at the incident to avoid the risk of injury
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 and/or in a range of simulated environments.
Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
range of controlled or simulated fires
firefighting equipment
extinguishing media
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.
This unit may be assessed with the following unit/s:
PUATEA001B Work in a team
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D3803 PUAFIR202B Respond to isolated/remote structure fire Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OAY91 PUAFIR220 Respond to isolated structure fire Unit of competency