Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:03 PM AWST

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Apply principles of combustion and fire dynamics to fire scene investigation

Apply principles of combustion and fire dynamics to fire scene investigation

Unit of competency
National Code
PUAFIR606A
State Code
WG158
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
13/03/2013
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
21/03/2013
Field of Education
039905 - Fire Technology
Original Release Date
21/03/2013
Nominal Hours
35
Description
This unit covers the competency required to apply the principles of fire science and fire dynamics to a fire scene investigation. It includes chemistry of combustion, fire physics and behaviour. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Apply principles of fire chemistry in fire behaviour
  • 1.1 States of matter, changes and impact on combustion are explained
  • 1.2 Chemical reactions, basic chemical structures, bonds and energy are defined
  • 1.3 Process of chemical reaction and oxidisation is explained
  • 1.4 Organic and inorganic compounds are distinguished
  • 1.5 Hydrocarbons and how they are constructed are explained
  • 1.6 Pyrolysis is defined
  • 1.7 Chemistryof combustion in solids, liquids and gases is explained
  • 1.8 Vapour density and its impact on fire spread is assessed
  • 1.9 Different fuel types are identified and fuel loads are assessed
  • 1.10 Difference between exothermic and endothermic reactions is explained
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the physics of fire and impact on fire behaviour
  • 2.1 Methods of heat transfer are explained
  • 2.2 Theory of heat release is outlined
  • 2.3 Stages of fire development in structures are identified and outlined
  • 2.4 Stages of fire development in acompartment are identified and detailed
  • 2.5 Concepts of flashover and backdraught, and their signs and symptoms are outlined
  • 2.6 Effect of fuel load on fire behaviour is explained
  • 2.7 Deflagration and detonation are outlined
  • 2.8 Types of ignition are outlined
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.
Chemistry of combustion includes:
Combustion products of common fuels
Fire extinguishment theory
Flammable vapours
Ignition temperatures (flashpoint, fire point, auto-ignition temperature or flame point and explosive limits)
Interrelationship between fuel size, quantity, arrangement, moisture content, weather and topography on wildfire development and behaviour
Non-piloted auto-ignition
Spontaneous combustion (drying oils, chemicals, vegetable matter, friction)
States of matter (solids, liquids, gases)
Toxicity of combustion gases
Types of combustion (incipient, smouldering and flaming)
Fuel types may include:
Class A solid carbonaceous materials
Class B flammable liquids
Class C flammable gases
Class D combustible metals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, aluminium dust, zinc dust, titanium dust
Class E fires involving energised electrical equipment
Class F fires involving cooking oil and fat
Sclerophyll, grass, scrub and pine fuels in wildfires
Methods of heat transfer include:
Conduction
Convection
Direct flame impingement
Radiation
Theory of heatrelease includes:
Heat flux
Heat release rate
Temperature
Stages of fire development in a compartment
Ignition
Growth
Flashover
Fully developed
Decay
Fuel load may include:
Arrangement
Moisture content
Quantity
Type
Deflagration and detonation may include:
Dust and vapour explosion
Mechanical explosion
Solid explosion
Types of ignition may include:
Chemical/reaction
Friction/mechanical
Flame/heat
Self ignition
Spark/arc/electrical
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
apply relevant laws, legislation, codes of practice and national standards to fire investigation
identify and assess ignition sources
demonstrate understanding of compartment fire behaviour and wildfire behaviour and fire spread at an investigation scene
assess fuel type and fuel load at investigation scene
assess impact of vapour density on fire spread
apply relevant physical and chemical principles to fire investigation
integrate knowledge of fire chemistry, fire behaviour and science into forming and testing working hypotheses for fire origin and cause
validate fire investigation conclusions using scientific principles.
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated across a range of workplace and/or simulated situations.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed in the workplace and in a simulated workplace environment.
Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of causes likely to occur for which evidence needs to be gathered and managed.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this unit may include a combination of:
case studies
demonstration
observation
questioning
scenarios
authenticated evidence from the workplace.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OAY37 PUAFIR606 Apply principles of combustion and fire dynamics to fire scene investigation Unit of competency
No information