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.
1.1. Technologies and components for fire suppression systems may include:
wet pipe sprinkler systems and components
dry pipe sprinkler systems and components
pre-action sprinkler systems and components
early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinkler systems and components
fire control panels
hydrants
hose reels
monitors
water supply tanks
fire pump sets
valves.
Relevant legislation, codes and standards may include:
building Acts and regulations
the Building Code of Australia (BCA)
Australian standards for fire systems
international standards for fire systems
codes and standards required by building insurers.
Performance characteristics and limitations of fire suppression systems may include:
system activation and operation
effect of fire, heat and smoke of component materials
interaction with other systems and services.
Technologies and components available for fire detection and occupant warning systems may include:
emergency warning and intercommunications systems (EWIS)
fire detection and alarm systems
smoke control systems
emergency lighting systems
fire control panels.
1.2. Performance characteristics and limitations of fire detection and occupant warning systems may include:
system activation and operation
effect of fire, heat and smoke on component materials
interaction with other systems and services.

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 research, evaluation and selection of fire detection and suppression systems for a range of types of fire systems design projects. The activity should also include the preparation of specifications for the interactions and interfaces required for the effective operation of the systems in the event of a fire.
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 documents, including design briefs and specifications for fire systems design projects, and manufacturer specifications and technical performance data for a range of fire detection and suppression technologies and components
the ability to evaluate and compare the performance and cost-effectiveness of different technologies and components with similar applications:
for fire detection and suppression systems
for a range of different fire systems design projects
the ability to assess the suitability of fire detection and suppression systems technology and components for a range of applications in different fire systems design projects, including:
low-rise buildings
medium-rise buildings
high-rise buildings (over 25 metres)
buildings over 45 metres in height
the ability to specify the required interactions and interfaces between fire detection and suppression systems in a range of different fire systems design projects.
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:
design briefs, drawings, plans and specifications
manufacturer specifications and performance data for a range of fire detection and suppression systems technologies and components
copies of codes, standards, legislation and regulatory requirements
access to information and communications technology - hardware and software.
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.