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 key features of legislation, regulations and codes applicable to servicing wheeled fire extinguishers.
The purpose of the Building Code of Australia.
The implications of NOT applying legislative requirements to job functions.
Action to take when a breach of health, safety and other policies occurs.
Types and quantity of spare parts that should be carried in the service vehicle.
Implications of incorrect servicing procedures for the customer and the organisation.
Reasons for informing customers of changes to Australian Standards.
Reasons for conforming to the customer's workplace procedures and guidelines.
Reasons for conforming to EPA regulations (or equivalent) with respect to discharge tests.
Reasons for ensuring gauges and scales are calibrated regularly.
Disposal of waste products.
The meaning of 'aggressive environments'.
The dangers of mixing extinguishants.
Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria
To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These relate to the ability to:
use correct manual handling techniques
be aware of OHS issues and requirements in order to work safely
use tools with dexterity
report and record information neatly and legibly when completing documentation
plan and organise work in order to estimate time to complete activities and prioritise tasks
utilise effective customer service skills and relate to people from a range of social and cultural backgrounds
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
use appropriate workplace housekeeping procedures.
Other units of competency that could be assessed with this unit
The following units of competency must be assessed prior to this unit:
PRMPFES04B Identify fire protection equipment
PRMPFES06C Prepare for installation and servicing operations.
Resources required to assess this unit
The following resources should be available:
access to customer premises or a simulated workplace environment
assessment documentation
all necessary tools, specialist equipment, manuals and relevant documentation
training and assessment record book.
Gaining evidence to assess this unit
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, the 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 of competence over the full range of performance criteria should be made through practical demonstrations at a customer's premises. However, at times this may not be practicable, and in these situations, the conditions normally available to the candidate may be simulated in an environment suitable for assessment.
Candidates should also be given the opportunity to practise and undertake self-assessment of performance before requesting formal assessment.
All safety requirements must be adhered to during all practical activities.
Oral questioning or a written assessment 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.)
Assessment of evidence should establish the candidate's ability to perform the job to the standard required in the workplace.
Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence or reports from supervisors or team leaders. A demonstrated understanding of both stored pressure and cartridge units is required.
Competency in this unit may be inferred from at least one practical demonstration in each of the following three categories:
Any one from water, foam or wet chemical types.
Any powder type.
Any CO2 or vaporising liquid type (the demonstration does not include hydrostatic testing).
Note: The candidate should be encouraged to compile a portfolio of examples of completed documentation relevant to the candidate's organisation. One accurate example of each completed document is suggested as sufficient to infer competency and the ability to transfer the appropriate skills to each document type when required in the workplace. (Oral questioning may contribute as evidence of this ability.)
Information derived from enterprise policy and practices must be treated as commercial-in-confidence.
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.
Key competency levels
There are a number of processes learnt throughout work and daily life that are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work environments. Some of these work processes are covered by the key competencies listed below. Information provided to each question highlights how these processes are applied in this unit of competency.
The number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency should be demonstrated.
1 | Perform the process | 2 | Perform and administer the process | 3 | Perform, administer and design the process |
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How can information be collected, analysed and organised (2)? | Gather information from a number of sources, including regulatory, manufacturers and customers in order for accurate servicing to occur. |
How can communication of ideas and information (2) be applied? | Discuss and confirm customer requirements and complete administrative documentation. |
How are activities planned and organised (2)? | Plan servicing activities with regard to assembling appropriate tools and hardware. |
How can teamwork (2) be applied? | Provide support and assistance to work group. |
How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (1) be applied? | Apply basic mathematical techniques to maintenance activities while adhering to designated work schedules required in the field. |
How can problem-solving skills (2) be applied? | Identify potential problems in servicing activities with regard to ambiguous information received from information sources and processes to be followed when unusual faults are detected. |
How can the use of technology (1) be applied? | Demonstrate understanding of technological principles for testing requirements. |