Assessor Resource

PUAFIR312B
Operate aerial ignition equipment in an aircraft

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit applies to personnel responsible for the safe, effective and efficient conduct of aerial ignition operations to a specified burn prescription, fire suppression operations and for liaising with ground and support crews, such as incendiary operations supervisors.

This unit covers the competency required to prepare, operate and maintain aerial ignition equipment in an aircraft. Aerial ignition equipment is used to drop incendiaries (capsules or gelled petroleum) from fixed-wing aircraft or by helicopter.

Aerial ignition operations are undertaken to reduce, modify or reduce fuel loads in key areas to reduce fire intensity and suppression difficulty at wildfire or prescribed burn.

Aviation operations occur in a heavily regulated environment. Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements are applicable to this unit.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

PUAFIR209B Work safely around aircraft

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

It is essential for this unit that competence be demonstrated in:

adherence to safe working practice including safety response action in the event of machine or ignition equipment malfunction

demonstration of correct pre-flight testing and installation procedures

accurately dispensing incendiaries

servicing and maintenance of equipment

Consistency in performance

Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments

Shows evidence of application of relevant workplace procedures including:

codes of practice

hazard policy and procedures

job procedures and work instructions

guidelines relating to safe use of equipment

house keeping procedures

following workplace procedures

action taken promptly - accidents and incidents reported within regulatory and organisation’s requirements

work completed systematically in accordance with safe operating procedures to minimise risk of injury to self, others or damage to equipment

Competency in using this equipment is required at least 2 yearly under carriage of dangerous goods CAR 262a

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Assessment will take place in a simulated environment followed by assessment by an accredited operator on-the-job

Specific resources for assessment

aerial ignition equipment and materials

transport of incendiary devices and ignition equipment

personal protective and safety equipment

an area to conduct operations

aircraft and necessary equipment

appropriate tools and equipment for testing, maintenance and inspection of equipment

safe disposal facilities

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

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

display mechanical aptitude including appropriate hand-eye coordination

operate effectively in an aircraft for extended periods

use communications equipment effectively

work as a member of a team

Required Knowledge

aircraft safety

mechanical knowledge sufficient to maintain and repair machines

legislative and organisation’s rules and regulations governing aerial ignition operations

forms and applications of various aerial ignition technology

safety and emergency procedures when undertaking aerial ignition operations

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.

Personal protection and safety equipment may include:

ear protectors

eye protection, gloves and personal protection

fire resistant clothing

footwear

rubber gloves, vapour masks and respirators

safety helmets with visors

Organisational procedures may include:

compliance with:

aeronautical engineer’s orders

aircraft safety procedures

dangerous goods legislation

Fire Code of Practice

flight supplement specifications

installation on hook-up procedures

manufacturer specifications

material safety data sheets (MSDS) or safety data sheets (SDS)

organisational operational procedures

WHS guidelines

Incendiary devices and associated consumable materials may include:

potassium permanganate

ethylene glycol (antifreeze)

unleaded or super petrol

aluminium powder (Surefire)

methanol

Ignition equipment includes:

helitorch/aerial driptorch

hand-held manual incendiary injection

automated incendiary machines

Mixing equipment may include:

hand mixing tools and pumps

air compressors and air operated pumps

Emergency procedures may include:

jammed incendiary device

ignited incendiary device

electrical system fault

fuel spillage

incendiary fire in ignition device

fuel fire

Servicing, maintaining and repairing equipment may include:

strip and assembling equipment

fault finding and rectification

service, cleaning and maintenance according to manufacturer’s specifications

liaising with specialist personnel

security procedures

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Personal protection and safety equipment and procedures are selected and inspected/tested prior to operations commencing 
Requirements for operations are identified and confirmed with relevant personnel 
Activities are undertaken in accordance with OH&S requirements, organisation's guidelines and aviation regulations 
Incendiary device to be used is confirmed 
Incendiary devices and associated consumable materials are stored and transported in accordance with the organisation's requirements 
Ignition equipment is installed in aircraft in accordance with the organisation and aircraft operator requirements 
Ignition equipment is inspected to ensure correct operation 
Mixing operations for incendiary device are undertaken as per manufacturer's guidelines and prevailing conditions 
Incendiary devices are loaded into ignition equipment in accordance with the organisation's procedures 
Ignition equipment is tested, and adjusted where required, to ensure correct operation 
Ignition equipment is operated in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and the organisation's procedures 
Adjustments to ignition equipment are undertaken as required in response to changed conditions or alterations to burn plan 
Emergency procedures are conducted as required 
Communications between pilot, navigator and ignition equipment operator are maintained 
Ignition operations are completed in accordance with burn plan 
Excess incendiary devices are disposed of in accordance with the organisation's guidelines 
Service, maintenance and repairs of ignition equipment is undertaken within scope of authority 
Major faults to equipment are documented and forwarded to appropriate personnel for action 
Ignition equipment is stowed and forwarded to appropriate personnel for rectification 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PUAFIR312B - Operate aerial ignition equipment in an aircraft
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

PUAFIR312B - Operate aerial ignition equipment in an aircraft

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: