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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Plan and prepare to control underground fires
   • Access, interpret and apply control of underground fires documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant
   • Identify and assess potential risks, hazards and environmental issues and implement control measures
   • Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate for work activity
   • Interpret data and reports to determine cause and location of fire and record on the mine plan
   • Assess type, size and spread of fire and determine risk level
   • Identify and assess potential ignition sources for further fires, determine control measures, and record on the site plan
   • Assess secondary risks and recommend actions for control
2. Determine firefighting resources and procedures
   • Assess fire-fighting personnel’s exposure to fire and identify methods and equipment to control risks
   • Determine personnel numbers, equipment and personal protective equipment requirements
   • Determine fire-fighting strategy and procedures
   • Assess fire control equipment and fire-fighting media capability and quantity, and decide on the appropriate course of action
   • Communicate and assign activities to personnel
   • Identify and apply ventilation monitoring and control measures
   • Assess need for evacuation of personnel and take appropriate action
   • Prepare action plan according to workplace procedures
   • Isolate and barricade fire area/zone to prevent entry of non-involved personnel
   • Access, assemble and test equipment determined in the action plan
   • Apply fire-fighting techniques and methods determined in the action plan
   • Maintain communication with other fire-fighters and emergency control personnel on condition of fire and status of fire control operations
   • Monitor fire continually and put controls in place to ensure the safety of personnel in the vicinity of the fire
   • Reassess and apply ventilation control measures continually
   • Monitor fire-fighting activities continually to determine ability to continue to handle situation and take action
   • Minimise damage and disruption to site working during the fire control operation
   • Assess fire intensity and magnitude, withdraw from fire zone and relocate fire control equipment to a safe place if fire is uncontrollable
   • Bring fire safely under control and extinguish according to situational requirements
   • Monitor fire site and take actions to prevent possible re-ignition
   • Report to emergency control personnel
   • Monitor for structural and ground support integrity
3. Restore and refurbish fire equipment to operational condition
   • Inspect equipment for any damage
   • Repair, replenish or replace defective/depleted equipment
   • Tag, record and quarantine unusable equipment
   • Return fire control system and equipment to operational readiness
   • Process required written records and reports according to workplace policies and procedures

Performance Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including evidence of the ability to:

control underground fires in a manner that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on at least two occasions, including:

locating firefighting equipment at the site

navigating in an underground site

reading maps and interpreting symbols

locating plant and fire suppression systems on a site layout plan

locating and operating fixed and portable fire suppression equipment

selecting and using appropriate extinguishing media

using and troubleshooting water supply systems and identifying alternative systems

determining personnel requirements

determining firefighting strategies and procedures, including evacuation and postfire activities.

During the above, the candidate must:

locate and apply relevant documentation, policies and procedures

work effectively with others to undertake and complete the control of underground fires that meets all the required outcomes, including:

complying with written and verbal reporting requirements and procedures

communicating clearly and concisely with others to receive and clarify work instructions

communicating clearly and concisely with others to coordinate work activities

operating emergency communications systems.

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including knowledge of:

types and causes of hazards and incidents in underground sites

effects of hot and humid atmospheres in underground sites

location and distribution of caches

trigger points to initiate emergency response to alarms

locations and purposes of places of safety

guidance system and marker uses

key components and requirements of site emergency plans

locations of escape routes and alternative escape routes

functions of underground ventilation systems

types and effects of harmful gases in underground sites

rescue team structure, roles and responsibilities

operation and limitations of breathing apparatus

standby/emergency procedures for incident control

types of fire and associated risks and control measures

ventilation management techniques

properties of extinguishing media and the selection of those appropriate to the situation

fire-ground management procedures

sectorspecific signals required for work activity

techniques for refurbishing fire-fighting equipment and systems.

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