Application
Not Applicable
Prerequisites
Not Applicable
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA | ||
1 Interpret and comply with legal and industry requirements relating to service operations | 1.1 Apply knowledge and understanding of legislative and industry requirements, including relevant state/territory building codes and manufacturers' documentation, to work procedures 1.2 Confirm or clarify knowledge and understanding of legislative and industry requirements, including state/territory building codes, where necessary, with relevant persons 1.3 Identify potential and actualbreaches of legislative and industry requirements and take action according to organisational requirements and OHS policies and procedures | ||
2 Inspect pre-engineered powder fire suppression equipment and system | 2.1 Identify the type of powder fire suppression equipment and system according to mode of operation and application 2.2 Identify, locate and inspect components of the powder fire suppression system according to function and manufacturers' manuals 2.3 Identify and inspect auxiliary shutdown and alarm devices forming part of the powder fire suppression system 2.4 Identify potential and actual breaches of the powder fire suppression system performance in reference to and in accordance with relevant state/territory regulations, manufacturers' documentation and Australian Standards | ||
3 Test an installed powder fire suppression system | 3.1 Obtain all necessary work permits prior to entering customer premises 3.2 Complete pre-testing procedures according to the requirements of the service manual and manufacturers' instructions and specifications 3.3 Adhere to all safety procedures according to organisational requirements, customer requirements and manufacturers' requirements 3.4 Complete and record testing procedures according to the relevant maintenance schedule and manufacturers' documentation 3.5 Complete documentation for recording inspection and testing results according to organisational requirements, customer requirements and manufacturers' requirements | ||
4 Maintain and repair an installed powder fire suppression system | 4.1 Obtain all necessary work permits prior to entering customer premises 4.2 Consult with relevant person before commencing maintenance and repair procedures 4.3 Maintain the system according to the requirements of the relevant maintenance schedule, Australian Standard and manufacturers' documentation 4.4 Report and rectify faulty equipment and/or powder in accordance with work procedures, customer requirements and manufacturers' technical specifications | ||
4.5 Reinstate system to fully operational status as specified in manufacturers' documentation and system design standards 4.6 Adhere to all safety procedures according to organisational requirements and customer requirements and manufacturers' requirements 4.7 Complete all documentation relating to maintenance and repairs carried out, advise client and distribute according to organisational requirements and customer requirements |
Required Skills
Refer to Evidence Guide
Evidence Required
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 and regulations relevant to powder fire suppression system.
Manufacturers' requirements and codes applicable to inspecting, testing and maintaining a pre-engineered powder fire suppression system.
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.
Awareness of EPA requirements for disposal of extinguishants.
Purpose of powder fire suppression systems.
Procedures for inspection, testing and maintenance of the system to verify operation to manufacturers' listed requirements.
Identification and purpose of the major components of a powder fire suppression system for different manufacturers' proprietary systems.
Limitations of maintenance and repair functions by the service technician.
Reasons for using different dry chemical powders.
Implications of not adhering to safety procedures.
Implications of incorrect inspection, testing and maintenance functions.
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 hand and power tools safely and with dexterity
operate standardise controls on proprietary systems to verify system operation to manufacturers' listed requirements
handle and transport cylinders in accordance with legislation, manufacturers' procedures and work practices
remove and replace powder and components in a manner that conforms to OHS and environmental requirements and system performance manufacturers' specifications
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
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
utilise effective customer service skills and relate to people from a range of social and cultural backgrounds.
Other units of competency that could be assessed with this unit
This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.
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.
Competency is to be demonstrated through a single, practical demonstration covering the full range of performance criteria for each proprietary system. The ability to transfer skills to other situations described in the range statement is inferred from this assessment. (Oral questioning may be used to provide evidence of this ability.)
Candidates should also be given the opportunity to practise and undertake self-assessment of performance before requesting formal assessment.
All safety requirements must be strictly 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 and meet manufacturers' endorsement of training to inspect, test and maintain their proprietary system.
Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence or reports from supervisors or team leaders and manufacturers' endorsement of competency on their proprietary system. Other forms of evidence may include audit reports, client/customer survey reports and appraisal reports.
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 | ||
How can information be collected, analysed and organised (3)? | Gather information from a number of sources including regulatory, manufacturer and organisational sources ensuring all work falls within service technician's scope of responsibility. Collect information from customer in order for accurate inspection, testing and maintenance activities occur. | ||||||
How can communication of ideas and information (2) be applied? | Discuss to confirm customer requirements is clearly structured and defined and administrative documentation is completed accurately and clearly. | ||||||
How are activities planned and organised (3)? | Design planning of inspection, testing and maintenance activities with regard to assembling appropriate tools and hardware for on-site services and organising work schedules to suit customer and organisational requirements. | ||||||
How can teamwork (2) be applied? | Apply consultative and collaborative approaches through support and assistance provided to customers and work groups. | ||||||
How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (3) be applied? | Apply complex mathematical techniques and time management principles for inspection, testing and maintenance on-site activities and reporting requirements while adhering to designated work schedules. | ||||||
How can problem-solving skills (3) be applied? | Identify and apply problem-solving and systematic techniques throughout inspection and servicing activities while considering ambiguous information received from information sources, potential risks and due processes to be followed when unusual faults are detected. | ||||||
How can the use of technology (3) be applied? | Demonstrate sound technical knowledge of features of equipment and accuracy throughout inspection and servicing while being able to use, organise, record and present information utilising technology. |
Range Statement
The range statement links the required knowledge and organisational and technical requirements to the workplace context. It describes any contextual variables that will be used or encountered when applying the competency in work situations. It allows for different work practices and work and knowledge requirements as well as for differences between organisations and workplaces. The following variables may be present for this particular unit.
Legislative and industry requirements may include:
relevant Commonwealth and state/territory building Acts/regulations/codes
OHS legislation, codes and regulations
relevant current Australian Standards e.g. FP22, AS3772, AS1851
system approval listing (SSL, FM and UL)
manufacturers' system manuals
Building Code of Australia
dangerous goods regulations
licensing arrangements
environmental regulations
building surveyor requirements
other relevant legislation (including international and shipping/marine codes) relating to fire protection equipment
Australian petroleum industries' requirements.
Work procedures may include:
instructions from colleagues/supervisor/manager
specific customer requirements
assignment instructions
equipment manufacturers' requirements
reporting and documentation requirements
personal protective equipment requirements.
Relevant persons may include:
team leaders
supervisors
managers
colleagues
customers.
Potential and actual breaches of legislative and industry requirements could be identified by:
direct observation
as part of workplace quality assurance teams.
Organisational requirements may be located in quality assurance and/or procedures manuals relating to:
legal and organisational policy/guidelines
personnel practices and guidelines outlining work roles, responsibilities and delegations
legislation relevant to the service operation
OHS policies, procedures and programs
documentation and information systems and processes
use of electronic job scheduling and communication devices.
OHS policies and procedures may relate to:
employer/employee rights and responsibilities
the OHS hierarchy of control
assessing the worksite for hazards and risks prior to preparing the worksite for the work procedure
displaying signs and/or utilising barriers in the work area
hazard and risk identification and reporting
risk assessment and control measures
incident/accident investigation
OHS audits and safety inspections
safe operating procedures/instructions including:
working safely around electrical wiring, cables and overhead powerlines
working safely around tools and equipment
working safely on ladders and raised platforms
risk and hazard recognition
emergency procedures
awareness of electrical hazards
following confined spaces procedures
utilising personal protective equipment including:
safety glasses or goggles
safety boots or shoes
hard hat
ear muffs or plugs
appropriate gloves and overalls
sun hat
dust mask
equipment maintenance and use
use and storage of hazardous substances
First Aid.
Powder fire suppression systems may include:
fixed plant installations including:
generators
air compressors
small machinery spaces
to range, hood and duct installations.
Customer requirements may include:
system specification
insurance requirements
industry requirements
provision of routine services
provision of non-routine or urgent services
confirmation of, or variations to, service instructions
sighting work permits
sign-in/out procedures for entry to or exit from premises
written or verbal confirmation of services provided and/or future maintenance schedule.
System components may include:
extinguishing agent containers (tanks/cylinders)
container valves
actuation devices
support brackets
control equipment
agent distribution pipe-work and hose
agent discharge nozzles
detection devices.
Documentation may include:
system manufacturers' documentation
job card
customer recommendation forms
service agreements
expense claims
application for credit form
equipment recommendation form
Fleetcard
corrective action report
petty cash voucher
certificate of inspection
product documentation
maintenance record system.
Maintenance schedules may include:
system manufacturers'
manufacturers'
customers'.
Safety procedures may include:
working safely around electrical wiring, cables and overhead powerlines
working safely around tools and equipment
working safely on ladders and raised platforms
risk and hazard recognition
emergency procedures
awareness of electrical hazards
following confined spaces procedures
First Aid
utilising personal protective equipment including:
safety glasses or goggles
safety boots or shoes
hard hat
ear muffs or plugs
appropriate gloves and overalls
sun hat
dust mask.
Testing procedures may include:
discharge
pressure
leak
visual inspection
recharging.
Sectors
Not Applicable
Employability Skills
Not Applicable
Licensing Information
Not Applicable