This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to respond to an isolated structure fire when working as a member of a team under direct supervision. It includes defensive external structural firefighting i.e. how to attack a fire from outside a structure and protect exposures. It does not cover offensive firefighting i.e. internal attack within a structure or how to deal with fires involving dangerous goods and/or hazardous chemicals.

An isolated structure refers to a free standing building or manmade construction, such as a homestead or farm machinery shed. With an isolated structure, the possibility of fire spread between the structure itself and other structures or property not directly involved in the fire is generally low.

The unit applies to personnel working in rural and/or urban interface areas and rural communities who are often required to respond to structure fires and to support asset protection. An individual operating in this context will perform this role under the direct supervision of a crew leader or an officer in charge.

The fire sector is those sections of government departments, statutory authorities or organisations that have responsibility under jurisdictional arrangements for the delivery of firefighting and fire management services.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Proceed to fire

1.1

Information received about location and type of fire is recorded, in accordance with organisational procedures

1.2

Appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment is donned, in accordance with organisational procedures

1.3

Most effective route to the fire is identified

2

Prepare extinguishing media and/or equipment for use

2.1

Water supplies at the incident to support firefighting are located

2.2

Equipment to access and supply water to firefighting operations is identified and assembled, in accordance with organisational procedures

2.3

Nominated extinguishing media and/or equipment is identified, obtained and or accessed

3

Combat fires

3.1

Personal safety is maintained, in accordance with organisational procedures and Work, Health and Safety (WHS)/Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines, for responding to isolated structure fires

3.2

Hazards are identified and reported to supervisors, in accordance with organisational procedures

3.3

Firefighting strategies are implemented through the chain of command, in accordance with organisational procedures

3.4

Safe escape routes are identified confirmed and maintained in accordance with organisational procedures

3.5

Access to location of fire is gained and protecting life and minimising damage to the environment and property is undertaken, in accordance with organisational procedures

3.6

Extinguishing media and equipment are used, in accordance with manufacturers’ specifications and organisational procedures

3.7

Communication with team members and supervisor is maintained throughout the incident, in accordance with organisational procedures

4

Observe and report changes in conditions at the fire

4.1

Changing conditions at the fire are observed and effects on fire behaviour are noted and reported through the chain of command

4.2

Firefighting tactics are adapted to meet changing conditions and fire behaviour

5

Participate in ancillary operations

5.1

Ancillary activities to complement firefighting operations and to prevent further damage to structure is undertaken

5.2

Assistance is given, if required, to complete and record incident information

6

Conclude firefighting operations

6.1

Firefighting equipment is collected, reinstated and stowed, in accordance with organisational procedures

6.2

Incident scene is made safe for the public

6.3

Defective or missing equipment is identified and reported, in accordance with organisational procedures

6.4

Participate in debriefing sessions

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

personal protective clothing and equipment must include

head and eye protection

personal protective clothing

turnout uniform and gloves

equipment must include

fire attack equipment

small gear and ancillary equipment

extinguishing media must include

foam

water

Fire

Fire