This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to operate a specialist appliance at an incident.

A specialist appliance is a vehicle designed for a specific purpose which may include hazardous materials response, mobile communication, heavy rescue, salvage or specialist mechanical support.

The unit applies to personnel who are required to safely operate specialist appliances in emergency response and firefighting situations. It should be noted that individuals may be required to demonstrate competence to organisational standards to be deemed an operator of a specific specialist vehicle.

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

Site specialistappliance

1.1

Specialist appliance and ancillary equipment is sited, in accordance with organisational procedures, to minimise hazards which may impact on safe working operations

1.2

Specialist appliance is positioned, in accordance with organisational procedures, to support operational requirements and to prevent injury to personnel or damage to equipment and facilities

1.3

Personal protective clothing and equipment is selected and worn, in accordance with organisational procedures and Work, Health and Safety (WHS)/Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines

1.4

Specialist appliance equipment is deployed, in accordance with organisational procedures and WHS/OHS guidelines

2

Operate specialist appliance

2.1

Specialist appliance is operated, in accordance with organisational procedures and manufacturers' specifications

2.2

Safe clearances are maintained to ensure that personnel are not injured by the operation of specialist appliance

2.3

Performance of specialist appliance is monitored and adjusted, as required, in response to changed conditions and to achieve determined strategies and objectives

2.4

Action is taken to rectify any deficiencies in the operation of specialist appliance, as required

2.5

Specialist appliance is operated in a manner that prevents injury to personnel or damage to equipment and facilities

2.6

Fire spread, onsite hazards and atmospheric conditions including potential impact on specialist appliance operations are monitored and relevant information is referred to appropriate personnel

2.7

Communication is established and maintained through the chain of command

3

Conclude specialist applianceoperations

3.1

Ancillary equipment is collected and stowed, in accordance with organisational procedures and WHS/OHS guidelines

3.2

Specialist appliance is checked and maintained, and any faults or deficiencies are reported, in accordance with organisational procedures

3.3

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.

Fire

Fire