This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to receive data from scientific practitioners, to process and analyse findings and to determine the origin and cause of a fire. It includes understanding scientific processes, analysis and laboratory results.

The unit focuses on developing and applying a systematic approach to fire investigation and working across fire and emergency incidents including structure, mobile and wildfire. It is applicable to specialist fire investigators.

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

Evaluate results of fire scene data

1.1

Fire scene data is collected and collated, in accordance with organisational procedures

1.2

Data is grouped according to physical evidence groupings, samples and documented evidence

1.3

Evidence is categorised for further sampling or archiving, in accordance with organisational procedures

1.4

Nature and extent of further examination is determined

2

Interpret laboratory results

2.1

Consultations are initiated with specialist practitioners to review preliminary evaluations and to validate data

2.2

Common features and trends in data findings are identified

2.3

Options are explored as to possible origin and cause of fire

3

Analyse documentary and physical evidence

3.1

Potential causal physical evidence is examined in light of research data emerging from laboratory examination and technical analyses

3.2

Written reports and visual images are collected and reviewed in parallel with established scientific findings

3.3

Consultations are initiated with specialist practitioners, as required

3.4

Physical evidence determined relative to fire origin and cause is identified, labelled, packaged and stored, in accordance with organisational procedures

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