Application
This unit applies to personnel working in rural/urban interface areas and in 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 Officer-in-Charge.
This unit of competency covers 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 substances.
Prerequisites
PUAFIR215 Prevent injury
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Proceed to fire | 1.1 Information received about the location and type of fire is recorded in accordance with organisational requirements. 1.2 Appropriate personalprotective clothing 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 the 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 at all times in accordance with organisational procedures for responding to isolated structure fires, and occupational health and safety guidelines. 3.2 Hazards are identified and reported to supervisors in accordance with organisational procedures. 3.3 Firefighting strategies are implemented under the direction of the supervisor and in accordance with organisational procedures. 3.4 Safe escape routes are identified and maintained at all times. 3.5 Access to the location of the fire is gained, protecting life and minimising damage to theenvironment and property 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 other 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 the effects on fire behaviour are noted and reported. 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 prevent further damage to the structure are undertaken. 5.2 Assistance is given to complete and record appropriate incident information. |
6. Conclude firefighting operations | 6.1 Firefighting equipment is collected and stowed. 6.2 Incident scene is made safe for the public. 6.3 Defective or missing equipment is identified and reported. |
Required Skills
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Required Skills |
apply extinguishing media to the fire obtain water from reticulated/static water supplies operate a branch operate a fire extinguisher |
Required Knowledge |
behaviour of a building/structure in a fire causes and signs of structural collapse extinguishing media fire behaviour fire tetrahedron firefighting foams firefighting techniques and procedures fireground signals (audible and visual) hazards methods of heat transfer organisational procedures portable fire extinguishers principles and methods of extinguishment procedures for working with ladders, ropes and lines safe work practices tying knots |
Evidence Required
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. | |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Assessment must confirm the ability to: identify signs of structural collapse apply firefighting techniques select and use appropriate personal protective clothing select and use firefighting equipment implement actions at the incident to avoid the risk of injury Consistency in performance Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Context of assessment Competency should be assessed on-the-job and/or in a range of simulated environments. Specific resources for assessment Access is required to: range of controlled or simulated fires firefighting equipment extinguishing media |
Method of assessment | In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook. Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment. Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an agency-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include: direct observation interviewing the candidate journals and workplace documentation third party reports from supervisors written or oral questions. This unit may be assessed with the following unit/s: PUATEA001B Work in a team |
Range Statement
The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below. | |
Type of fire must include: | structure fires |
Personal protective clothing must include: | appropriate personal protective clothing for the task turnout uniform and gloves |
and may also include: | eye protection hearing protection (but does not include breathing apparatus) |
Water supplies may include: | open water supply reticulated water systems static water supplies |
Equipment must include: | branches fire extinguishers hoses and hose fittings nozzles radios rope lines site entry tools such as cutting tools, axes, bolt cutters small gear and ancillary equipment |
and may also include: | hydrants monitors standpipes |
Extinguishing media must include: | water foam |
and may also include: | other fire extinguishing substances |
Hazards must include: | electricity gas hazardous products and materials machinery, equipment, products smoke, darkness and heat structural collapse |
Access to the location of the fire must include: | appropriate entry techniques normal entry and does not include entry to a structure |
Damage to the environment may include: | air flora and fauna soil water |
Changing conditions at the fire may include: | fire spread flame colour and size signs of structural collapse smoke colour weather conditions |
Ancillary activities may include: | assisting with: damming water run off making-up equipment securing the area |
Sectors
Not applicable.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Licensing Information
Not applicable.