Respond To Urban Fire

PUAFIR203B – Respond to urban fire

CERTIFICATE II

Overview

The key to successful firefighting in a structure is a safe and rapid response that prevents small fires from becoming large or spreading to nearby exposures. This learner resource is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge to respond to an urban fire while working as a member of a team. Work undertaken at this level will be mainly under the direct supervision of an Officer-In-Charge. The material contained within this learner resource does not reflect the procedures and requirements of individual agencies. Where specific information is required, you will need to use your agency training materials and standard operating procedures.

Target

audience

The target audience for this training are individuals who are required to respond to a urban fire as a member of a team under direct supervision.

Nominal

duration

60 hours

Relationship to PUA units

This document is a part of the support materials for the unit of competency, PUAFIR203B Respond to urban fire. PUAFIR203B is a core unit in Certificate II in Public Safety (Firefighting Operations) and an elective unit in Certificate II in Public Safety (Firefighting and Emergency Operations).

Course
content

This learner resource is divided into four sections.

·         Section 1 provides an introduction to the principles of fire behaviour, types and products of combustion, fires in compartments and hazards associated with structure firefighting.

·         Section 2 describes the classes of fire, extinguishing agents for each class of fire and the range of portable fire extinguishers available to attack a small fire.

·         Section 3 explains the principles of fire extinguishment, the types of extinguishing media available and how to select the correct media for each class of fire.

·         Section 4 outlines the legislation governing the use of water supplies and how water can be accessed from a vehicle, or from a reticulated or static supply using a range of equipment.

§  Section 5 details the support equipment used by firefighters to access structures, and how rope lines are used to secure ladders and equipment for firefighting operations.

·         Section 6 stresses the importance of effective communication within your team and with your supervisor at the fireground, and the need to maintain situational awareness and to alert others to information gathered.

·         Section 7 describes the factors to be considered when responding to a fire and how you can be an active member of a team by being alert and providing information to your supervisor en route, upon arrival and when undertaking preliminary activities to access the structure.

·         Section 8 provides an introduction to firefighting strategies and tactics and explains the role of the firefighter in providing relevant information to support ongoing operational planning.

·         Section 9 focuses on the actions used in first entry and when fighting the fire. It explores procedures for safely working in structures, directing a hose stream, advancing a delivery hose and hose stream ventilation.

·         Section 10 describes the concepts of salvage and overhaul and the importance of these activities in restoring a structure to normality.

Learning objectives

On completion of PUAFIR203B, participants should be able to:

·           describe the basic principles of fire behaviour, and the phases of fire development in a compartment

·           explain how the application of a dynamic risk assessment approach can assist in mitigating potential hazards at a structure fire

·           explain the classes of fire

·           identify the portable fire extinguishers available for each class

·           select and use a portable extinguisher for a given class of fire

·           explain the principles of fire extinguishment and the range of extinguishing media used in firefighting

·           describe the use of water, foams and other extinguishing media in firefighting

·           explain how water is accessed from a vehicle, reticulated and static water supply

·           demonstrate how to tie each of the eight types of knots and how to use a ladder to support firefighting activities

·           identify the key components of an effective briefing and explain when briefings and debriefs should occur

·           explain the factors to consider en-route and upon arrival at a fire

·           identify and explain each step in the firefighting sequence

·           identify and apply fire suppression tactics including actions prior to entry, on entry and when working in a structure

·           explain the purpose of salvage operations and demonstrate the use of salvage equipment

·           explain the purpose of overhaul operations, actions that should be undertaken and the procedure for debris containment and disposal

·           explain the importance of restoring a structure to normality.