SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Perform support operations at a fire incident 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
242853  Perform support operations at a fire incident 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Fire and Rescue 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Cleaning, Domestic, Hiring, Property and Rescue Services 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The qualifying learner shall be able to perform tasks in support of and to enhance the effectiveness of life safety and fire control efforts at a fire incident. The learner will posses the fundamental knowledge and skills to pursue a career in an emergency service.

On completion of this unit standard learners will be able to:
  • Explain fire behaviour.
  • Understand basic building construction in the context of the effects of fire.
  • Set up ground ladders.
  • Force entry into premises and structure.
  • Perform ventilation in a safe manner.
  • Conduct loss control activities.
  • Illuminate the emergency scene.
  • Control building utilities.
  • Protect evidence of fire cause and origin. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The learner will be assumed to be competent in the following at NQF level 3:
  • Communication
  • Mathematical Literacy

    It is recommended that learners should be in a fit medical and physical condition as per industry standards and norms. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Where necessary, range statements have been included under specific outcomes, assessment criteria or essential embedded knowledge. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain fire behaviour. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Fire behaviour includes:
  • Open and confined fires.
  • Solid, liquid and gas fuel fires. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The conditions that are required for combustion to occur are described in the context of open and confined fires. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The process of combustion and its products are described with reference to chemical elements and formulae. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The theories governing heat transfer are explained, using examples involving a range of different methods, materials and contexts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The factors affecting fuel ignitability and the characteristics of fuel fires are described in relation to their consequences. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The phases of a fire within the confines of a structure are described in sequence. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The effects of oxygen concentration are explained in relation to life safety and fire growth. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Understand basic building construction in the context of the effects of fire. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Types of building materials are described according to their characteristics and the way they react under fire conditions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Materials include:
  • Masonry
  • Concrete & Re- enforced concrete
  • Steel
  • Glass
  • Wood
  • Gypsum
  • Plastics
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The basic components of a building are described in terms of their functions, using examples typical to the organisation's community or service area. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Building components include:
  • Foundations
  • Floors
  • Walls
  • Trusses
  • Ceilings
  • Roofs
  • Doors
  • Windows
  • Interior & exterior finishes & coverings
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The effects of fire over elapsed time on structural integrity are described, giving examples of signs of structural weakness and potential collapse. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Set up ground ladders. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Ladders include single, extension and roof ladders.
  • Assignments include both fire control and rescue situations. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Different kinds of ladders are described, giving reasons for selecting a particular ladder for use in a specified context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Lifting, carrying, raising and lowering techniques are demonstrated in accordance with industry safety norms and standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Positioning and placement are performed taking into consideration the requirements for a stable foundation and a reliable structural component for top placement. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The degree of angulation required for different tasks, and safety limits to the degree of angulation, are explained using examples. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Force entry into premises and structure. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Forced entry through the following components is required:
  • Doors: swing, slide and overhead types.
  • Windows: casement, slide, projected and louvered types.
  • Walls: masonry, metal and wood.
  • Security measures: burglar proofing, fencing, chains and padlocks. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    All forcible entry activities are conducted safely and effectively, taking the type of structure into account. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The operation of doors, windows and locks are described in relation to techniques for forcing entry. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The dangers associated with forcing entry are explained with examples illustrating safety procedures to be followed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The most appropriate component is selected for entry purposes, using examples covering a range of typical contexts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Appropriate tools are selected, in line with the chosen component and technique to be applied. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Perform ventilation in a safe manner. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Ventilation includes:
  • Vertical and horizontal ventilation methods.
  • Natural and mechanical (forced) ventilation techniques. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Safety considerations in the context of ventilation are explained using examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The advantages and disadvantages of vertical and trench/strip ventilation are outlined, with reference to different contexts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The principles, advantages, limitations, and effects of horizontal, mechanical and hydraulic ventilation are explained, using examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The correct location to perform ventilation is selected with reference to different contexts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The most effective method of ventilation is applied, in relation to a range of possible situations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Ventilation equipment is set up and operated according to standard operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Conduct loss control activities. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Loss control at a fire incident primarily concerns salvage and overhaul operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Salvage activities are conducted in line with industry safety norms and standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Types of fire attack lines and water application devices are described in terms of their effectiveness for overhaul. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Types of tools and methods used to expose hidden fire are explained in the context of the overhaul process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Ways of limiting water damage, including the control of automatic sprinkler systems, are described using examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Overhaul is conducted in line with industry safety norms and standards. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Illuminate the emergency scene. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Illumination includes both fixed and portable lighting systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    All lighting equipment is handled and operated in line with standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Safety principles and practices are explained, using examples to illustrate the reasons for the procedures to be followed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The capacity and limitations of power supply are explained, with reference to a range of contexts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Light deployment methods are explained, in terms of achieving the most effective positioning and use of all lighting equipment. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 8 
    Control building utilities. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Control includes:
  • Turning off utility.
  • Locking out access to utility.
  • Using utility in a controlled way during fire fighting operations.

    Utilities include:
  • Water, electricity and gas.
  • Elevators and escalator.
  • Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The properties, principles, and safety concerns for electricity, gas, and water systems are described using a range of examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The use of safety equipment is explained in relation to its relevance in different contexts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Utility disconnect methods are outlined, using examples which describe the dangers associated with each method. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    All utilities are identified and controlled using safe techniques. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 9 
    Protect evidence of fire origin and cause. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Methods of assessing the origin and cause of a fire are described using examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The respective roles and relationship between fire fighters, criminal investigators and insurance investigators are explained in the context of fire investigations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Types of evidence and ways of protecting evidence are described with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Actions associated with removing property or evidence from a fire scene is outlined in terms of possible consequences. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Potential evidence of fire origin and cause is identified, protected in place at the fire scene or noted and removed, according to the requirements of the incident. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Potential evidence of fire origin and cause at a fire scene is reported timeously to the relevant line manager and/or other authority, in line with the organisation's protocol. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor/moderator with the relevant ETQA.

    > Such registration assumes that the assessor has both ETDP competences as well as substantial functional competence in the relevant area of practice.
    > This point leads to the assumption that any assessor assessing this unit standard is not relying simply on the content of the unit standard to guide their practise. Rather the assessor is drawing on a wealth of experiential knowledge for which this unit standard provides a quality benchmark.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.

    > Such accreditation assumes that the institution has access to relevant resources and staff with a substantial functional competence in the relevant area of practice.
    > This point leads to the assumption that any person providing education or training leading to this unit standards is not relying simply on the content of the unit standard to guide their practise. Rather the trainer/educator is drawing on a wealth of experiential knowledge for which this unit standard provides a quality benchmark.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to:

    > The ETQA's policies and guidelines.
    > Agreements reached concerning assessment and moderation between ETQAs (including professional bodies). 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • The fire tetrahedron, methods of extinguishment, classes of fire, characteristics of an interior fire, the principles of thermal layering within a structure on fire, the signs, causes, effects, and prevention of back drafts.
  • Parts of a ladder, hazards associated with setting up ladders.
  • Techniques and safety precautions for venting flat roofs, pitched roofs, and basements; basic indicators of potential collapse or roof failure; the products of combustion found in a structure fire; the signs, causes, effects, and prevention of backdrafts; and the relationship of oxygen concentration to life safety and fire growth.
  • The purpose of property conservation and its value to the public, methods used to protect property, types of and uses for salvage covers, operations at properties protected with automatic sprinklers, identification of the main control valve on an automatic sprinkler system, and forcible entry issues related to salvage. Dangers associated with overhaul. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Solve problems by utilising systems:
  • Demonstrating an understanding of the inter related components and systems during emergency incidents. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work within a team:
  • By effectively functioning within a role as part of a team. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Plan and organise activities:
  • Demonstrate the ability to plan personal learning within the unit standard.
  • By planning & organising workplace activities as are not specifically planned & organised by the employer. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse and organise information:
  • The ability to recognize work group problems.
  • The ability to recognize equipment and machinery problems.
  • Complete all related departmental forms. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively:
  • By effectively communicating with supervisors, team members and other role players at an emergency scene. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use technology:
  • By demonstrating the ability to inspect, maintain and use equipment and machinery. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  57803   Further Education and Training Certificate: Fire and Rescue Operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  LG SETA 
    Core  64390   National Certificate: Emergency Services Supervision: Fire and Rescue Operations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  LG SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Fire Protection Association of Southern Africa 
    2. Goldfields Emergency Fire Services Training Academy 
    3. Josmap Training Institute 
    4. Mortarboard Training Solutions 
    5. Progressive School of Business and Engineering (Pty) 
    6. PTDEV (Pty) Ltd 
    7. Riverport Training Academy 
    8. RLSTP Training & Development (PTY) LTD. 
    9. Sebenzisanane Human Capital 
    10. South African Corporate Training Association 
    11. Tshwane Training Institute (PTY) LTD. 
    12. Vhutshilo Health And Training Organisation 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.