This unit has been developed by AIRAH and Superior Training Centre to provide technicians with the skills and knowledge required to inspect, test, and repair all safety measures relating to fire and smoke control features of mechanical services systems.

On November 9, 2023, FPA Australia received formal approval from the NSW Department of Customer Service for a Certificate III Pathway for the four mechanical fire safety assessment measures, encompassing fire dampers, smoke dampers, smoke and heat vents, and mechanical air handling systems. This alternative pathway was developed through collaborative efforts with the air-conditioning and mechanical industry, reflecting FPA Australia’s commitment to industry engagement and compliance.

To qualify under the Certificate III Pathway, applicants must hold a Certificate III qualification or higher in one of the following fields:

• Engineering
• Construction
• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Fire Safety
• Air Conditioning

Additionally, applicants must complete the following specified units of competency:

1. BSBOPS304 – Deliver and monitor a service to customers
2. CPPFES2004 – Identify and report on types of installed fire safety equipment and systems
3. PUAFIR403 – Assess building plans
4. PUAFIR507 – Inspect building fire safety systems
5. UEERA0098 – Inspect, test, and repair fire and smoke control features of mechanical services systems

The UEERA0098 unit has two required prerequisites:

• UEECD0007 – Apply work health and safety regulations, codes, and practices in the workplace
• UEERA0051 – Install, commission, service, and maintain air conditioning systems

If you do not already hold a Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, meeting the prerequisite requirements for this unit may be difficult.

Superior Training Centre can deliver the UEERA0098 unit online. The remaining units can be completed through FPA Australia or another Registered Training Organisation (RTO) listed on training.gov.au.

For those holding additional fire safety measures beyond mechanical services, additional units may be required depending on the specific licensing requirements. Those who hold Level 2 measures will still be required to complete the Diploma Pathway.

Mechanical services refer to equipment required to operate or switch off as an active part of a building’s fire and smoke hazard management system. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Vents and dampers, including fire, smoke, and air dampers
• Smoke and heat vents, motorised relief openings, windows, and shutters
• Outdoor air intakes
• Fire and smoke curtains
• Exhaust systems, including kitchen exhaust systems
• Fire fan control panels and fire indicator panels
• Fire-isolated exit pressurisation systems
• Smoke exhaust systems
• System shutdown functions
• Smoke reservoirs

The course covers Australian Standards, Building Code requirements, and the statutory responsibilities of building owners, contractors, and service technicians regarding fire and smoke control features in mechanical services systems.

Although the unit does not focus on designing fire and smoke control systems, it does provide a thorough understanding of:

• Different types of mechanical fire safety systems and their installations
• Relevant sections of the Australian Standards, Building Code of Australia, and Building Regulations
• Licensing and permit requirements for electrical installations greater than 50V AC or 120V DC
• Work health and safety (WHS) and occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations

Additional permits may be required for work in confined spaces, at heights, near live electrical apparatus, or in hazardous environments.