13.17 Certify as Free From Explosives (FFE)

Key Role
General
Unit
13
Reference
13.17
Overview

This standard covers the competences you to certify as free from explosives hazards in accordance with approved procedures and practices.

You will be required to demonstrate that you can establish the nature of the explosive substances and/or articles that you may encounter, adhering to the correct procedure for the safe removal of any explosive substances and/or articles found in accordance with approved procedures and practices.

This activity is likely to be undertaken by someone whose work role involves Weapons, Ordnance, Munitions or Explosives work activities. This includes people working as supervisors and operators with responsibility for certification as Free from Explosives (FFE) Hazards including managers and supervisors involved in munitions clearance and search activities.

Performance Criteria

P1 work safely at all times, complying with health and safety, environmental and other relevant regulations, legislation and guidelines
P2 confirm what is to be certified
P3 establish the process for confirming the item as free from explosives
P4 establish the nature of the explosive substances and/or articles that you may encounter
P5 adhere to the correct procedure for the safe removal of any explosive substances and/or articles found
P6 take appropriate precautions, proportionate to any explosive substances and/or articles found
P7 report problems or findings to the right person
P8 create or complete the FFE certification
P9 comply with appropriate quality standards
P10 maintain the appropriate records

Knowledge and Understanding

K1 the health, safety and environmental and other statutory legislation, regulations and safe working practices and procedures governing explosives and their implications for your area of operation
K2 the relevance of personal protective equipment (PPE)
K3 the nature, characteristics, hazards and risks of the explosive substances and/or articles
K4 the actions to be taken in response to an unplanned event
K5 how to identify the likely contaminant
K6 the correct procedures to be followed and the potential consequences of not doing
K7 when and why it may be appropriate to seal the item
K8 your personal level of authority
K9 when, why and to whom to report problems
K10 the importance of communication and documentation
K11 the requirements of documentation and certification
K12 the relevant quality standards and compliance regime
Note: this standard is relevant to the certification as ‘free from explosives’ of: land, articles, containers, packaging, vehicles (road, rail and air), buildings, equipment, laundry, waste, contraband, etc, etc, formerly containing or in contact with explosives.

Scope and Range

1. Absence of: explosive substances; explosive articles