Release 2.0. This is the second release of this unit of competency in the DEF Defence Training Package Release 4.0. Modifications have been made to Foundation Skills and Assessment Conditions.

Release 1.0. This unit was released in DEF Defence Training Package release 1.0 and meets the Standards for Training Packages.

This unit supersedes and is equivalent to DEFOH012B Identify confined space.

• Unit code updated
• Content and formatting updated to comply with the new standards
• All PC transitioned from passive to active voice
• PC 2.1 removed.

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to identify confined space prior to entering a confined space for work purposes. In the context of this unit, a confined space is any compartment or area that has the capability of accumulating a toxic, flammable or explosive atmosphere, or of being flooded, in addition to one of the following characteristics:

• limited opening for access
• no escape route or very restricted means of escape
• limited natural ventilation
• atmosphere containing more than 23.5% or less than 19.5% oxygen

It includes recognising actual and potential confined spaces in one’s work environment and understanding the broad limitations they impose on work practices. It also covers identifying potential work health and safety (WHS) concerns and seeking further advice and/or applying appropriate procedures when dealing with WHS issues.

This unit applies to Defence personnel involved in the identification of confined spaces as a workplace responsibility but is applicable to all individuals who work in this field. Those undertaking this unit would work independently or as part of a team under, indirect supervision. They must be able to use discretion and judgement and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs. They would perform routine tasks in a range of familiar contexts.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Not applicable.

Work Health & Safety

Not applicable.

ELEMENTS 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1  

Recognise a confined space 

1.1 

Select and don required personal protective equipment (PPE) to identify a confined space

1.2 

Review nature of the possible work space and its characteristics

1.3 

Assess possible work space for its potential to be a confined space

1.4 

Determine precautions to be taken in the presence of a harmful atmosphere

1.5 

Identify and assess other hazards and factors associated with the possible work space to determine the level of risk associated with that space

1.6 

Refer identified hazards to appropriate personnel/authority for further investigation and analysis, where uncertainty exists about confined space potential

1.7 

Confirm safety of possible workspace

2 

Carry out appropriate action after identifying a confined space 

2.1 

Identify and document potential WHS issues

2.2 

Undertake, document and revise risk assessment, whenever there is evidence to indicate that it is no longer valid

2.3 

Document broad limitations the confined space may impose on work practices

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

This unit supersedes and is equivalent to DEFOH012B Identify confined space.

Release 2.0. This is the second release of this unit of competency in the DEF Defence Training Package Release 4.0. Modifications have been made to Foundation Skills and Assessment Conditions.

Release 1.0. These Assessment Requirements were released in DEF Defence Training Package release 1.0 and meet the Standards for Training Packages.

• Assessment Requirements created drawing upon specified assessment information from superseded unit.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and includes:

• accessing, reading, interpreting and applying information on confined spaces
• identifying and reporting hazards
• understanding the possible nature of the environment
• identifying intervention points for expert advice to assist work and to guide problem solving
• identifying principle risks and associated mitigation.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

• appropriate signage, symbols, labels and warning devices relating to confined spaces
• location of applicable organisational procedures and documents
• preferred order of ways to control WHS risk – hierarchy of controls
• rights and responsibilities of workplace parties under WHS legislation.

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations. Where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that reflect workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

• a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations
• acceptable means of simulation assessment
• applicable documentation, including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals
• relevant materials, tools, equipment and PPE currently used in industry.