Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This competency covers the entry to confined spaces, for maintenance, servicing of vessels or other necessary reasons. Work in/entry to confined spaces shall conform to relevant legislation and AS2865, or its authorised update or replacement.

Application of the unit 

This competency applies to persons who are required to enter confined space, for maintenance purposes, for cleaning, inspection or other reasons. It is required by all persons who are required to enter a confined space, as defined by the standard AS2865, or its authorised update or replacement.

This unit includes:

• preparing to enter the confined space
• checking the preparations against the permit conditions
• entering the confined space.

AS2865 requires reassessment 'at appropriate intervals'. The industry regards reassessment on a two to three year cycle as good practice.

It is expected that all standby persons will also be competent to enter confined space. See MSAPMPER202A Observe permit work  for the standby person competency.

The issuing of confined space permits is covered by MSAPMPER300B Issue work permits .

Some sites and situations will require competency in associated units as a site corequisite. Some of these possible units are identified in the Overview of Assessment. These additional units should be accessed and may be combined by the RTO as a skills set if appropriate.

Pre-requisite Units 

MSAPMPER200C 

Work in accordance with an issued permit 

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Assess confined space for entry

1.1. Confirm and verify the purpose of the required entry.

1.2. Identify and assess hazards within/around the confined space.

1.3. Check a risk assessment associated with entry of the confined space has been conducted and documented.

1.4. Identify and document relevant controls.

1.5. Take appropriate steps to ensure confined space is ready for entry.

1.6. Check the incident/emergency response plan is appropriate to the job

1.7. Rehearse own role in an incident/emergency response

1.8. Confirm and verify that the conditions of the permit reflect the risk assessment

1.9. Check the confined space is ready for entry.

2. Use safety equipment and PPE

2.1. Secure work site

2.2. Select, fit and wear designated PPE.

2.3. Select, test and use required instruments and monitors.

2.4. Challenge test atmosphere/atmospheric monitoring instrument if required before entry.

2.5. Confirm test/monitoring results show entry is safe

3. Work in accordance with confined space requirements.

3.1. Enter confined space safely

3.2. Work in compliance with permit requirements.

3.3. Arrange re authorisation/reissue of permits as required.

3.4. Complete confined space working documentation.

3.5. Maintain communications with all relevant personnel.

3.6. Take appropriate action if there is a change in risk/work environment.

4. Conclude confined space operations in accordance with procedures.

4.1. Recover, clean, service and store equipment.

4.2. Complete required final documentation.

4.3. Report any issues.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills :

Competence includes the ability to:

• access and interpret information relevant to specific tasks (eg labels, MSDSs hazchem signs)
• access and apply hazard controls
• identify changes to conditions which may lead to the permit being revoked before the job is completed
• describe and/or explain hazards associated with tasks covered by the permit, types of tests required for the issue of work permits - the types of tests to include, atmospheric/oxygen/ breathability, flammability/explosivity, toxicity/TWA, temperature, humidity
• interpret and respond to gas test/monitoring results/information.
• identify a change in work conditions, possible new hazards and so the required hazard controls and obtain revalidation of permit
• implement hazard controls

Language , literacy and numeracy requirements 

This unit requires the ability to:

• read and correctly interpret required documentation relevant to the entry
• speak clearly and unambiguously in English
• explain, describe and verify sometimes complex needs and issues
• understand the permit requirements.

Writing is required to the level of completing workplace forms and producing any required reports.

Numeracy is required to the level of being able to correctly differentiate between high and low pressures and temperatures, voltages or masses and interpret gas test/monitoring results.

Required knowledge :

Knowledge and understanding of the relevant OHS and environmental requirements, in particular those relating to various situations requiring work permits, with an ability to implement the requirements in a manner that is relevant to the job. Knowledge of the organisation's standard procedures and work instructions and relevant regulatory requirements along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and in a manner relevant to the job.

Sufficient knowledge of all types of permits is required to ensure work is not carried out without the correct written authority.

Knowledge of regulatory frameworks should include:

• OHS
• EPA
• OHS authorities and ASCC/NOHSC/state CSE regulations
• licence requirements
• company/organisation policy and permit control systems
• other relevant standards.

Knowledge of and the application to the job of relevant legislation and AS2865/2009, or its authorised update or replacement, is essential. Australian Standard HB 213-2003 Guidelines for Safe Working in Confined Spaces, or its relevant replacement, is also a useful reference.

Knowledge of the organisation's confined space procedures is required.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Assessment of this unit may be undertaken as an individual unit or in combination with other relevant units. Other possible relevant units include:

• RIIRIS201AConduct local risk control
• RIIOHS204AWork safely at heights
• MSAPMOHS200A Work safely
• MSAPMOHS216A Operate breathing apparatus
• MSAPMOHS217A Gas test atmospheres
• MSAPMPER200B Work in accordance with an issued permit
• MSAPMPER202A Observe permit work
• PUASAR005A Undertake confined space rescue.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Competence must be demonstrated in the ability to distinguish between situations requiring different permits and to list the major applications and scope of each type of permit.

The emphasis should be on the ability to stay out of trouble rather than on recovery from a disaster.

As working in a confined space is inherently hazardous it is essential that the worker be able to demonstrate:

• recognition of a confined space
• the ability to work within a confined space
• compliance with the permit conditions
• recognition and control of atmospheric hazards
• use of confined space entry and exit equipment relevant to the site/job
• selection, use and maintenance of appropriate PPE
• use of communication equipment and processes applicable to confined space work
• completion of documents and records relevant to confined space work
• understanding of and the ability to initiate incident/emergency response plan.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that:

• communications are timely and effective
• deviations from permit conditions are recognised, reported and corrected and the permit is re-authorised or re-issued by competent person
• actions specified in the permit/standard procedures are carried out
• all safety procedures are followed.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Competence in this unit should be determined by a practical demonstration of a confined space entry. This may be achieved:

• by using a suitable simulation based on an actual plant AND
• by questioning and using 'what if' scenarios

In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practical/ simulation or similar assessment. Assessors need to be aware of any cultural issues that may affect responses to questions.

This section should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement for this unit of competency. Resources required include suitable access to a plant or equipment that allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios and questions which will be used to probe the reasoning behind the observable actions will also be required to the extent that they form part of the assessment method. Questioning may take place either in the workplace, or in an adjacent, quiet facility such as an office or lunchroom. No other special resources are required.

Method of assessment 

Guidance information for assessment 

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed and the safety standard required.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicized wording, if used in the Performance Criteria, is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Codes of practice / standards 

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version/version specified by the local regulatory authority must be used.

Confined space 

The Australian standard (AS2865-2009) definition given for confined space is used in this Training Package, i.e.:

'An enclosed or partially enclosed space that is not intended or designed primarily for human occupancy, within which there is a risk of one or more of the following:

(a) An oxygen concentration outside the safe oxygen range.

(b) A concentration of airborne contaminant that may cause impairment, loss of consciousness or asphyxiation.

(c) A concentration of flammable airborne contaminant that may cause injury from fire or explosion.

(d) Engulfment in a stored free-flowing solid or a rising level of liquid that may cause suffocation or drowning.'

Entry 

Entry to a confined space is defined by AS2865 as:

'when a person's head or upper body is within the boundary of the confined space.

NOTE: Inserting an arm for the purpose of atmospheric testing is not considered as entry to a confined space.'

Procedures 

All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.

Procedures include all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards. These may include:

• legislation/codes
• OHS legislation, codes of practice and guidance material
• EPA
• National and Australian standards
• licence and certification requirements where relevant
• internal permit control system
• process isolations complete
• mechanical and electrical isolations in place
• atmospheric testing complete and atmosphere safe or if not safe and cannot be made safe then appropriate measures are implemented as per procedures
• relevant personnel informed of work and agree that it is safe and appropriate to proceed
• communication protocols with particular reference to organisation confined space requirements.

Ready for entry 

Checking the confined space is ready for entry includes checking:

• isolations are complete and appropriate
• isolation provide positive isolation
• atmosphere is safe (or if necessary relevant measure are in place to ensure safe entry into an unsafe atmosphere)
• safe entry and exit methods are in place
• other items to ensure compliance with procedures, permits, relevant legislation and AS2865.

Appropriate steps to be taken if the confined space is not ready for entry may include reporting deficiencies and refusing to enter the space.

Conditions of the permit 

Conditions of the permit include all hazard controls.

Permit conditions may require atmospheric testing/monitoring in which case MSAPMOHS217A Gas test atmospheres will also be required.

Secure work site 

Secure work site includes selecting and erecting/deploying required:

• protective equipment,
• apparatus
• signs
• barriers
• etc

as defined in the confined space entry permit requirements, AS2865 and other relevant requirements.

Designated PPE 

Designated PPE (personal protective clothing and equipment) may include:

• eye protection (e.g. goggles)
• ear protection
• gloves
• clothing
• respiratory protection
• helmets
• safety footwear
• lifelines and harnesses
• personal monitors and alarms
• other relevant PPE

as defined in the confined space entry procedures and permit requirements

Required instruments and monitors 

Required instruments and monitors include:

• instruments used for pre entry testing appropriate to the hazards
• continuous monitors appropriate for the hazards
• other devices used to test the confined space atmosphere:

as required by the permit conditions

Re-authorisation / reissue of permits 

Re-authorisation/reissue of permits may be required when:

• there is any change to work undertaken
• the work situation changes
• there is a gap in work continuity
• the permit requires it
• other site rules require it
• other reasons

Confined space permit 

The confined space permit should meet the requirements of AS2865 - 2009 or other appropriate standard

Working documentation 

Working documentation includes:

• entry/exit/re-entry logs
• other documentation required by AS2865 (eg s2.9)
• other documentation required by the permit(s)
• other documentation required by the site etc.

Appropriate action if there is a change in risk 

Appropriate action if there is a change in risk includes any or all of:

• seeking revalidation of the permit
• evacuating the confined space
• instigating/undertaking testing
• raising the alarm
• initiating the emergency/incident response plan
• other relevant action.

Final documentation 

Final documentation includes:

• signing off of permit
• documentation related to equipment used
• other required records.

Reporting of issues 

Reporting of issues includes:

• feedback re the work and methods of improving the work process
• signs and symptoms of operational stress,
• equipment malfunctions
• wear and tear of equipment, tools etc
• condition of safety/rescue equipment
• observations of the condition of the confined space

within the level of competence of the person making the report.

Hazards 

Typical may hazards include:

• heat, smoke, dust or other atmospheric hazards
• sharp edges, protrusions or obstructions
• limited head spaces or overhangs
• equipment or product mass
• slippery surfaces, spills or leaks
• noise, rotational equipment or vibration
• high/low oxygen content
• hazardous atmospheres (eg combustible, toxic)
• entrapment
• engulfment
• heat stress
• claustrophobia
• external hazards that may impact on the safety of those working in the confined space (eg exhaust fume, or other hazardous vapours, being drawn into the confined space by ventilation fans)
• other hazards eg as identified in AS2865.

Variables 

Key variables to be monitored include:

• sites under which permit activities must be applied
• type of permit(s) to be executed
• types of tools and equipment to be employed
• size of work team
• scope and urgency of work
• persons in the confined space/rotation of people in confined space
• environmental conditions (eg weather).

Health , safety and environment  (HSE )

All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent health, safety and environment requirements, which may be imposed through State or Federal legislation, and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between performance criteria and HSE requirements, the HSE requirements take precedence.

Unit Sector 

Competency Field 

Co-requisite Units