Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Assess confined space for entry .

1.1 Check OHS manuals, standard workplace instructions and policies dealing with working in confined spaces .

1.2 Confirm purpose for entry to confined space.

1.3 Conduct risk assessment  of confined space access activity and document according to organisational, legislative and regulatory requirements.

1.4 Review established emergency procedures to be put in place as required.

2 Plan and prepare for entry .

2.1 Identify workplace procedures and work instructions  for controlling risks in confined spaces and use to plan entry.

2.2 Record on entry permit safety equipment and personal protective equipment  to be used.

2.3 Conduct isolation procedures prior to entry when appropriate to planned entry.

2.4 Conduct atmospheric assessment of confined space and record results on entry permit.

2.5 Set up and locate equipment specified on entry permit.

2.6 Confirm communication and emergency response procedures with the stand-by person.

2.7 Complete and process entry permit authorising entry to confined space following required procedures.

3 Enter confined space safely .

3.1 Select, fit and use personal protective equipment specified on entry permit.

3.2 Ensure entry permit is signed prior to entering confined space.

3.3 Ensure entry to confined space is controlled according to requirements specified in entry permit.

3.4 Continue atmospheric monitoring while the confined space is occupied.

3.5 Maintain communication with stand-by person and confined space entry personnel.

3.6 Complete task to be undertaken in confined space according to organisational procedures and safe work practices.

4 Conclude confined space operations .

4.1 Ensure confined space is evacuated and sign-out is completed on entry permit.

4.2 Ensure signature of authorised person on entry permit is gained at completion of operations.

4.3 Ensure confined space entry equipment is cleaned, examined and stored according to manufacturer and organisational requirements.

4.4 Ensure confined space is secured according to organisational requirements.

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

Required skills :

• work in accordance with risk assessments and entry permits
• apply relevant Australian and New Zealand standard AS/NZS 2865: 2001 Safe Working in Confined Spaces
• perform work-related calculations
• identify and control hazards in confined spaces
• fit personal protective equipment
• conduct atmospheric assessments with electronic gas detector
• maintain equipment
• prepare space for entry
• access, interpret and apply relevant legislative responsibilities
• identify and report hazards
• communicate effectively in the workplace
• work effectively as part of a team
• use literacy skills in regard to verbal and written communication in the workplace
• complete relevant workplace records and reports

Required knowledge :

• types of confined spaces encountered in the water industry
• organisational procedures for confined space entry
• safe systems of work
• use of equipment for confined space entry
• hazards to health and safety in confined spaces
• hazard identification procedures
• OHS requirements for confined space entry
• atmospheric hazards and assessment methods
• site and equipment safety requirements
• isolation procedures
• lock-out and tag-out procedures
• first aid
• emergency procedures

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.

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

The candidate should demonstrate the ability to work safely in confined spaces by:

• planning work in confined spaces effectively
• identifying and using specified and required safety equipment
• applying entry permit process accurately and according to specified procedures
• applying OHS requirements in relation to working in confined spaces within the water industry
• assessing risks
• working effectively with team members and in particular the stand-by person
• conducting air monitoring procedures
• working effectively within confined spaces to complete required tasks
• completing work and exiting confined space
• completing required documentation
• handling, cleaning and maintaining equipment effectively and according to standard operating procedures

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Access to the workplace and resources including:

• documentation that should normally be available in a water industry organisation
• relevant codes, standards and government regulations

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

• competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace
• where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice
• a decision of competence should only be made when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's competence over time and in various contexts
• all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence
• where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (RCC/RPL), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time
• assessment can be through simulated project-based activity and must include evidence relating to each of the elements in this unit

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge. Questioning will be undertaken in a manner appropriate to the skill levels of the operator and cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and will reflect the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.

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 italicised  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 of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Confined spaces  may include:

• water pipe systems and tunnels
• access chambers, manholes and shafts
• valve pits and sumps
• live or inactive sewer mains
• wastewater pump wells
• tanks, such as water and chemical storage, digesters and filter cells
• stormwater systems and environmental traps
• trenches

Risk assessment  of the confined space access activity may include analysis of:

• restricted means of entry and exit
• atmosphere that contains potentially harmful levels of contaminants
• unsafe oxygen levels
• engulfment hazards and need for hydraulic isolation
• working with hazardous equipment and materials
• working in hot or cold conditions
• working in high places

Workplace procedures and work instructions  may include:

• application of entry permit procedures
• hazard policies and procedures
• emergency, engulfment, fire and accident procedures
• procedures for the use of personal protective clothing and equipment
• hazard identification and issue resolution procedures
• job procedures and work instructions

Safety equipment and personal protective equipment  will vary according to nature of work undertaken but may include:

• self-rescue respiratory protection devices
• self-contained compressed air breathing apparatus
• supplied airline breathing apparatus and escape breathing apparatus
• atmospheric monitoring devices
• harness and lifeline
• fall arrest and winching system
• ventilation equipment
• signs
• barricades
• communication devices
• tools and equipment relevant to work to be performed
• waterproof overalls
• non-slip safety footwear
• hard hat
• protective gloves