Modification History
Not applicable.
Unit Descriptor
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Unit Descriptor |
This unit covers the competency required to identify actual or potential confined spaces prior to entering a confined space for work purposes. The unit 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 occupational health and safety (OH&S) concerns and seeking further advice and/or applying appropriate/relevant procedures when dealing with OH&S issues. |
Application of the Unit
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Application of the Unit |
The application of this unit in the workplace - the environments, complexities and situations involved - will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package. This text will be useful for the purposes of job descriptions, recruitment advice or job analysis; where possible, it will not be too job specific to allow other industries to import it into other Training Packages, where feasible. |
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not applicable.
Pre-Requisites
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Prerequisite Unit /s |
Nil |
Employability Skills Information
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Employability Skills |
This unit contains employability skills. |
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
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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 Required Skills and Knowledge and/or the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
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ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
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1. Recognise a confined space |
1.1 Personal protective equipment (PPE) required to identify a confined space is donned 1.2 Nature of the possible work space and its characteristics are reviewed 1.3 Possible work space is assessed for its potential to be a confined space 1.4 Precautions to be taken in the presence of a harmful atmosphere are determined in accordance with legislative and organisational requirements 1.5 Other hazards and factors associated with the possible work space are identified and assessed to determine the level of risk associated with that space 1.6 Where uncertainty exists about the possible work space's confined space potential, identification is referred to appropriate personnel /authority for further investigation and analysis in accordance with organisational procedures 1.7 Safety of possible work space is confirmed |
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2. Carry out appropriate action after identifying a confined space |
2.1 Organisational instructions are reviewed for the appropriate action in relation to work activities involving confined spaces 2.2 Potential occupational health and safety (OH&S) issues are identified and documented 2.3 Risk assessment is undertaken, documented and revised whenever there is evidence to indicate that it is no longer valid 2.4 Broad limitations the confined space may impose on work practices are documented |
Required Skills and Knowledge
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REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE |
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This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
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Required Skills |
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Required Knowledge |
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Evidence Guide
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EVIDENCE GUIDE |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Assessment must confirm the ability to observe and respond to changing circumstances and unusual situations in the workplace; to review relevant workplace documentation; to conduct a quality assurance check against previous recommendations; and to identify changes in workplace configurations. Consistency in performance Competency should be demonstrated identifying a range of confined spaces that could be expected in the workplace. |
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
Context of assessment Competency should be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace environment. Specific resources for assessment Access to relevant legislation, codes of practice, guidance material, policies/procedures and relevant equipment (including PPE required to identify a confined space). |
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Guidance information for assessment |
Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package. |
Range Statement
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RANGE STATEMENT |
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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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below. |
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Confined spaces may include |
Any compartment or area with limited opening for access either no escape route or very restricted means of escape, and with limited natural ventilation or an atmosphere containing more than 23.5% or less than 19.5% oxygen, and the capability of accumulating a toxic, flammable or explosive atmosphere, or of being flooded Examples of confined spaces may include:
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Personal protective equipment may include |
Breathing apparatus Gloves Helmet Protective clothing Protective footwear |
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Nature of the possible work space and its characteristics may include |
Biological hazards (viruses and bacteria, insects, snakes and vermin) Characteristics of the environment/atmosphere and its potential impact on equipment or the health of a worker operating in that space Electrical hazards Environmental hazards Noise Presence of hazardous substances, flammable contaminants Presence of materials which may result in engulfment, mechanical hazards (augers, agitators, conveyors) Ignition hazards (sources of heat, static or friction, non intrinsically safe plant, welding and cutting, electronic equipment, activities such as grinding chipping and sandblasting) Presence of unsafe oxygen levels Radiation Size of entry space, availability of exit route, size of space Structure of the confined space and the limitations such a structure imposes on work practices |
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Assessing a possible work space for its potential to be a confined space may include |
Continuous effective communication Emergency response procedures Hazards involved and associated risks involved with the actual method selected and equipment proposed to be used Nature and inherent hazards of the confined space Range of methods by which the work can be done Work required to be undertaken including the need to enter the confined space Provision of standby person/s where indicated by risk assessment Revising risk assessments whenever there is evidence to indicate that they are no longer valid Training and competence of the persons to undertake the work |
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Precautions to be taken in the presence of a harmful atmosphere may include |
Appropriate signage warning of the dangers and special precautions to be taken when operating in that environment Climbing equipment or ladders Lifelines Obstructions that limit access to or from areas within the confined space Requirements for special breathing apparatus Restrictions on activities that may be undertaken without specific action such as exhausting volatile gases before welding Special clothing Special equipment/clothing to counter slippery surfaces, protect exposed skin, hearing or sparks Time limit on exposure necessitating rotation of personnel through confined space in order to complete the task that initiated the entry requirement |
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Other hazards and factors may include |
Contaminants encountered such as in the manufacturing process, stored substances and their by-products and/or biological hazards such as bacteria, viruses, fungi Excessive noise or other radiation levels when equipment is operated in the confined space environment or from adjacent activities Falls, trips and slips Inability to observe safe distance from some operating equipments Inadequate lighting Inappropriate manual handling Restrictions on entry and egress which could also severely limit contingency planning Restrictions on gas or electrical welding, use of pneumatic equipment Restrictions on operating equipment in the confined space due to physical restrictions to the normal operation/manoeuvre of the equipment |
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Appropriate personnel /authority may include |
OH&S representative Supervisor |
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Confirming the safety of a possible work space includes confirming that the work space is either |
Confirmed as not safe for work or Confirmed as an actual confined space or Confirmed as a potential confined space and monitored for any change in its status |
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Organisational instructions may include |
Australian or international standards Exposure standards Job safety analysis (JSA) Legislation, including state/territory/commonwealth OH&S Acts, regulations, codes of practice and guidance material relating to hazards present in the workplace and industry, and associated with entry to confined spaces including legislation specific to confined space work Manufacturers' specifications Organisational policies and procedures Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) Task analysis |
Unit Sector(s)
Not applicable.
Corequisite Unit/s
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Co-requisite Unit /s |
Nil |
