Unit of competency details

Release 

TP Version 

Comments 

2

DEF12V2

Removal of repetitive Performance Criteria Statement

Application added

Minor change to Unit Descriptor and Range Statement

Changes to Evidence Guide

1

DEF12V1

Primary release.

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.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare for environmental testing 

1.1 Confined space potential contaminants  are identified.

1.2 Organisational restrictions or requirements pertinent to the confined space are identified.

1.3 Equipment and resources  required for the testing are identified, acquired and prepared .

1.4 Work health and safety (WHS) requirements  are applied throughout the testing procedures.

2. Test confined space for contaminants/ threats 

2.1 Testing sample  is obtained in accordance with testing protocols.

2.2 Tests are conducted and results are recorded  in accordance with testing protocols.

2.3 Test results  are analysed  in accordance with testing protocols.

2.4 Confined space environment is monitored .

3. Finalise test/s 

3.1 Documentation and reports  are completed.

3.2 Testing equipment is cleaned and refurbished .

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

Required Skills 

• access, read, interpret and apply information on testing
• analyse test results
• communicate effectively
• identify and report on contaminants/threats
• operate test equipment

Required Knowledge 

• analysis procedures
• engineering controls
• legislation, organisational policies and procedures relevant to confined space entry
• operating procedures of relevant test equipment
• principles of atmospheric monitoring
• sampling procedures
• testing protocols

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

Assessment must confirm the ability:

• plan and prepare for testing
• accurately record and analyse test results
• report abnormalities
• maintain records/documentation
• apply knowledge of relevant work health and safety legislative requirements
• apply principles and practices of work health and safety
• identify intervention points for expert advice to assist in work and to guide problem solving

Consistency in performance 

Evidence for competency in this unit must be gathered over time and across a range of workplace or simulated situations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in the workplace under conditions that accurately simulate a realistic workplace in accordance with all relevant legislation and organisation requirements.

Evidence should be gathered while observing the individual conducting an actual or simulated confined space environment test. Documented evidence of all relevant reports and tests of the activity should be submitted as evidence for assessment.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access to the organisational legislation, codes of practice, guidance material, policies/procedures and relevant equipment including PPE required to support testing of confined space environment.

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.

Potential contaminants  may include:

• Dusts/fumes/gases/vapours/particles
• Hazardous substances
• Liquids
• Noise
• Radiation (Ionising or non-ionising)

Equipment and resources  may include:

• Testing equipment as required by SOPs
• Testing equipment pertinent to the perceived contaminant/threat

Preparation of equipment and resources  may include:

• Testing equipment for safe operation (confidence testing) prescribed by manufacturer
• Testing equipment for serviceability

Work health and safety requirements  may include:

• General duty of care under WHS legislation and common law
• Provisions relating to health and safety representatives and/or WHS committees
• Provisions relating to WHS issue resolution state/territory/commonwealth WHS acts, regulations, codes of practice and guidance material relating to hazards present in workplace and industry

Testing sample  may include:

• Quantity required to obtain valid result
• Sending sample with appropriate paperwork to testing laboratory for specialised tests

Recording test results  may include:

• Manual or automated recording systems

Analysis of test results  may include:

• Comparison against known standards
• Determination of safe levels of contaminants/threats

Monitoring of the confined space environment  may include:

• Maintaining testing regime while in confined space, be it continuous or periodic, in accordance with entry plan and work permit
• Monitoring if determined under risk assessment
• Monitoring in response to work being undertaken in the space

Documentation and reports  may include:

• Testing equipment usage reports/logs
• Work permit completion after testing
• Written reports required by organisation

Cleaning and refurbishing testing equipment  may include:

• Decontamination procedures
• Disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Disposal of test samples
• Inspection, servicing and cleaning equipment ready for re-use or storage