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 DEFOH013B Enter confined space.

• Unit code updated
• Content and formatting updated to comply with the new standards
• All PC transitioned from passive to active voice
• PC 1.3, 1.5 and 2.7 removed.

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to enter confined spaces. 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 the skills required to prepare to enter confined spaces and to finalise egress at the conclusion of the task/s.

This unit applies to Defence personnel involved in entering confined spaces as a workplace responsibility, but it 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.

An individual undertakes this as part of a team in conjunction with other individuals who also have this competency. It is expected that one or more of the team members, or a team member not working in the confined space, will hold a current, recognised, first aid certificate.

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  

Prepare for confined space entry 

1.1 

Identify and confirm requirement for confined space entry from work requests/instructions

1.2 

Identify duration of and limitations on the tasks to be performed in the confined space

1.3 

Identify, acquire and prepare equipment and resources required for the confined space entry

1.4 

Prepare confined space for entry

1.5 

Confirm and delegate team and individual roles and responsibilities within the team

1.6 

Conduct pre-entry tests and checks in accordance with organisational and manufacturers’ requirements

2 

Enter confined spaces 

2.1 

Identify entry/egress points

2.2 

Monitor environmental conditions

2.3 

Maintain verbal and non-verbal communication

2.4 

Operate equipment and resources in accordance with manufacturers’ requirements and organisational procedures

2.5 

Adhere to entry permit conditions

2.6 

Recognise and respond to unexpected situations

3 

Finalise confined space entry 

3.1 

Exit confined space

3.2 

Clean and refurbish equipment

3.3 

Complete documentation and reports

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 DEFOH013B Enter 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
• assessing risks and applying effective risk control measures
• communicating effectively
• identifying and reporting hazards
• identifying stored energy sources
• operating equipment pertinent to the confined space entry and task to be performed
• reporting abnormalities
• identifying intervention points for expert advice to assist work and to guide problem solving.

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:

• applicable organisational procedures and documents
• appropriate signage and protective barriers
• risk assessment procedures
• safety equipment operations
• work methods analysis.

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.