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 DEFOH014B Test confined space environment.

• Unit code updated
• Content and formatting updated to comply with the new standards
• All PC transitioned from passive to active voice
• PC 2.4 removed
• PC 2.2 and 2.3 merged.

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to test confined space environment to ensure safe entry and egress.

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 for and conduct test procedures, and all post test procedures.

This unit applies to Defence personnel involved in the testing of confined space environments as a workplace responsibility but is applicable to all individuals who work in this field. Those undertaking this unit must demonstrate the ability to 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.

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 environmental testing 

1.1 

Identify confined space potential contaminants

1.2 

Identify organisational restrictions or requirements pertinent to the confined space

1.3 

Identify, acquire and prepare equipment and resources required for testing

2 

Test confined space for contaminants/ threats 

2.1 

Obtain testing sample and conduct tests in accordance with testing protocols

2.2 

Record and analyse test results in accordance with testing protocols

3 

Finalise test/s 

3.1 

Complete documentation and reports

3.2 

Clean and refurbish testing equipment

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 DEFOH014B Test confined space environment.

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 testing
• identifying and reporting on contaminants/hazards
• operating test equipment
• reporting abnormalities
• maintaining records/documentation
• identifying intervention points for expert advice to assist in 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:

• analysis procedures
• engineering controls
• operating procedures of relevant test equipment
• principles of atmospheric monitoring
• sampling procedures
• testing protocols.

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.