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.

Release1.0. 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 DEFOH015B Control entry to confined spaces.

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

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to control entry to confined spaces.

It includes the skills required to control entry and egress to confined spaces. While exercising the control of entry to confined space may not require the competency to enter confined space, it requires awareness of the legislative requirements and organisational procedures related to confined space entry.

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

This unit applies to Defence personnel involved in the control of entry to confined spaces as a workplace responsibility but 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.

Not applicable.

Work health and safety

Not applicable.

ELEMENTS 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1  

Plan and prepare for control of confined space entry 

1.1 

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

1.2 

Identify confined space entry permit and any requirements or limitations

1.3 

Confirm team and individual roles and responsibilities through question and answer

2 

Control access and egress to confined space 

2.1 

Monitor and record entry and egress of the confined space in accordance with work permit conditions

2.2 

Maintain verbal and non-verbal communication and consultation with the confined space entry team in accordance with work permit conditions

2.3 

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 DEFOH015B Control entry to confined spaces.

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.

Release1.0. 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
• analysing relevant workplace data to identify hazards, assess risks and evaluate effectiveness of WHS control measures
• analysing working environment to identify hazards, assess risks and design and implement appropriate WHS control measures
• assessing the resources needed to establish and maintain systematic approaches to managing WHS including a range of control measures
• operating equipment pertinent to the control of confined space entry
• 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:

• appropriate emergency response procedures
• appropriate signage, symbols, labels and barriers
• entry permit procedures
• incident and accident investigation including WHS record keeping
• risk management principles and application of appropriate measures including hierarchy of control
• role of technical information and experts in designing control measures, and monitoring systems
• training and competency requirements for confined space entry.

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.