MSMPER200

Work in accordance with an issued permit

Elements describe the essential outcomes

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

1

Assess confined space for entry

1.1

Confirm the purpose of the required entry

1.2

Check the documented risk assessment associated with the entry to the confined space

1.3

Identify and assess hazards within/around the confined space

1.4

Identify hazard controls and check they are functional and appropriate.

1.5

Check the incident/emergency response plan is appropriate to the job

1.6

Rehearse own role in an incident/emergency response

1.7

Confirm and verify that the conditions of the permit reflect the risk assessment

1.8

Ensure the confined space is ready for entry

2

Use safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE)

2.1

Secure the worksite

2.2

Select, fit and wear designated PPE

2.3

Select, test and use required instruments and monitors

2.4

Challenge test atmosphere/atmospheric monitoring instrument if required before entry

2.5

Confirm test/monitoring results show entry is safe

3

Work in accordance with confined space requirements

3.1

Enter confined space safely

3.2

Work in compliance with permit requirements

3.3

Arrange re-authorisation/reissue of permits as required

3.4

Complete confined space working documentation

3.5

Maintain communications with all relevant personnel

3.6

Monitor atmosphere within the confined space as required by the permit

3.7

Monitor environment around the confined space for relevant changes

3.8

Take appropriate action if there is a change in risk/work environment

4

Conclude confined space operations in accordance with procedures

4.1

Recover, clean, service and store equipment

4.2

Complete required final documentation

4.3

Report any issues

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Regulatory framework 

The latest version of all legislation, regulations, industry codes of practice and Australian/international standards, or the version specified by the local regulatory authority, must be used, and include one or more of the following:

• legislative requirements, including work health and safety (WHS)
• industry codes of practice and guidelines
• environmental regulations and guidelines
• Australian and other standards
• licence and certification requirements
• AS 2865-2009 Confined spaces

All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent health, safety and environment (HSE) requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation, and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between performance criteria and HSE requirements, the HSE requirements take precedence.

Procedures 

All operations must be performed in accordance with relevant procedures.

Procedures are written, verbal, visual, computer-based or in some other form, and include one or more of the following:

• permit to work system
• emergency procedures
• work instructions
• standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• safe work method statements (SWMS)
• temporary instructions
• any similar instructions provided for the smooth running of the plant

Confined space permit 

The confined space permit must meet the requirements of AS 2865-2009 Confined spaces, its authorised replacement or other appropriate standard.

Conditions of the permit include:

• hazard controls
• PPE
• instruments and monitors to be used
• re-authorisation/reissue requirements
• other specifications for the work

Ready for entry 

Checking the confined space is ready for entry includes checking:

• isolations are complete and appropriate
• isolation complies with regulations, standards and procedures
• atmosphere is safe (or if necessary relevant measures are in place to ensure safe entry into an unsafe atmosphere)
• safe entry and exit methods are in place
• other items to ensure compliance with procedures, permits, relevant legislation and AS 2865-2009 Confined spaces.

Where the confined space is not ready for entry appropriate steps must be taken, including reporting deficiencies and/or refusing to enter the space.

Secure worksite 

Securing the worksite includes selecting and erecting/deploying one or more of the following:

• signs
• barriers
• other requirements as defined in the confined space entry permit requirements, AS 2865-2009 Confined spaces and other relevant requirements

Tools and equipment 

Tools and equipment include one or more of the following:

• instruments and monitors:
• instruments used for pre-entry testing appropriate to the hazards
• continuous monitors appropriate for the hazards
• other devices used to test the confined space atmosphere
• PPE, such as:

• eye protection
• ear protection
• gloves
• clothing
• respiratory protection
• helmets
• safety footwear
• lifelines and harnesses
• personal monitors and alarms
• other relevant PPE

• communication equipment
• voice/visual contact
• lifeline communication
• radio communication
• other relevant communication aids

Re-authorisation /reissue of permits 

Requirements for re-authorisation/reissue of permits are required by one or more of the following situations:

• there is any change to work scope or method
• the work situation/workplace conditions changes
• there are deviations from permit conditions
• there is a gap in work continuity
• other site rules require it

Working documentation 

Working documentation includes one or more of the following:

• entry/exit/re-entry logs
• other documentation required by AS 2865-2009 Confined spaces (e.g. Section 2.9)
• other documentation required by the permit
• other documentation required by the site

Appropriate action if there is a change in risk 

Where there is a change in risk/work environment appropriate action includes one or more of the following:

• seeking revalidation of the permit
• evacuating the confined space
• instigating/undertaking testing
• raising the alarm
• initiating the emergency/incident response plan
• other relevant action defined in permit conditions or site procedures

Final documentation 

Final documentation includes one or more of the following:

• signing-off of permit
• documentation related to equipment used
• other required records

Reporting of issues 

Reporting of issues includes:

• feedback about the work and methods of improving the work process
• signs and symptoms of operational stress
• equipment malfunctions
• wear and tear of equipment and tools
• condition of safety/rescue equipment
• observations about the condition of the confined space
• other issues that might arise

Hazards 

Hazards include one or more of the following:

• heat, smoke, dust or other atmospheric hazards
• sharp edges, protrusions or obstructions
• limited head spaces or overhangs
• equipment or product mass
• slippery surfaces, spills or leaks
• noise, rotational equipment or vibration
• high/low oxygen content
• hazardous atmospheres (e.g. combustible and toxic)
• entrapment
• engulfment
• heat stress
• claustrophobia
• external hazards that may impact on the safety of those working in the confined space (e.g. exhaust fume or other hazardous vapours being drawn into the confined space by ventilation fans)
• other hazards as identified in AS 2865-2009 Confined spaces
• electricity
• gases and liquids under pressure
• structural hazards/collapse
• equipment failures
• industrial (machinery, equipment and product)
• equipment or product mass
• working where there is a reasonable risk of a fall
• flammability and explosivity
• unauthorised personnel
• extreme weather
• other hazards that might arise