Modification History
Not applicable.
Unit Descriptor
Unit Descriptor |
This unit covers the competency required to undertake rescue in confined spaces as a member of a single agency or multi-disciplinary team. |
Application of the Unit
Not applicable.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not applicable.
Pre-Requisites
Pre-requisite Unit /s |
Nil - refer to the Application of the Unit |
Application of the Unit |
The application of this unit in the workplace covers a range of confined space rescue situations. The unit is typically performed by personnel from emergency services and/or volunteer organisations or organisations where confined space work is undertaken. In the context of the Fire Sector the following units are pre-requisite units:
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Employability Skills Information
Employability Skills |
This unit contains employability skills. |
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
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. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Prepare for confined space rescue operation |
1.1 Operation and task information is obtained from a variety of sources and analysed, and team roles are confirmed 1.2 Appropriate rescue equipment is identified and selected based on incident information as directed by supervisor 1.3 Personal protective equipment is selected relevant to the nature of the confined space rescue operation 1.4 Any further details of the nature of the rescue are received en route 1.5 Anticipated hazards and associated risks are discussed with rescue team members whilst on route |
2. Assess and manage confined space /trench rescue |
2.1 Confined space is assessed, hazards and risks are identified, and appropriate control and ongoing monitoring processes are put in place 2.2 Physical features of confined space rescue scene are assessed before deploying rescue resources 2.3 Rescue is managed to control access and to maintain a safe and effective operational environment 2.4 Situational and environmental hazards are assessed, minimised and controlled 2.5 Communication with other personnel on site is established and maintained |
3. Determine location and condition of casualties |
3.1 Assessment of incident scene is undertaken to determine possible location of casualties 3.2 Appropriate equipment is used to assist in the location of casualties 3.3 Evidence of location of casualties within confined space is collected and reported 3.4 Condition of casualties and nature of entrapment is ascertained where possible 3.5 Hygiene procedures are applied in accordance with organisational procedures |
4. Gain entry to confined space |
4.1 Entry permit is located and relevant information is obtained if available 4.2 Atmosphere is monitored in accordance with AS 2865-2009 Confined spaces 4.3 Appropriate ventilation procedures are implemented, where required 4.4 Appropriate respiratory protection is used in irrespirable atmospheres, where required 4.5 Techniques and equipment are employed to access the casualty 4.6 Located casualties are treated in consultation with medical personnel and in accordance with organisational policies |
5. Remove casualties |
5.1 Casualties are removed in accordance with organisational procedures 5.2 Appropriate actions are taken to preserve the incident scene and to collect evidence , where possible |
6. Conclude rescue operations |
6.1 Equipment is recovered, cleaned and serviced according to organisational standards and manufacturer's guidelines 6.2 Signs and symptoms of operational stress are recognised and promptly reported 6.3 Operational documentation is completed to organisational standards |
Required Skills and Knowledge
REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE |
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Required Skills |
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Required Knowledge |
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Evidence Guide
EVIDENCE GUIDE |
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The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
Consistency in performance Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual and/or simulated workplace environments. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment |
Context of assessment Competency should be assessed in an industry-approved simulated and/or workplace environment involving confined space rescues using a range of equipment. Specific resources for assessment Access is required to:
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Method of assessment |
In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook. Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment. Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:
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Range Statement
RANGE STATEMENT |
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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. |
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Confined space is defined in |
AS 2865-2009 Confined spaces |
Rescue equipment may include |
Airline equipment Atmospheric monitoring equipment Communications Escape sets and harnesses Hauling systems Life rescue line Litters/stretchers Isolation equipment Ropes/tapes Self-contained breathing apparatus/airline Tripods/edge management Ventilation and purging equipment |
Personal protective equipment may include |
Airlines Atmospheric monitoring equipment Chemical splash suit/fully encapsulated gas-tight suits Gloves Hearing protection aids Helmets Safety glasses Self-contained breathing apparatus |
Situational or environmental hazards may include |
Atmospheric contaminants (such as hydrogen sulphide) Dangerous goods or hazardous substance Engulfment Falls from heights or into depths Heat exhaustion or hypothermia Oxygen enrichment Oxygen deficiency Methane and carbon dioxide Moving machinery either electrical or mechanical Sewers and stormwater canals Stored energy Swift water |
Personnel may include |
Agency support Emergency services workers Local/state/territory government authorities Onsite staff Specialist advisors and safety authorities |
Preserving the incident scene may include |
Preserving evidence and related legal requirements |
Collecting evidence may include |
Entry permit Information received from bystanders Permit to work Witnesses and emergency services personnel |
Operational documentation may include |
Atmospheric monitoring procedures Entry control procedures Entry permits Equipment and rope logs Exposure records Tally boards |
Unit Sector(s)
Not applicable.