Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Plan and prepare for entering and working in confined spaces

1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation  relevant to entering and working in confined spaces

1.2. Obtain, confirm and apply work instructions  relevant to the allotted task

1.3. Obtain, confirm and apply safety requirements  relevant to the allotted task

1.4. Obtained authorisation (entry permit ) to enter the confined space  is in accordance with regulatory requirements

1.5. Confirm the emergency response procedure is with the stand-by person

1.6. Identify, obtain and implement signage  and barrier requirements as required by the project plan

1.7. Select tools and equipment to carry out tasks that are consistent with the requirements of the job and check them for serviceability and rectify or report any faults

1.8. Identify, confirm and apply to the allotted task the environmental protection requirements  from the project environmental management plan

1.9. Position rescue equipment as required by the entry permit close to the point of entry

2. Enter and work in the confined space

2.1. Gain access  to the confined space

2.2. Ensure that the atmosphere is tested and monitored for harmful elements in accordance with procedures

2.3. Apply tagging and lock-out procedures as required

2.4. Enter the confined space according to agreed procedure

2.5. Maintain communication  with the stand-by person

2.6. Comply with entry permit requirements while carrying out designated work in confined space

2.7. Monitor and adhere to allocated entry time

3. Exit confined space

3.1. Exit confined space according to agreed procedure

3.2. Recover tools, equipment and materials from the confined space

3.3. Conduct inspection of the confined space

3.4. Secure access  according to site procedures

3.5. Remove tagging and lock-out according to site procedures

3.6. Complete confined space entry permit

4. Clean up

4.1. Clear work area and dispose of or recycle materials in accordance with project environmental management plan

4.2. Clean, check, maintain and store tools and equipment  in accordance recommendations and standard work practices

4.3. Remove, clean and store barriers and signs

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

Specific skills are required to achieve the performance criteria in this unit, particularly for the application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be applied. This includes the ability to carry out the following as required to enter and work in confined spaces:

• apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures
• apply operational, maintenance and basic diagnostic procedures
• apply materials handling methods
• use atmospheric monitoring devices
• interpret JSAs/Safe work method statements

Required knowledge 

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the performance criteria of this unit, particularly its application in a variety of circumstances in which the unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following as required to enter and work in confined spaces:

• site and equipment safety requirements
• confined space entry and exit procedures, risks and regulations
• air contaminants and toxic gases
• breathing apparatus limitations
• equipment types, characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations
• site isolation and site control responsibilities and authorities
• materials safety data sheets (MSDS)
• project quality requirements
• industry terminology
• state and territory interpretations of a confined space

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:

• knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for entering and working in confined spaces
• implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion for entering and working in confined spaces
• working with others to undertake and complete the entering and working in confined spaces that meet all of the required outcomes
• consistent timely completion of entering and working in confined spaces that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

• This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
• The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.
• Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.
• Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.
• Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in the work environment. Selection and use of resources for particular work sites may differ due to site circumstances.
• Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
• Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

Method of assessment 

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:

• written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge
• observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

• implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes
• consistently achieving the required outcomes

• first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

• working with others to undertake and complete the entering and working in confined spaces

Guidance information for assessment 

• Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Relevant compliance documentation  may include:

• legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures
• manufacturer's guidelines and specifications
• Australian standards
• code of practice
• Employment and Workplace Relations legislation
• Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Work instructions  may include:

• plans
• specifications
• quality requirements
• operational details

Safety requirements  may be included in:

• site safety plans
• organisational policies and procedures
• statutory/regulatory authorities which may include:

• federal
• state and
• local authorities

• verbal or written and graphical instructions
• signage
• work schedules/plans/specifications
• work bulletins
• charts and hand drawings
• memos
• maps
• materials safety data sheets (MSDS)
• diagrams or sketches
• safe work procedures or equivalent related to working in confined spaces
• regulatory/legislative requirements pertaining to working in confined spaces
• manufacturer's specifications and instructions
• organisation's work specifications and requirements
• instructions issued by authorised organisational or external personnel
• relevant Australian standards

Safety requirements  may include:

• OHS requirements
• personal protective clothing and equipment as prescribed under legislation, regulation and workplace policies and practices
• use of tools and equipment
• workplace environment and safety
• handling of materials
• use of fire fighting equipment
• use of First Aid equipment
• hazard control and hazardous materials and substances
• safe operating procedures including recognising and preventing hazards associated with working in confined spaces, working in proximity to others, worksite visitors and the public
• hazards and risks may include but not be limited to fires, underground services, excavations, traffic, hazardous materials, contaminated atmosphere and toxic gases
• risks associated with confined spaces may include but not be limited to restricted means of entry and exit, atmosphere which contains potentially harmful levels of contaminant, unsafe oxygen levels or engulfment
• respiratory protection devices are to include but not be limited to air purifying respirators and may include self contained compressed air breathing apparatus, supplied airline breathing apparatus and escape breathing apparatus and atmospheric monitoring devices

Confined space entry permit , or work permits, may include:

• location of work
• duration of work
• size of work crew
• atmospheric testing requirements
• personal protective equipment
• hot work
• stand-by personnel
• rescue arrangements
• other precautions (signs, barriers)
• authorisation

Confined spaces  may include:

• storage tanks, tank cars, process vessels, boilers, pressure vessels, silos and other tank-like compartments
• open-topped spaces such as pits or degreasers
• pipes, sewers, shafts, ducts and similar structures
• shipboard spaces entered through a small hatchway or access point, cargo tanks, cellular double bottom tanks, duct keels, ballast and oil tanks and void spaces (but not including dry cargo holds)

Signage  may include:

• site safety signage
• temporary signage for the benefit of motorists
• pedestrians and barricades

Environmental protection requirements  may include:

• organisational/project environmental management plan
• waste management
• water quality protection
• noise
• vibration
• dust
• clean-up management

Gain access  may include:

• removing access cover
• installing and securing ladder

Communications  may include:

• verbal instructions
• fault reporting
• 2-way radio
• hand signals
• mobile phone
• site specific instructions
• written instructions
• instructions related to job/task

Secure access  may include:

• replacing or closing off access cover

Tools and equipment  may include:

• harness and lifeline
• respirator apparatus
• atmospheric testing equipment
• signs
• barricades
• communication devices
• tools and equipment relevant to the work to be performed