Unit of competency

Modification History

Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to supervise work in confined spaces in the resources and infrastructure industries.

It applies to those working in supervisory roles. They are generally responsible for the output of others, contribute to the development of technical solutions to non-routine problems and apply management plans to the workplace.

Licensing, legislative and certification requirements that apply to this unit can vary between states, territories and industry sectors. Users must check requirements with relevant body before applying the unit.

Note: The terms Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and Work Health and Safety (WHS) are equivalent and generally either can be used in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the National Model WHS Legislation has not been implemented RTOs are advised to contextualise the unit of competency by referring to the existing State/Territory OHS legislative requirements.

Elements and Performance Criteria

Foundation Skills

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance but not explicit in the performance criteria.

Unit Mapping Information

Supersedes and is equivalent to RIIWHS401D Supervise work in confined spaces.

Links

Companion Volume implementation guides is found on VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=88a61002-9a21-4386-aaf8-69c76e675272

Assessment requirements

Modification History

Performance Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including evidence of the ability to:

• supervise work in confined spaces on at least two occasions, including:

• performing task analysis to carry out risk assessment, and prepare for emergency procedures
• preparing a written safe operating procedure and checklist for confined space work activities
• preparing required permits prior to work activity
• determining requirements and applying procedures for working in confined spaces
• sourcing and allocating required resources for confined space activities
• providing clear instructions and coordinating of activities throughout working in confined space activity
• establishing and applying effective communication techniques to others throughout the work activity
• applying atmospheric contaminants measurement procedures
• supervising work activities and correcting work activity when required
• training others to carry out first response, first aid and fire- fighting techniques
• maintaining written training records
• maintaining written record of hazards, risk assessments, outcomes and controls used.

During the above, the candidate must:

• locate and apply relevant legislation, documentation, policies and procedures and confirm that the work activity is compliant
• implement the requirements, procedures and techniques for supervising work in confined spaces
• work effectively with others to supervise work in confined spaces in a way that meets all required outcomes
• communicate clearly and concisely with others to receive and clarify work instructions and to determine coordination requirements prior to commencing and during work activities.

Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including knowledge of:

• key legislation required to supervise work in confined spaces
• key policies, procedures and documentation required to supervise work in confined spaces
• principles and techniques for:

• performing the process of hazard identification, risk assessment and control
• applying workplace strategies for implementing confined space legislation
• determining the effects of atmospheric contaminants entering the respiratory system
• knowledge of the effects on the human body, including:

• oxygen deficiency
• toxic contaminants
• combustible contaminants
• physical hazards, including engulfment and entrapment
• physiological conditions, including asthma, epilepsy, phobias and physical fitness
• risks to workers handling hazardous substances in confined spaces
• risks from electric shock, explosion or fire, temperature changes, noise, and trips, slips and falls

• establishing control measures
• using methods of systems isolation
• preparing written Safe Operating Procedures
• processes for examination, testing and maintenance of control measures
• implementation of emergency rescue procedures
• selection, use, training and maintenance of safety and rescue equipment
• record keeping requirements

• techniques for using communication and observer systems
• principles and techniques for identifying relevant hazards and emergencies
• techniques for coordinating and communicating job activities with others.

Assessment Conditions

Mandatory conditions for assessment of this unit are stipulated below. The assessment must:

• include access to:

• personal protective equipment
• equipment related to supervise working in confined spaces
• relevant documentation

• be conducted in a safe environment; and,
• be assessed in the context of this sector's work environment; and,
• be assessed in compliance with relevant legislation/regulation and using policies, procedures and processes directly related to the industry sector for which it is being assessed; and,
• confirm consistent performance can be applied in a range of relevant workplace circumstances.

Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated work environment* provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of this sector’s workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Assessor requirements

Assessors must be able to clearly demonstrate current and relevant industry knowledge and experience to satisfy the mandatory regulatory standards as set out in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/Australian Quality Training Framework mandatory requirements for assessors current at the time of assessment and any relevant licensing and certification requirements. This includes:

• vocational competencies at least to the level being delivered and assessed
• current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided
• current knowledge and skills in vocational training and learning that informs their training and assessment
• formal relevant qualifications in training and assessment
• having knowledge of and/or experience using the latest techniques and processes
• possessing the required level of RII training product knowledge
• having an understanding and knowledge of legislation and regulations relevant to the industry and to employment and workplaces
• demonstrating the performance evidence, and knowledge evidence outlined in this unit of competency, and
• the minimum years of current** work experience after competency has been obtained as specified below in an industry sector relevant to the outcomes of the unit.

It is also acceptable for the appropriately qualified assessor to work with an industry expert to conduct assessment together and for the industry expert to be involved in the assessment judgement. The industry expert must have current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided. This means the industry subject matter expert must demonstrate skills and knowledge from the minimum years of current work experience after competency has been obtained as specified below, including time spent in roles related to the unit being assessed:

*Guidance on simulated environments has been stipulated in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide located on VETNet.

**Assessors can demonstrate current work experience through employment within industry in a role relevant to the outcomes of the unit; or, for external assessors this can be demonstrated through exposure to industry by conducting a minimum number of site assessments as determined by the relevant industry sector, across various locations.

*** While a unit of competency does not have an AQF level, where a unit is being delivered outside of a qualification the first numeric character in the unit code should be considered as the AQF indicator level for assessment purposes.

Links

Companion Volume implementation guides is found on VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=88a61002-9a21-4386-aaf8-69c76e675272