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 the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Assessment of this unit may be undertaken as an individual unit or in combination with other relevant units. Other possible relevant units include:

RIIRIS201A Conduct local risk control

RIIOHS204A Work safely at heights

MSAPMOHS200A Work safely

MSAPMOHS216A Operate breathing apparatus

MSAPMOHS217A Gas test atmospheres

MSAPMPER200B Work in accordance with an issued permit

MSAPMPER202A Observe permit work

PUASAR005A Undertake confined space rescue.

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

Competence must be demonstrated in the ability to distinguish between situations requiring different permits and to list the major applications and scope of each type of permit.

The emphasis should be on the ability to stay out of trouble rather than on recovery from a disaster.

As working in a confined space is inherently hazardous it is essential that the worker be able to demonstrate:

recognition of a confined space

the ability to work within a confined space

compliance with the permit conditions

recognition and control of atmospheric hazards

use of confined space entry and exit equipment relevant to the site/job

selection, use and maintenance of appropriate PPE

use of communication equipment and processes applicable to confined space work

completion of documents and records relevant to confined space work

understanding of and the ability to initiate incident/emergency response plan.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that:

communications are timely and effective

deviations from permit conditions are recognised, reported and corrected and the permit is re-authorised or re-issued by competent person

actions specified in the permit/standard procedures are carried out

all safety procedures are followed.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competence in this unit should be determined by a practical demonstration of a confined space entry. This may be achieved:

by using a suitable simulation based on an actual plant AND

by questioning and using 'what if' scenarios

In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practical/ simulation or similar assessment. Assessors need to be aware of any cultural issues that may affect responses to questions.

This section should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement for this unit of competency. Resources required include suitable access to a plant or equipment that allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios and questions which will be used to probe the reasoning behind the observable actions will also be required to the extent that they form part of the assessment method. Questioning may take place either in the workplace, or in an adjacent, quiet facility such as an office or lunchroom. No other special resources are required.

Method of assessment

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed and the safety standard required.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills:

Competence includes the ability to:

access and interpret information relevant to specific tasks (eg labels, MSDSs hazchem signs)

access and apply hazard controls

identify changes to conditions which may lead to the permit being revoked before the job is completed

describe and/or explain hazards associated with tasks covered by the permit, types of tests required for the issue of work permits - the types of tests to include, atmospheric/oxygen/ breathability, flammability/explosivity, toxicity/TWA, temperature, humidity

interpret and respond to gas test/monitoring results/information.

identify a change in work conditions, possible new hazards and so the required hazard controls and obtain revalidation of permit

implement hazard controls

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements

This unit requires the ability to:

read and correctly interpret required documentation relevant to the entry

speak clearly and unambiguously in English

explain, describe and verify sometimes complex needs and issues

understand the permit requirements.

Writing is required to the level of completing workplace forms and producing any required reports.

Numeracy is required to the level of being able to correctly differentiate between high and low pressures and temperatures, voltages or masses and interpret gas test/monitoring results.

Required knowledge:

Knowledge and understanding of the relevant OHS and environmental requirements, in particular those relating to various situations requiring work permits, with an ability to implement the requirements in a manner that is relevant to the job. Knowledge of the organisation's standard procedures and work instructions and relevant regulatory requirements along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and in a manner relevant to the job.

Sufficient knowledge of all types of permits is required to ensure work is not carried out without the correct written authority.

Knowledge of regulatory frameworks should include:

OHS

EPA

OHS authorities and ASCC/NOHSC/state CSE regulations

licence requirements

company/organisation policy and permit control systems

other relevant standards.

Knowledge of and the application to the job of relevant legislation and AS2865/2009, or its authorised update or replacement, is essential. Australian Standard HB 213-2003 Guidelines for Safe Working in Confined Spaces, or its relevant replacement, is also a useful reference.

Knowledge of the organisation's confined space procedures is required.

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 italicized wording, if used in the Performance Criteria, is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Codes of practice/ standards

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version/version specified by the local regulatory authority must be used.

Confined space

The Australian standard (AS2865-2009) definition given for confined space is used in this Training Package, i.e.:

'An enclosed or partially enclosed space that is not intended or designed primarily for human occupancy, within which there is a risk of one or more of the following:

(a) An oxygen concentration outside the safe oxygen range.

(b) A concentration of airborne contaminant that may cause impairment, loss of consciousness or asphyxiation.

(c) A concentration of flammable airborne contaminant that may cause injury from fire or explosion.

(d) Engulfment in a stored free-flowing solid or a rising level of liquid that may cause suffocation or drowning.'

Entry

Entry to a confined space is defined by AS2865 as:

'when a person's head or upper body is within the boundary of the confined space.

NOTE: Inserting an arm for the purpose of atmospheric testing is not considered as entry to a confined space.'

Procedures

All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.

Procedures include all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards. These may include:

legislation/codes

OHS legislation, codes of practice and guidance material

EPA

National and Australian standards

licence and certification requirements where relevant

internal permit control system

process isolations complete

mechanical and electrical isolations in place

atmospheric testing complete and atmosphere safe or if not safe and cannot be made safe then appropriate measures are implemented as per procedures

relevant personnel informed of work and agree that it is safe and appropriate to proceed

communication protocols with particular reference to organisation confined space requirements.

Ready for entry

Checking the confined space is ready for entry includes checking:

isolations are complete and appropriate

isolation provide positive isolation

atmosphere is safe (or if necessary relevant measure 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 AS2865.

Appropriate steps to be taken if the confined space is not ready for entry may include reporting deficiencies and refusing to enter the space.

Conditions of the permit

Conditions of the permit include all hazard controls.

Permit conditions may require atmospheric testing/monitoring in which case MSAPMOHS217A Gas test atmospheres will also be required.

Secure work site

Secure work site includes selecting and erecting/deploying required:

protective equipment,

apparatus

signs

barriers

etc

as defined in the confined space entry permit requirements, AS2865 and other relevant requirements.

Designated PPE

Designated PPE (personal protective clothing and equipment) may include:

eye protection (e.g. goggles)

ear protection

gloves

clothing

respiratory protection

helmets

safety footwear

lifelines and harnesses

personal monitors and alarms

other relevant PPE

as defined in the confined space entry procedures and permit requirements

Required instruments and monitors

Required instruments and monitors include:

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:

as required by the permit conditions

Re-authorisation/ reissue of permits

Re-authorisation/reissue of permits may be required when:

there is any change to work undertaken

the work situation changes

there is a gap in work continuity

the permit requires it

other site rules require it

other reasons

Confined space permit

The confined space permit should meet the requirements of AS2865 - 2009 or other appropriate standard

Working documentation

Working documentation includes:

entry/exit/re-entry logs

other documentation required by AS2865 (eg s2.9)

other documentation required by the permit(s)

other documentation required by the site etc.

Appropriate action if there is a change in risk

Appropriate action if there is a change in risk includes any or all of:

seeking revalidation of the permit

evacuating the confined space

instigating/undertaking testing

raising the alarm

initiating the emergency/incident response plan

other relevant action.

Final documentation

Final documentation includes:

signing off of permit

documentation related to equipment used

other required records.

Reporting of issues

Reporting of issues includes:

feedback re the work and methods of improving the work process

signs and symptoms of operational stress,

equipment malfunctions

wear and tear of equipment, tools etc

condition of safety/rescue equipment

observations of the condition of the confined space

within the level of competence of the person making the report.

Hazards

Typical may hazards include:

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 (eg combustible, toxic)

entrapment

engulfment

heat stress

claustrophobia

external hazards that may impact on the safety of those working in the confined space (eg exhaust fume, or other hazardous vapours, being drawn into the confined space by ventilation fans)

other hazards eg as identified in AS2865.

Variables

Key variables to be monitored include:

sites under which permit activities must be applied

type of permit(s) to be executed

types of tools and equipment to be employed

size of work team

scope and urgency of work

persons in the confined space/rotation of people in confined space

environmental conditions (eg weather).

Health, safety and environment (HSE)

All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent health, safety and environment requirements, which may be imposed through State 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.