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 operating in self-contained regenerative oxygen breathing apparatus

implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for safe, effective and efficient operating in self-contained regenerative oxygen breathing apparatus

working with others while using self-contained regenerative oxygen breathing apparatus that meets all of the required outcomes

consistent timely operating in self-contained regenerative oxygen breathing apparatus 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 worksites 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 while using self-contained regenerative oxygen breathing apparatus

Guidance information for assessment

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

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 operate in self-contained regenerative oxygen breathing apparatus:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

select and use appropriate PPE

apply pre operational checks and testing of equipment

apply procedures for operating in escape apparatus

work as a team member

read mine plans and symbols and orientate in the mine

use communications and signals

identify adverse conditions

interpret monitoring device readings

apply basic life support

interpret manufacturer's specifications

apply equipment stripping and reassembly requirements and procedures

apply equipment cleaning, servicing and testing requirements and procedures

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 operate in self-contained regenerative oxygen breathing apparatus:

respiratory system, effects of irrespirable atmospheres on the body

protective equipment

characteristics, component parts, operation of self-contained regenerative oxygen breathing apparatus

testing parameters and methods

operational testing

standard operating procedures

safe work practices when wearing breathing apparatus

operating breathing apparatus

use of distress signals

communication methods and protocols

use of the breathing apparatus control equipment

self-contained regenerative oxygen breathing apparatus cleaning and hygiene requirements

operating limits/entrapment procedure

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

Self-contained regenerative oxygen breathing apparatus may be defined as:

"an apparatus which is worn by the wearer which contains all the functions to allow breathing in a hostile atmosphere without any connection to normal atmospheric conditions, and where the exhaled atmosphere is cleansed of carbon dioxide and the remaining oxygen can be re-used"

Pre-operational equipment tests may include:

visual inspection

exhalation and inhalation valve operation

positive and negative pressure leak tests

pre-flushing

cylinder contents

pressure relief valve

dosage

high pressure leaks

lung demand valve opening pressure

pressure gauge zero test

Irrespirable Atmosphere is considered an atmosphere which is unsafe for a person to breathe as a result of either oxygen depletion or the presence of:

toxic fumes

gases

contaminants

smoke or suspended particles

heated atmospheres

Hazards may include:

fire

explosion

failure to maintain a face seal

exhaustion of oxygen supply

malfunction of equipment

disorientation in smoke/darkness or confinement

structural hazards and/or hazardous materials

entrapment

Communications may include:

distress signals

portable radio

communications equipment

signal lines

hand signals

telephone

mobile phone

Condition of wearer may include:

economic breathing techniques

oxygen capacity and temperature

wearer stress

Emergency Situations may include:

high pressure oxygen leak

collapsed team member

entrapment

low pressure oxygen leak

high pressure leak

evacuation

Entrapment procedures may include:

ceasing all strenuous activity

activating distress signals

relocating to safest available place

calling for assistance