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 supervising work in confined spaces

implementation of appropriate procedures and techniques for the supervision of safe, effective and efficient work in confined spaces

working with others to plan, prepare and conduct work in confined spaces

provision of clear and timely instruction and supervision by the individual of those involved in working in confined spaces

evidence of the consistent successful supervision of work in confined spaces

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 a resources and infrastructure sector environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to the 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 procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of the required outcomes

consistently achieving the required outcomes

first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

working with others to plan, prepare and conduct work in confined spaces

provision of clear and timely instruction and supervision by the individual of those involved in working in confined spaces

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 supervise work in confined space:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

access, interpret and apply technical and safety information

apply activity coordination and supervision procedures

apply effective communication with a range of people in the workplace

apply plant and equipment record requirements

apply diagnostic/faultfinding techniques

apply environmental requirements

apply procedures for working at heights

apply task analysis techniques

apply atmospheric contaminants measurement procedures

apply First Aid

apply fire fighting techniques

apply negotiation procedures with employers and employees

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 supervise work in confined space:

legislation, standards and code of practice as they apply to confined spaces

definition of confined space

responsibilities of employers and employees, designers, manufacturers, suppliers and installers in general as they apply to safe work in confined spaces

the process of hazard identification, risk assessment and control

workplace strategies for implementing confined space legislation

the effects of atmospheric contaminants entering the respiratory system

effects on the human body such as:

oxygen deficiency

toxic contaminants

combustible contaminants

physical hazards such as engulfment and entrapment

physiological conditions such as 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

relationship between work environment and systems of work

injury record systems

consultation requirements and procedures with employees and employee representative

control measures and the Hierarchy of Controls

methods of systems isolation

Safe Operating Procedures

examination, testing and maintenance of control measures

emergency procedures in confined spaces

selection, use, training and maintenance of safety and rescue equipment

implementation of emergency rescue procedures

consultation techniques

communication and observer systems

record keeping requirements

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

A confined spaces safety management program may typically cover:

roles and responsibilities according the legislation and identification and designation of areas of responsibility

hazard identification and risk management

specific strategies to ensure that training and information are delivered commensurate to the position and responsibility

procedures for safe working in confined spaces

system for use of confined spaces entry and hot work permits

record keeping in accordance with legislative requirements

resourcing of appropriate confined spaces safety training

Communications may include:

hand-held radio

telephone

mobile phone

hand signals

computer

verbal instructions

lights

Personal protective equipment may include:

face and eye protection;

head protection;

foot protection;

body protection;

hearing protection;

respiratory protection;

hand protection

harnesses and/or safety lines

The Hierarchy of Controls lists the control measures that should be implemented in priority order, including:

elimination

substitution

isolation

engineering controls

administrative controls

personal protective equipment