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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Assess confined space for entry

Range Statement

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Regulatory framework

The latest version of all legislation, regulations, industry codes of practice and Australian/international standards, or the version specified by the local regulatory authority, must be used, and include one or more of the following:

legislative requirements, including work health and safety (WHS)

industry codes of practice and guidelines

environmental regulations and guidelines

Australian and other standards

licence and certification requirements

AS 2865-2009 Confined spaces

All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent health, safety and environment (HSE) requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory 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.

Procedures

All operations must be performed in accordance with relevant procedures.

Procedures are written, verbal, visual, computer-based or in some other form, and include one or more of the following:

permit to work system

emergency procedures

work instructions

standard operating procedures (SOPs)

safe work method statements (SWMS)

temporary instructions

any similar instructions provided for the smooth running of the plant

Confined space permit

The confined space permit must meet the requirements of AS 2865-2009 Confined spaces, its authorised replacement or other appropriate standard.

Conditions of the permit include:

hazard controls

PPE

instruments and monitors to be used

re-authorisation/reissue requirements

other specifications for the work

Ready for entry

Checking the confined space is ready for entry includes checking:

isolations are complete and appropriate

isolation complies with regulations, standards and procedures

atmosphere is safe (or if necessary relevant measures 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 AS 2865-2009 Confined spaces.

Where the confined space is not ready for entry appropriate steps must be taken, including reporting deficiencies and/or refusing to enter the space.

Secure worksite

Securing the worksite includes selecting and erecting/deploying one or more of the following:

signs

barriers

other requirements as defined in the confined space entry permit requirements, AS 2865-2009 Confined spaces and other relevant requirements

Tools and equipment

Tools and equipment include one or more of the following:

instruments and monitors:

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

PPE, such as:

eye protection

ear protection

gloves

clothing

respiratory protection

helmets

safety footwear

lifelines and harnesses

personal monitors and alarms

other relevant PPE

communication equipment

voice/visual contact

lifeline communication

radio communication

other relevant communication aids

Re-authorisation/reissue of permits

Requirements for re-authorisation/reissue of permits are required by one or more of the following situations:

there is any change to work scope or method

the work situation/workplace conditions changes

there are deviations from permit conditions

there is a gap in work continuity

other site rules require it

Working documentation

Working documentation includes one or more of the following:

entry/exit/re-entry logs

other documentation required by AS 2865-2009 Confined spaces (e.g. Section 2.9)

other documentation required by the permit

other documentation required by the site

Appropriate action if there is a change in risk

Where there is a change in risk/work environment appropriate action includes one or more of the following:

seeking revalidation of the permit

evacuating the confined space

instigating/undertaking testing

raising the alarm

initiating the emergency/incident response plan

other relevant action defined in permit conditions or site procedures

Final documentation

Final documentation includes one or more of the following:

signing-off of permit

documentation related to equipment used

other required records

Reporting of issues

Reporting of issues includes:

feedback about the work and methods of improving the work process

signs and symptoms of operational stress

equipment malfunctions

wear and tear of equipment and tools

condition of safety/rescue equipment

observations about the condition of the confined space

other issues that might arise

Hazards

Hazards include one or more of the following:

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 (e.g. combustible and toxic)

entrapment

engulfment

heat stress

claustrophobia

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

other hazards as identified in AS 2865-2009 Confined spaces

electricity

gases and liquids under pressure

structural hazards/collapse

equipment failures

industrial (machinery, equipment and product)

equipment or product mass

working where there is a reasonable risk of a fall

flammability and explosivity

unauthorised personnel

extreme weather

other hazards that might arise

Performance Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and demonstrate the ability to:

identify hazards and apply relevant hazard controls

undertake all checks and preparation in accordance with permit conditions and site procedures

check that hazard controls are in place and operational

confirm the permit conditions reflect risk assessment and confined space is ready for entry

enter the confined space and carry out actions specified in the permit/standard procedures, including all safety procedures

monitor the conditions of work under the permit

interpret and respond to gas test/monitoring results

initiate incident/emergency response plan

select, use and maintain equipment, including:

instruments and monitors

personal protective equipment (PPE)

use communication equipment and processes applicable to confined space work

communicate effectively with team/work group and other personnel in the language of the workplace

complete required workplace forms.

Knowledge Evidence

Evidence must be provided that demonstrates knowledge of:

organisation procedures, including:

work permit systems

safety, emergency and hazard controls

incident response

hazards that may arise in relation to the confined space, including:

their possible causes

potential consequences

appropriate risk controls

communication protocols relevant to confined space requirements

tests relevant to confined space entry and the interpretation of test results, including at least one (1) of:

atmospheric/oxygen/breathability

flammability/explosivity

toxicity

temperature

humidity.