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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for work in the confined space
   • Access, interpret and apply confined space documentation and requirements and ensure the work activity is compliant
   • Access and interpret the site confined spaces safety management program
   • Determine tasks and develop a written Safe Operating Procedures for work to be carried out
   • Identify and implement communications system and equipment
   • Select and wear personal protective equipment
   • Identify and obtain resources for implementation of the confined spaces safety management program
   • Prepare all required Permits
2. Provide information about working in confined spaces
   • Establish effective consultation mechanisms with all levels of the workforce
   • Consult with employees and employee representatives on implementation of the confined spaces safety management program
   • Identify and meet the communication needs of special groups
   • Provide information, instruction, training and supervision to employees
3. Ensure safety and health of others entering and working in a confined space
   • Identify relevant personnel or expertise for risk assessment, and initiate hazard identification and risk assessment process
   • Identify and prepare a written record of hazards
   • Assess risks and determine probability and likelihood
   • Identify and implement effective control measures according to the Hierarchy of Controls
   • Develop a confined space checklist for the Confined Space Entry Permit
   • Ensure atmospheric monitoring instruments available, installed, calibrated and used correctly
   • Keep written records of hazard and risk assessment processes and outcomes, and the controls put in place
4. Supervise entry and work in a confined space
   • Allocate resources to confined space personnel for effective, safe performance of designated work
   • Ensure all personnel read, understand and sign all required permits
   • Clearly and concisely communicate the work activities to personnel, clarify any questions, and ensure all personnel are clear on their work activities and responsibilities
   • Brief and post confined space observers and sentries
   • Check that required personal protective equipment is suitable and worn correctly
   • Ensure communications systems are installed, maintained and in working order
   • Monitor and evaluate the continued effectiveness of risk assessment processes and controls
   • Test and maintain controls
   • Ensure work activities complies to procedures
5. Implement confined space emergency and rescue systems
   • Select emergency rescue equipment appropriate for the confined space activities
   • Identify and liaise with external Emergency Services agencies
   • Implement site approved emergency procedures
   • Ensure personnel are trained in emergency procedures
   • Keep and maintain emergency procedure training records
6. Withdraw from confined space and facilitate return to service
   • Ensure that work is completed to site requirements and all work-related materials and equipment removed
   • Ensure all Permits are cleared and systems isolation devices removed
   • Ensure all personnel sign off the Confined Space Entry Permit
   • Advise appropriate personnel that the confined space is clear for return to service
   • Review the confined space safety management program

Performance Evidence

Evidence is required to be collected that demonstrates a candidate’s competency in this unit. Evidence must be relevant to the roles within this sector’s work operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria of this unit and include evidence that the candidate:

locates and applies relevant legislation, documentation, policies and procedures

demonstrates completion of supervising work in confined spaces that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion 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 working at height requirements and applies procedures for working at heights

sources and allocates required resources for confined space activities

providing clear instruction and coordination of activity 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 corrects 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

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of supervising work in confined spaces through:

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

defining confined space

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 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

establishing control measures

using methods of systems isolation

preparing written Safe Operating Procedures

examination, testing and maintenance of control measures

implementation of emergency rescue procedures

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

using communication and observer systems

maintaining record keeping requirements

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