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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare to use portable gas detection device.
   • The need to initiate gas detection is identified by OHS requirements and established procedures.
   • The gas or vapour to be detected is established from plant/site records or consultation with relevant personnel.
   • Gas detection device(s) for the gas/vapour to be detected is/are checked for calibration and response in accordance with manufacturer instructions.
   • Gas detection devices are checked for factors that could nullify the Ex rating.
2. Note:
3. This would include damaged casing, use of incorrect batteries and/or chargers, use of incorrect spare parts and accessories.
4. Establish safety of the area with regards to the presence of gases or vapours.
   • OHS policies and procedures relating to gas/vapour detection are followed.
   • Gas detection device is used in accordance with manufacturer instructions and with regards to environmental conditions.
   • Observations of gas detection readings are recorded in accordance with established procedures.
   • Safe-to-work is determined from gas detection reading and then clearance to work is issued in accordance with established procedures.
5. Monitor gas detection devices for the presence of gases/vapours.
   • The frequency of monitoring is determined from the nature of gas/vapour and the effect of environmental and local conditions (e.g. ambient temperature rise, density of gas/vapour, flash point, dew point and detector position).
   • Others are instructed in procedures to carry out monitoring and these instructions are documented.
6. Follow procedures to maintain gas detection devices.
   • Gas detection devices are stored in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.
   • Gas detection devices are formally checked and calibrated periodically in accordance with established site requirements and instrument accuracy.
   • Storage, use and calibration record of the gas detection devices is maintained, in accordance with the established procedures.

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit
Evidence shall show that knowledge has been acquired of safe working practices and using and maintaining the integrity of portable gas detection devices All knowledge and skills detailed in this unit should be contextualised to current industry practices and technologies
KSEMA	Portable gas detection devices
Evidence shall show an understanding of portable gas detection devices to an extent indicated by the following aspects
T Principles of gas detection and the use and care of portable gas detection devices encompassing Fundamental principles in the use of gas and vapour instruments Use of manufacturers instruction manual Instruction manuals include operating instructions adjustment procedures operational limitations and storage Calibration and response checking
T Detecting gases and vapours encompassing apparatus capability and users knowledge propagation of gases This includes release of gas and vapours ventilation density temperature and location gases to be detected and not to be detected intended application environmental effects safety when monitoring for flammable gases where personnel could be present common properties of gases and vapours This includes density of gases vapours and their mixtures effect of temperature on density LEL and UEL of combustibles and toxicity the differences between detecting gases and vapours These include added complication of evaporation condensation and temperature effects of vapours and their effect on propagation calibration and detection including sampling
T Oxygen deficiency and effects on safety encompassing chemical reaction of oxygen with solid products chemical reaction of oxygen with gaseous products and dilution of the air by displacement by some other gas or vapour
T Measuring principles of catalytic sensors electrochemical sensors infrared sensors and semiconductor sensors encompassing common applications limitations and safety interferences of other gases with the measurement and poisoning of the sensor NOTE Detailed information on gas detection is given in ASNZS
T Limits of gas detection of flammable combustible gas equipment encompassing limit to which flammable gas detection equipment will only detect gases and vapours that are present in the vicinity of the detector or in the line of sight of open path apparatus and limit to which flammable gas equipment will not detect combustible liquids as such or combustible mists dusts or fibres
T Limits of vapour detection of flammable combustible gas equipment flammable gas detection equipment will only detect those vapours that do not condense at the temperature of the detector or its sampling equipment
T Interpretation of gas detection instrument readings behaviour encompassing upscale reading in the presence of a gas for which an instrument is not calibrated causes of erratic indications reading of low concentrations of gas of interest and offscale readings
T Toxicity level of flammable gases and vapours and their potential for occurring in a given situation
T Issues with gas and vapour detection in confined spaces
T Use of the manufacturers instruction manual operating instructions adjustment procedures operational limitations storage

Evidence Required

This provides essential advice for assessment of the unit and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria and the range statement of the unit and the Training Package Assessment Guidelines The Evidence Guide forms an integral part of this unit It must be used in conjunction with all components parts of this unit and performed in accordance with the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package
Overview of Assessment	Longitudinal competency development approaches to assessment such as Profiling require data to be reliably gathered in a form that can be consistently interpreted over time This approach is best utilised in Apprenticeship programs and reduces assessment intervention It is the industrypreferred model for apprenticeships However where summative or final assessment is used it is to include the application of the competency in the normal work environment or at a minimum the application of the competency in a realistically simulated work environment It is recognised that in some circumstances assessment in part or full can occur outside the workplace However it must be in accord with industry and regulatory policy Methods chosen for a particular assessment will be influenced by various factors These include the extent of the assessment the most effective locations for the assessment activities to take place access to physical resources additional safety measures that may be required and the critical nature of the competencies being assessed The critical safety nature of working with electricity electrical equipment gas or any other hazardous substancematerial carries risk in deeming a person competent Sources of evidence need to be rich in nature to minimise error in judgment Activities associated with normal everyday work influence decisions about howhow much the data gathered will contribute to its richness Some skills are more critical to safety and operational requirements while the same skills may be more or less frequently practised These points are raised for the assessors to consider when choosing an assessment method and developing assessment instruments Sample assessment instruments are included for Assessors in the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package
Critical aspects of evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit	Before the critical aspects of evidence are considered all prerequisites shall be met
	Evidence for competence in this unit shall be considered holistically Each element and associated performance criteria must be demonstrated on at least two occasions in accordance with the Assessment Guidelines UEE Evidence shall also comprise A representative body of work performance demonstrated within the timeframes typically expected of the discipline work function and industrial environment In particular this shall incorporate evidence that shows a candidate is able to
	Implement Occupational Health and Safety workplace procedures and practices including the use of risk control measures as specified in the performance criteria and range statement Apply sustainable energy principles and practices as specified in the performance criteria and range statement Demonstrate an understanding of the essential knowledge and associated skills as described in this unit It may be required by some jurisdictions that RTOs provide a percentile graded result for the purpose of regulatory or licensing requirements Demonstrate an appropriate level of skills enabling employment Conduct work observing the relevant Anti Discrimination legislation regulations polices and workplace procedures
	Demonstrated consistent performance across a representative range of contexts from the prescribed items below
	Use and maintain the integrity of portable gas detection devices as described in and including
		A	Following work permits and clearance procedures
		B	Monitoring hazards and following evacuation procedures
		C	Determining whether the gasvapour level in a work area is safe from explosive toxic and oxygen deficiency aspects
		D	Following procedures to maintain the integrity of gas detection devices
		E	Instructing others in the use of a portable gas detection device in relation to a specific activity
		F	Applying relevant contingency management skills
Context of and specific resources for assessment	This unit should be assessed as it relates to normal work practice using procedures information and resources typical of a workplace This should include OHS policy and work procedures and instructions Suitable work environment facilities equipment and materials to undertake actual work as prescribed by this unit These should also be part of the formal learningassessment environment Note Where simulation is considered a suitable strategy for assessment conditions must be authentic and as far as possible reproduce and replicate the workplace and be consistent with the approved industry simulation policy
	The resources used for assessment should reflect current industry practices in relation to using and maintaining the integrity of portable gas detection devices
Method of assessment	This unit shall be assessed by methods given in Volume Part Assessment Guidelines Note Competent performance with inherent safe working practices is expected in the Industry to which this unit applies This requires assessment in a structured environment primarily intended for learningassessment which incorporates all necessary equipment and facilities for learners to develop and demonstrate the essential knowledge and skills described in this unit
Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units
	For optimisation of training and assessment effort competency development in this unit may be arranged concurrently with the following units UEENEEMA Report on the integrity of explosionprotected equipment in a hazardous area UEENEEM080A Report on the integrity of explosion-protected equipment in a hazardous area and Competencies required by a given industry or enterprise for plant or machinery operation or installations maintenance or service functions at least at AQF or equivalent chosen as a prerequisite

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Range Statement

8) This relates to the unit as a whole providing the range of contexts and conditions to which the performance criteria apply. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.

This unit shall be demonstrated in relation to any classified hazardous area or confined space.

The following constants and variables included in the element/performance criteria in this unit are fully described in the Volume 2, Part 2.1.

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