DEFDV008B
Employ hand tools in an underwater environment

This unit covers the competency required to use hand tools in an underwater environment.The unit also includes selecting the appropriate hand tools for the work task and inspecting them for serviceability. The diver must ensure the tools are secured on own body throughout the dive, and correctly employ the tools during the work task, with particular attention to safety.The diver will be responsible for the recovery of any waste arising from the work task. Finally, the hand tools must be de serviced and stored appropriately for ongoing use. Note: This Unit of Competency relates, in part, to the existing standards of the Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme (ADAS). All information was correct at the time of development of this Unit of Competency; however, any diver seeking ADAS accreditation should consult ADAS and not rely on the information contained in this unit.

Application

As agreed in the creation of this Training Package, applications for units transferred from the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package will be developed as part of continuous improvement plans, and taking into account the change in Unit of Competency format as detailed in templates for Streamlined Training Packages.


Prerequisites

DEFDV001B Dive using self-contained underwater breathing apparatus in open water to 30 metres.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Select and prepare hand tools

1.1 Work task and worksite data are determined and analysed to determine the specific requirements for hand tools.

1.2 Work plan is developed consistent with the dive plan.

1.3 Hand tools and protective equipment are selected, inspected and prepared.

1.4 Hand tools are secured safely to/from the dive site.

1.5 Access obstructions and other hazards are assessed and action is taken to remove/reduce the risk.

1.6 Work health and safety (WHS) requirements and recognised safety precautions are applied in accordance with standard procedures, manufacturers' instructions and legislation.

2. Operate hand tools underwater

2.1 Hand tools are secured on self during the dive for ease of accessibility and lack of interference with mobility and dive equipment.

2.2 Work-safe area is established and the location and safety of divers is confirmed prior to commencing work task/s.

2.3 Hand tools are employed underwater ensuring management of their associated hazards.

3. Maintain hand tools

3.1 Environmental impact arising from use of hand tools is minimised and waste products are recovered.

3.2 Hand tools and protective equipment are de-serviced after use.

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

ability to dive

employ hand tools

identify requirement for hand tools

maintain hand tools

Required Knowledge

care of tools

dive equipment

dive physics

general occupational/diving safety awareness

identification of tool faults

oceanography

relevant references and Australian Standards

use of tools on land

work hazards

Evidence Required

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to attend to personal and collective safety; and to consider the environmental impact as part of the dive plan.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated during a number of work tasks where the diver employs not less than four different hand tools in underwater work tasks for a total usage time of not less than 60 minutes.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in the ocean supported by questioning on shore or aboard vessels.

When practicable, assessment should relate to the diver’s vocational focus.

Specific resources for assessment

Access to a complete range of diving, safety and accessory equipment; and hand tools.


Range Statement

Work task may include:

bending

chiselling

cleaning/derusting

cutting

fastening

grinding

hammering

nailing

stapling

tightening and loosening bolts and screws

twisting

Worksite data may include:

composition of work object

condition of work object

current

depth

gradient

hazards

obstacles

Hand tools may include:

augur

bars

bolt cutters

chisel

clamps

feeler gauge

file

hammer

pliers

poker gauge

rasp

saws

screwdrivers

wire brush

wrench

Protective equipment may include:

boots

gloves

Selecting, inspecting and preparing hand tools and protective equipment may include:

honing

loading (stapler/riveter)

oiling/greasing

sharpening

Hazards may include:

impact of hand tool on dive equipment (e.g. hoses, gauges, communications lines)

fall zone of objects being worked on

operational zone of hand tool (e.g. knife)

release of fuels and associated chemical contaminants resident at the work site

Action to remove/reduce the risk may include:

erecting signage

using patrol/sentry craft

Employment of hand tools may include:

bending

chiselling

cleaning/derusting

cutting

fastening

grinding

hammering

nailing

stapling

tightening and loosening bolts and screws

twisting

Environmental impact includes:

contamination of surrounding water (e.g. leaking oil)

physical damage to reef and associated floor ecosystems (e.g. coral)

visual pollution of waste material (e.g. concrete and metal parts)

Deservicing may include:

drying

logging work details into equipment logs

oiling/greasing

refurbishing edges

washing in fresh water


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.