DEFOH014B
Test confined space environment

This unit covers of the competency required to test the environment of confined spaces to ensure safe entry and egress. This includes the preparation for and conduct of the test procedures and all post test procedures.In the context of this unit, a confined space is any compartment or area that has one of the following characteristics:limited opening for accessno escape route or very restricted means of escapelimited natural ventilationatmosphere containing more than 23.5% or less than 19.5% oxygenand has the capability of accumulating a toxic, flammable or explosive atmosphere, or of being flooded. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication. In a Defence context, this means that there is no civilian need to hold this unit in order to meet licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements.

Application

This unit was developed for Defence workers involved in the testing of confined space environments as a workplace responsibility, but is applicable to all individuals who work in this field

Typically, these individuals must demonstrate the ability to work independently or as part of a team under indirect supervision. They must be able to use discretion and judgement and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs.

All activities are carried out in accordance with relevant legislation, organisational policies and procedures.

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for environmental testing

1.1 Confined space potential contaminants are identified.

1.2 Organisational restrictions or requirements pertinent to the confined space are identified.

1.3 Equipment and resources required for the testing are identified, acquired and prepared.

1.4 Work health and safety (WHS) requirements are applied throughout the testing procedures.

2. Test confined space for contaminants/ threats

2.1 Testing sample is obtained in accordance with testing protocols.

2.2 Tests are conducted and results are recorded in accordance with testing protocols.

2.3 Test results are analysed in accordance with testing protocols.

2.4 Confined space environment is monitored.

3. Finalise test/s

3.1 Documentation and reports are completed.

3.2 Testing equipment is cleaned and refurbished.

Required Skills

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

Required Skills

access, read, interpret and apply information on testing

analyse test results

communicate effectively

identify and report on contaminants/threats

operate test equipment

Required Knowledge

analysis procedures

engineering controls

legislation, organisational policies and procedures relevant to confined space entry

operating procedures of relevant test equipment

principles of atmospheric monitoring

sampling procedures

testing protocols

Evidence Required

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

Assessment must confirm the ability:

plan and prepare for testing

accurately record and analyse test results

report abnormalities

maintain records/documentation

apply knowledge of relevant work health and safety legislative requirements

apply principles and practices of work health and safety

identify intervention points for expert advice to assist in work and to guide problem solving

Consistency in performance

Evidence for competency in this unit must be gathered over time and across a range of workplace or simulated situations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in the workplace under conditions that accurately simulate a realistic workplace in accordance with all relevant legislation and organisation requirements.

Evidence should be gathered while observing the individual conducting an actual or simulated confined space environment test. Documented evidence of all relevant reports and tests of the activity should be submitted as evidence for assessment.

Specific resources for assessment

Access to the organisational legislation, codes of practice, guidance material, policies/procedures and relevant equipment including PPE required to support testing of confined space environment.

Range Statement

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Potential contaminants may include:

Dusts/fumes/gases/vapours/particles

Hazardous substances

Liquids

Noise

Radiation (Ionising or nonionising)

Equipment and resources may include:

Testing equipment as required by SOPs

Testing equipment pertinent to the perceived contaminant/threat

Preparation of equipment and resources may include:

Testing equipment for safe operation (confidence testing) prescribed by manufacturer

Testing equipment for serviceability

Work health and safety requirements may include:

General duty of care under WHS legislation and common law

Provisions relating to health and safety representatives and/or WHS committees

Provisions relating to WHS issue resolution state/territory/commonwealth WHS acts, regulations, codes of practice and guidance material relating to hazards present in workplace and industry

Testing sample may include:

Quantity required to obtain valid result

Sending sample with appropriate paperwork to testing laboratory for specialised tests

Recording test results may include:

Manual or automated recording systems

Analysis of test results may include:

Comparison against known standards

Determination of safe levels of contaminants/threats

Monitoring of the confined space environment may include:

Maintaining testing regime while in confined space, be it continuous or periodic, in accordance with entry plan and work permit

Monitoring if determined under risk assessment

Monitoring in response to work being undertaken in the space

Documentation and reports may include:

Testing equipment usage reports/logs

Work permit completion after testing

Written reports required by organisation

Cleaning and refurbishing testing equipment may include:

Decontamination procedures

Disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE)

Disposal of test samples

Inspection, servicing and cleaning equipment ready for reuse or storage

Sectors

Not applicable.

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.

Licensing Information

Not applicable.