Application
This unit describes the skills required to prepare to enter confined spaces, to enter the confined space and to finalise egress at the conclusion of the task/s. An individual undertakes this as part of a team in conjunction with other individuals who also have this competency. It is expected that one or more of the team members, or a team member not working in the confined space, will hold a current, recognised, first aid certificate.
In the context of this unit, a confined space is any compartment or area that has the capability of accumulating a toxic, flammable or explosive atmosphere, or of being flooded, in addition to one of the following characteristics:
limited opening for access
no escape route or very restricted means of escape
limited natural ventilation
atmosphere containing more than 23.5% or less than 19.5% oxygen
This unit was developed for Defence personnel involved in entering confined spaces as a workplace responsibility, but it is applicable to all individuals who work in this field.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.
Those undertaking this unit would 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. They would perform routine tasks in a range of familiar contexts.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Prepare for confined space entry | 1.1 Identify and confirm requirement for confined space entry from work requests/instructions. 1.2 Identify duration of and limitations on the tasks to be performed in the confined space. 1.3 Identify, acquire and prepare equipment and resources required for the confined space entry. 1.4 Prepare confined space for entry. 1.5 Confirm and delegate team and individual roles and responsibilities within the team. 1.6 Conduct pre-entry tests and checks in accordance with organisational and manufacturers’ requirements. |
2. Enter confined spaces | 2.1 Identify entry/egress points. 2.2 Monitor environmental conditions. 2.3 Maintain verbal and non-verbal communication. 2.4 Operate equipment and resources in accordance with manufacturers’ requirements and organisational procedures. 2.5 Adhere to entry permit conditions. 2.6 Recognise and respond to unexpected situations. |
3. Finalise confined space entry | 3.1 Exit confined space. 3.2 Clean and refurbish equipment. 3.3 Complete documentation and reports. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.
accessing, reading, interpreting and applying information on confined spaces
assessing risks and applying effective risk control measures
communicating effectively
identifying and reporting hazards
identifying stored energy sources
operating equipment pertinent to the confined space entry and task to be performed
reporting abnormalities
identifying intervention points for expert advice to assist work and to guide problem solving
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
applicable organisational procedures and documents
appropriate signage and protective barriers
risk assessment procedures
safety equipment operations
work methods analysis
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.
Competency Field
Work Health & Safety