Application
This unit describes the skills required to control entry and egress to confined spaces. While exercising the control of entry to confined space may not require the competency to enter confined space, it requires awareness of the legislative requirements and organisational procedures related to confined space entry.
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 the control of entry to confined spaces as a workplace responsibility, but 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. Plan and prepare for control of confined space entry | 1.1 Identify and confirm requirement for confined space entry from work requests/instructions. 1.2 Identify confined space entry permit and any requirements or limitations. 1.3 Confirm team and individual roles and responsibilities through question and answer. |
2. Control access and egress to confined space | 2.1 Monitor and record entry and egress of the confined space in accordance with work permit conditions. 2.2 Maintain verbal and non-verbal communication and consultation with the confined space entry team in accordance with work permit conditions. 2.3 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
analysing relevant workplace data to identify hazards, assess risks and evaluate effectiveness of WHS control measures
analysing working environment to identify hazards, assess risks and design and implement appropriate WHS control measures
assessing the resources needed to establish and maintain systematic approaches to managing WHS including a range of control measures
operating equipment pertinent to the control of confined space entry
identifying intervention points for expert advice to assist in 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.
appropriate emergency response procedures
appropriate signage, symbols, labels and barriers
entry permit procedures
incident and accident investigation including WHS record keeping
risk management principles and application of appropriate measures including hierarchy of control
role of technical information and experts in designing control measures, and monitoring systems
training and competency requirements for confined space entry
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 and safety