Application
This unit is appropriate for those working in confined space (enclosed or partially enclosed) for the purpose of carrying out work or inspections at food and beverage related worksites. It is also appropriate for those performing sentry or stand-by person roles. Working in confined spaces in the food and beverage industries may include accessing vessels used to store, transport or process raw materials, in process product, and finished food and beverages. Confined space work will include normal access and exit skills as required by regulation and also skills to maintain or restore the suitability and hygiene of the confined space. Some applications of the unit may also include accessing spaces partially filled with product e.g. grain silos. Examples of industry sectors where this unit may apply include brewing, wine, dairy processing, fruit and vegetable packing and processing, grain processing, poultry processing etc. |
Prerequisites
FDFOHS2001A Participate in OHS processes |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Plan and prepare for entering and working in confined spaces | Compliance documentation relevant to entering and working in confined spaces is accessed, interpreted and applied Work instructions relevant to the allotted task are obtained, confirmed and applied Safety requirements relevant to the allotted task are obtained, confirmed and applied Authorisation ( entry permit ) is obtained to enter the confined space in accordance with regulatory requirements Emergency response procedure is confirmed with the stand-by person Signage and barrier requirements are identified, obtained and implemented as required by task and regulations Tools and equipment are selected to carry out tasks that are consistent with the requirements of the job, checked for serviceability and faults rectified or reported Environmental protection requirements are identified, confirmed and applied as appropriate to task and enterprise environmental management plan Rescue equipment is positioned as required by the entry permit close to the point of entry |
Enter and work in the confined space | Access to the confined space is gained The atmosphere is tested and monitored for harmful elements in accordance with procedures Tagging and lock-out procedures are applied as required Confined space is entered in accordance with required procedure Communication is maintained with the stand-by person Entry permit requirements are complied with while carrying out designated work in confined space Allocated entry time is monitored and adhered to |
3. Exit confined space | Confined space is exited according to agreed procedure Tools, equipment and materials are recovered from the confined space Inspection of the confined space is conducted to ensure it is left safe and fit for purpose Access is secured according to site procedures Tagging and lock-out is removed according to site procedures Confined space entry log is completed |
4. Clean up | Work area is cleared and materials disposed of or recycled in accordance with project environmental management plan Tools and equipment are cleaned, checked, maintained and stored in accordance with recommendations and standard work practices Barriers and signs are removed, cleaned and stored |
Required Skills
Required skills |
Specific skills are required to achieve the performance criteria in this unit, particularly for the application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be applied. This includes the ability to carry out the following as required to enter and work in confined spaces: apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures apply operational, maintenance and basic diagnostic procedures to ensure safety of self and others apply operational, maintenance and basic diagnostic procedures to ensure hygiene and integrity of product to be subsequently stored or processed in bins, vessels, tanks, etc apply materials handling methods use atmospheric monitoring devices interpret Job Safety Analysis/Safe work method statements use oral communication skills / language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor work cooperatively within a culturally diverse workforce |
Required knowledge |
Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly its application in a variety of circumstances in which the unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following, as required to enter and work in confined spaces: site and equipment safety requirements confined space entry and exit procedures, risks and regulations air contaminants and toxic gases breathing apparatus limitations equipment types, characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations site isolation and site control responsibilities and authorities materials safety data sheets (MSDS) project quality requirements industry terminology state and territory interpretations of a confined space |
Evidence Required
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package. | |
Overview of assessment | Assessment must be carried out in a manner that recognises the cultural and literacy requirements of the assessee and is appropriate to the work performed. Competency in this unit must be achieved in accordance with confined space regulations and any other relevant standards and procedures |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following: knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for entering and working in confined spaces implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion for entering and working in confined spaces working with others to undertake and complete the entering and working in confined spaces that meet all of the required outcomes consistent timely completion of entering and working in confined spaces that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to: personal protective clothing and equipment as required work procedures including advice on company practices, safe work practices, food safety, quality and environmental requirements instructions, information, specifications and schedules as required equipment, services and corresponding information as required products and materials as required cleaning procedures, materials and equipment as required documentation and recording requirements and procedures |
Method of assessment | This unit should be assessed together with other units of competence relevant to the function or work role relating to the confined space working requirement. |
Guidance information for assessment | To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities. |
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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included. | |
Relevant compliance documentation | May include: legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures including any hygiene, food safety or product integrity requirements manufacturer's guidelines and specifications Australian standards codes of practice |
Work instructions | May include: plans specifications quality requirements food safety requirements personal hygiene requirements product integrity requirements operational details |
Safety requirements | May be included in: site safety plans organisational policies and procedures statutory/regulatory authorities which may include: Federal, State and local authorities verbal or written and graphical instructions signage work schedules/plans/specifications work bulletins charts and hand drawings memos maps materials safety data sheets (MSDS) diagrams or sketches safe work procedures or equivalent related to working in confined spaces regulatory/legislative requirements pertaining to working in confined spaces manufacturers' specifications and instructions organisation's work specifications and requirements instructions issued by authorised organisational or external personnel relevant Australian Standards |
Safety requirements | May include OHS requirements Personal protective clothing and equipment as prescribed under legislation, regulation and workplace policies and practices use of tools and equipment workplace environment and safety handling of materials use of fire fighting equipment use of First Aid equipment hazard control and hazardous materials and substances safe operating procedures including recognising and preventing hazards associated with working in confined spaces, working in proximity to others, worksite visitors and the public hazards and risks may include but not be limited to fires, underground services, excavations, fall risks, traffic, hazardous materials, pathogens, contaminated atmosphere and toxic gases risks associated with confined spaces may include but not be limited to restricted means of entry and exit, atmosphere which contains potentially harmful levels of contaminants, unsafe oxygen levels or engulfment, hot or extremely cold equipment, surfaces which may be wet, slippery or uneven respiratory protection devices are to include but not be limited to air purifying respirators and may include self contained compressed air breathing apparatus, supplied airline breathing apparatus and escape breathing apparatus and atmospheric monitoring devices |
Confined space entry permit, or work permits | May include: location of work duration of work size of work crew atmospheric testing requirements personal protective equipment hot work stand-by personnel rescue arrangements other precautions (signs, barriers) authorisation |
Confined spaces | May include: storage tanks and bins, road and rail tankers and wagons, process vessels, stills, boilers, pressure vessels, silos and other tank-like compartments open-topped spaces such as pits or degreasers pipes, drains, shafts, ducts and similar structures |
Signage | May include: site safety signage temporary signage for the benefit of visitors temporary signage and barricades where confined space work is in close proximity to motorists and pedestrians |
Gain access | May include: removing access cover venting, cooling, use of PPE, and other pre-entry procedures to protect self and/or product confirmation of isolation of services e.g. power, steam etc. installing and securing ladder |
Secure access | May include: replacing or closing off access cover locking or other securing of area access |
Tools and equipment | May include: harness and lifeline respirator apparatus atmospheric testing equipment signs barricades communication devices portable lighting e.g. torches tools and equipment relevant to the work to be performed |
Environmental protection requirements | May include: organisational/project environmental management plan waste management water quality protection noise vibration dust clean-up management |
Communications | May include: fault reporting 2-way radio hand signals mobile phone site specific instructions written and verbal instructions related to job/task |
Sectors
Unit sector | Optional |
Employability Skills
The required outcomes described in this Unit of Competency contain applicable facets of employability skills. The Employability Skills Qualification Summary for the qualification in which this Unit of Competency is packaged will assist in identifying employability skill requirements. |
Licensing Information
Not applicable.