Application
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to enter and work safely in confined spaces on a vessel.
This unit applies to all maritime employees who could be required to work in, on or around confined spaces on board a vessel.
This unit has links to legislative and certification requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Identify confined spaces and their regulatory framework | 1.1 | Characteristics of a confined space are outlined |
1.2 | Confined spaces in the workplace are identified | ||
1.3 | Regulations and standards relevant to confined space operations on vessels are identified | ||
1.4 | Relevant codes of practice and sources of guidance for undertaking confined space work are identified | ||
1.5 | Potential hazards of confined spaces are identified | ||
2 | Assess confined space for entry | 2.1 | Purpose and need to enter confined space is confirmed |
2.2 | Hazards in and around confined space and those associated with work to be performed are identified | ||
2.3 | Risk assessment is conducted and documented according to organisational procedures | ||
2.4 | Risk control measures are identified and documented | ||
3 | Obtain permission to enter confined space | 3.1 | Process and documentation required for authorisation to enter confined space are identified |
3.2 | Permission to enter and work in confined space is sought from authorised personnel on vessel according to regulatory and organisational requirements | ||
3.3 | Permit requirements associated with confined space entry and work to be performed are confirmed and completed | ||
4 | Plan and prepare for entry | 4.1 | Appropriate plan is prepared for completion of work activity in confined space |
4.2 | Process is followed to ensure confined space is ready for entry | ||
4.3 | Appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment is selected and used correctly | ||
4.4 | Entry equipment is made ready and used according to manufacturer operating instructions | ||
4.5 | Precautions during entry are identified to protect occupants | ||
5 | Apply emergency procedures | 5.1 | Role and responsibilities of standby person/s are clearly defined |
5.2 | Planned emergency procedures appropriate for circumstances are implemented | ||
5.3 | Personal protective equipment and emergency rescue equipment is selected, prepared and used | ||
6 | Conclude confined space operations | 6.1 | Personnel involved and equipment used are accounted for |
6.2 | Equipment is cleaned, inspected and/or serviced prior to stowage | ||
6.3 | Confined space entry is secured, isolations are removed and space is returned to normal | ||
6.4 | Permit is withdrawn and documentation is completed according to regulatory requirements and organisational policy | ||
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and include:
completing necessary documentation associated with confined space entry
continuously monitoring and checking conditions and hazards when working in a confined space on a vessel
developing effective planning documents
identifying and implementing control measures to mitigate risk
recognising defective equipment and taking appropriate action
recognising hazards and risks when preparing to enter, entering and working in confined spaces
reading and interpreting regulations, codes of practice, permit requirements, instructions and procedures for entry into a confined space on a vessel
selecting, inspecting and using safety and emergency equipment according to operating instructions
taking appropriate action during an emergency
taking actions promptly to identify, report, and/or rectify hazards and emergency situations when working in a confined space
using atmospheric detection equipment and interpreting the readings
using basic verbal and/or defined communication skills and signals when entering and working in confined spaces
working safely and collaboratively with others when entering and working in a confined space.
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:
atmospheric testing and monitoring equipment and techniques
communications systems:
air horns
alarm/indicator panels
face-to-face
lifeline/signalling line
two way radios
communication techniques used when entering and working in confined spaces on a vessel
criteria that defines a confined space
emergency entry and exit procedures
inherent and work related hazards associated with confined spaces
procedures and permit requirements for confined space entry
relevant legislative and/or regulatory framework that impacts on confined space entry
role of standby person/s
safe operational procedures for the use of self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
ventilation of confined spaces
work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements and work practices.
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy National Vocational Education and Training Regulator (NVR)/Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) assessor requirements.
Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations where it is appropriate to do so; where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that reflect workplace conditions.
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.
Resources for assessment must include access to:
tools, equipment, machinery, materials and personal protective equipment currently used in industry
applicable documentation such as legislation, regulations, codes of practice, workplace procedures and operational manuals
range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance. |
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency. |
Range Statement
Specifies different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment. | |
Characteristics of a confined space must include: | those described in the Occupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) (National Standards) Regulation and/or Australian Standard (AS/NZS) 2865 Safe working in a confined space |
Confined spaces include one or more of the following: | ballast tanks battery lockers boilers cargo tanks/holds chain lockers cofferdams compressor rooms double bottoms duct keels engine components fuel tanks furnaces inert gas scrubber plants pump rooms sewage tanks storage areas for fixed fire extinguishing media trunking and pressure vessels void spaces |
Regulations, standards and codes of practice must include: | Code of Safe Working Practice for Australian Seafarers - Section 10 Entering and working in enclosed or confined spaces International Safety Management (ISM) Code Navigation Act 2012 Occupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) (National Standards) Regulations 2003 |
Regulations, codes of practice and standards include one or more of the following: | AS/NZS 2865 Safe working in a confined space International Maritime Organization (IMO) Resolution A 1050 (27) Revised Recommendations for Entering Enclosed Spaces Aboard Ships International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals (ISGOTT) Liquefied Gas Handling Principles on Ships and in Terminals (SIGTTO) shipboard confined /enclosed space entry procedures |
Vessels include: | any Australian or international commercial vessel or unit |
Hazards include one or more of the following: | cold pipes and valves (refrigeration and liquefied gases etc.) dangerous goods in packaged form electricity and wiring systems flammable or explosive atmospheres free flowing solids height hot pipes (steam, fuel oil, lubricating oils etc.) manual handling moving equipment noise oxygen deficiency or enrichment physical obstructions such as transverse frames and floors poor visibility products or processes in adjacent spaces restricted access rising liquids slippery or uneven surfaces temperature extremes toxic liquids, solids, gases, vapours and dusts vibration |
Risks include one or more of the following: | asphyxiation contamination engulfment falling fire or explosion |
Risk control measures include one or more of the following: | atmospheric testing barricading cleaning de-energising isolation lockout purging signage tag out ventilation |
Authorised personnel include one or more of the following: | Master Delegated Safety Officer Chief Mate Chief Engineer 1st Engineer |
Permit requirements include one or more of the following: | atmospheric testing results cold work permit communications competent person who has control of the space and the authorising officer’s signature date and period of validity hazards that are likely to be present height permit hot work permit isolation checklist locations of the space need for respiratory protection personal protection clothing required personal protective equipment required person/s entering rescue arrangements and emergency equipment risk control measures standby person/s |
Ready for entry include one or more of the following: | communications understood and tested control measures confirmed and implemented development of an appropriate plan to complete works in the space emergency plan confirmed as appropriate or modified and equipment in position at the ready method of safe entry and exit in place permit/s signed by the Responsible Officer and posted safe atmosphere confirmed (or relevant measures in place to ensure safe entry into an unsafe atmosphere) space is secured standby person/s identified and in position |
Personal protective clothing and equipment include one or more of the following : | atmospheric monitoring equipment chemically resistant splash suits coveralls gloves harness and restraint equipment helmet respiratory protection (self rescue devices and self contained breathing apparatus [SCBA]) safety boots safety glasses or goggles |
Entry equipment include one or more of the following: | anchor straps and/or anchor points atmospheric testing and monitoring equipment confined space harnesses fall arrest systems equipment intrinsically safe torches/lifting lifeline/signalling line lockout kit retractable lanyard/s rope kit/winching SCBA signage tripod ventilation fan and ducting |
Precautions during entry include one or more of the following: | atmosphere must be tested prior to entry, before re-entry and at frequent intervals atmospheric monitoring must occur during occupancy if conducting prolonged work activities or in extreme temperatures, regular breaks should be taken if entry to unknown or unsafe atmospheres cannot be avoided the use of suitable breathing apparatus e.g. airline or self-contained should be employed occupants must be provided with calibrated and tested multi-gas detectors standby person must maintain communications with occupants and relevant personnel ventilation must continue while the space is occupied |
Role and responsibilities of standby person/s include: | as defined in Regulation 4.18 Part 4 of the Occupational Health & Safety (Maritime Industry) (National Standards) Regulation |
Emergency rescue equipment includes one or more of the following: | atmospheric monitoring equipment emergency escape breathing devices first aid kit harnesses helmets lighting oxygen resuscitation kit rescue ropes rope recovery kit SCBA stretcher tripod |
Sectors
Not applicable.
Competency Field
F - Operational Quality and Safety