PUADEFDV013B - Employ air-lift devices underwater

PUADEFDV013B
Employ air-lift devices underwater

This unit covers the competency required to move submerged objects using air-lift devices (i.e. bags).The unit includes selecting and inspecting the bags appropriate to the lift, securing the bags to the object and inflating the bags to the required buoyancy in order to manoeuvre the object under control. Attention must be given to safety of other divers and nearby vessels and/or structures during work, as well as consideration for the environment.Note: This Unit of Competency relates, in part, to the existing standards of the Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme (ADAS). All information was correct at the time of development of this Unit of Competency; however, any diver seeking ADAS accreditation should consult ADAS and not rely on the information contained in this unit.

Application

The application of this unit in the workplace - the environments, complexities and situations involved - will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

This text will be useful for the purposes of job descriptions, recruitment advice or job analysis; where possible, it will not be too job specific to allow other industries to import it into other Training Packages, where feasible.

Prerequisites

Prerequisite Unit/s

PUADEFDV001B Dive using self contained underwater breathing apparatus in open water to 30 metres

PUADEFDV016B Perform underwater rigging work

Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT	PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
1. Prepare for underwater air-lift operation	1.1 Load metrics and worksite data are determined and analysed to determine the specific requirements for the air-lift bags 1.2 Work plan is developed consistent with the dive plan 1.3 Air-lift bags are selected, inspected and prepared 1.4 Air-lift bags are secured safely to/from the dive site 1.5 Access obstructions and other hazards are assessed and action is taken to remove/reduce the risk
2. Operate air-lift devices	2.1 Air-lift bags are secured to the object's lift point/s 2.2 A work-safe area is established and the location and safety of divers is confirmed prior to commencing the lift 2.3 Air-lift bags are inflated and adjusted to control buoyancy 2.4 Movement of the object is effectively controlled
3. Conclude air-lift operations	3.1 Environmental impact arising from the work task is minimised and waste products are recovered 3.2 Air-lift bags are de-rigged from the object 3.3 Air-lift bags are de-serviced and stored for re-use

Required Skills

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

Required Skills

check equipment

control neutrally buoyant objects

inflate air-lift bags

inspect equipment for serviceability and functionality

planning

rig equipment

Required Knowledge

characteristics and employment of air-lift bags

determination of mass of submerged objects

dive equipment

dive physics

general occupational/diving safety awareness

marine hazards

oceanography

relevant references and Australian Standards

Evidence Required

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to attend to personal and collective safety; and to consider the environmental impact as part of the dive plan.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated during the following airlift operations with manually inflated airbags:

1 x vertical lift to surface

lift distance – at least 5 metres (object must breach surface)

depth – between 5 to 20 metres

weight – at least 250 kg

1 x lateral lift

lateral distance – at least 10 metres

depth – between 5 to 20 metres

weight – at least 250 kg.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in the ocean.

When practicable, assessment should relate to the diver’s vocational focus.

Specific resources for assessment

Access to a complete range of diving, safety and accessory equipment; airlift equipment; and submerged objects.

Guidance information for assessment

Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

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.
Load metrics may include	Centre of gravity Composition Dimensions Lift points Weight
Worksite data may include	Current Depth Gradient Hazards Obstacles
Selecting, inspecting and preparing air-lift bags may include	Checking attachment lines and points Inspecting the neck Inspecting the outer skin Test fill
Action to remove/reduce the risk may include	Erecting signage Using patrol/sentry craft
Effectively controlling the object's movement may include	Both lateral and vertical adjustments
Environmental impact may include	Contamination of surrounding water (e.g. leaking oil) Physical damage to reef and associated floor eco-systems (e.g. coral) Visual pollution of waste material (e.g. concrete and metal parts)
De-servicing may include	Drying Logging work details into equipment logs Oiling/greasing Washing in fresh water

Sectors

Not applicable.

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.

Licensing Information

Not applicable.