Pre-requisite Unit/s

Nil - refer to the Application of the Unit

The application of this unit in the workplace covers a range of confined space rescue situations.

The unit is typically performed by personnel from emergency services and/or volunteer organisations or organisations where confined space work is undertaken.

In the context of the Fire Sector the following units are pre-requisite units:

PUASAR022A Participate in a rescue operation

PUAFIR307B Monitor hazardous atmospheres.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare forconfined spacerescue operation

1.1 Operation and task information is obtained from a variety of sources and analysed, and team roles are confirmed

1.2 Appropriate rescue equipment is identified and selected based on incident information as directed by supervisor

1.3 Personal protective equipment is selected relevant to the nature of the confined space rescue operation

1.4 Any further details of the nature of the rescue are received en route

1.5 Anticipated hazards and associated risks are discussed with rescue team members whilst on route

2. Assess and manage confined space/trench rescue

2.1 Confined space is assessed, hazards and risks are identified, and appropriate control and ongoing monitoring processes are put in place

2.2 Physical features of confined space rescue scene are assessed before deploying rescue resources

2.3 Rescue is managed to control access and to maintain a safe and effective operational environment

2.4 Situational and environmental hazards are assessed, minimised and controlled

2.5 Communication with other personnel on site is established and maintained

3. Determine location and condition of casualties

3.1 Assessment of incident scene is undertaken to determine possible location of casualties

3.2 Appropriate equipment is used to assist in the location of casualties

3.3 Evidence of location of casualties within confined space is collected and reported

3.4 Condition of casualties and nature of entrapment is ascertained where possible

3.5 Hygiene procedures are applied in accordance with organisational procedures

4. Gain entry to confined space

4.1 Entry permit is located and relevant information is obtained if available

4.2 Atmosphere is monitored in accordance with AS 2865-2009 Confined spaces

4.3 Appropriate ventilation procedures are implemented, where required

4.4 Appropriate respiratory protection is used in irrespirable atmospheres, where required

4.5 Techniques and equipment are employed to access the casualty

4.6 Located casualties are treated in consultation with medical personnel and in accordance with organisational policies

5. Remove casualties

5.1 Casualties are removed in accordance with organisational procedures

5.2 Appropriate actions are taken to preserve the incident scene and to collect evidence, where possible

6. Conclude rescue operations

6.1 Equipment is recovered, cleaned and serviced according to organisational standards and manufacturer's guidelines

6.2 Signs and symptoms of operational stress are recognised and promptly reported

6.3 Operational documentation is completed to organisational standards

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

Required Skills

operate atmospheric monitoring equipment

operate isolation systems

operate lifting equipment

operate lowering and hauling systems

operate self contained breathing apparatus and airline equipment

operate ventilation equipment

Required Knowledge

Australian Standard (AS) 2865-2009 Confined spaces

lock, tag out and isolation procedures

organisational procedures for cleaning and discarding equipment in terms of environmental management and sustainability

potential occupational hazards and control measures

procedures for atmospheric monitoring

purging and ventilation in accordance with national standards

selection, use and maintenance of respiratory devices

use of ropes and knots for accessing confined space

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

extricate casualty minimising further injury to casualty, injury to self and others.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual and/or simulated workplace environments.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in an industry-approved simulated and/or workplace environment involving confined space rescues using a range of equipment.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

appropriate venue

organisational resource equipment

personnel for team-based activities

resources as specified in AS 2865-2009 Confined spaces.

Method of assessment

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

direct observation

interviewing the candidate

journals and workplace documentation

third party reports from supervisors

written or oral questions.

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.

Confined space is defined in

AS 2865-2009 Confined spaces

Rescue equipment may include

Airline equipment

Atmospheric monitoring equipment

Communications

Escape sets and harnesses

Hauling systems

Life rescue line

Litters/stretchers

Isolation equipment

Ropes/tapes

Self-contained breathing apparatus/airline

Tripods/edge management

Ventilation and purging equipment

Personal protective equipment may include

Airlines

Atmospheric monitoring equipment

Chemical splash suit/fully encapsulated gas-tight suits

Gloves

Hearing protection aids

Helmets

Safety glasses

Self-contained breathing apparatus

Situational or environmental hazards may include

Atmospheric contaminants (such as hydrogen sulphide)

Dangerous goods or hazardous substance

Engulfment

Falls from heights or into depths

Heat exhaustion or hypothermia

Oxygen enrichment

Oxygen deficiency

Methane and carbon dioxide

Moving machinery either electrical or mechanical

Sewers and stormwater canals

Stored energy

Swift water

Personnel may include

Agency support

Emergency services workers

Local/state/territory government authorities

Onsite staff

Specialist advisors and safety authorities

Preserving the incident scene may include

Preserving evidence and related legal requirements

Collecting evidence may include

Entry permit

Information received from bystanders

Permit to work

Witnesses and emergency services personnel

Operational documentation may include

Atmospheric monitoring procedures

Entry control procedures

Entry permits

Equipment and rope logs

Exposure records

Tally boards

This unit contains employability skills.