ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan and prepare for entering and working in confined spaces

1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to entering and working in confined spaces

1.2. Obtain, confirm and apply work instructions relevant to the allotted task

1.3. Obtain, confirm and apply safety requirements relevant to the allotted task

1.4. Obtained authorisation (entry permit) to enter the confined space is in accordance with regulatory requirements

1.5. Confirm the emergency response procedure is with the stand-by person

1.6. Identify, obtain and implement signage and barrier requirements as required by the project plan

1.7. Select tools and equipment to carry out tasks that are consistent with the requirements of the job and check them for serviceability and rectify or report any faults

1.8. Identify, confirm and apply to the allotted task the environmental protection requirements from the project environmental management plan

1.9. Position rescue equipment as required by the entry permit close to the point of entry

2. Enter and work in the confined space

2.1. Gain access to the confined space

2.2. Ensure that the atmosphere is tested and monitored for harmful elements in accordance with procedures

2.3. Apply tagging and lock-out procedures as required

2.4. Enter the confined space according to agreed procedure

2.5. Maintain communication with the stand-by person

2.6. Comply with entry permit requirements while carrying out designated work in confined space

2.7. Monitor and adhere to allocated entry time

3. Exit confined space

3.1. Exit confined space according to agreed procedure

3.2. Recover tools, equipment and materials from the confined space

3.3. Conduct inspection of the confined space

3.4. Secure access according to site procedures

3.5. Remove tagging and lock-out according to site procedures

3.6. Complete confined space entry permit

4. Clean up

4.1. Clear work area and dispose of or recycle materials in accordance with project environmental management plan

4.2. Clean, check, maintain and store tools and equipment in accordance recommendations and standard work practices

4.3. Remove, clean and store barriers and signs

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

apply materials handling methods

use atmospheric monitoring devices

interpret JSAs/Safe work method statements

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

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

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

This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.

Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.

Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.

Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in the work environment. Selection and use of resources for particular work sites may differ due to site circumstances.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

Method of assessment

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:

written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge

observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes

consistently achieving the required outcomes

first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

working with others to undertake and complete the entering and working in confined spaces

Guidance information for assessment

Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.

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

manufacturer's guidelines and specifications

Australian standards

code of practice

Employment and Workplace Relations legislation

Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Work instructions may include:

plans

specifications

quality 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

manufacturer's 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, traffic, hazardous materials, 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 contaminant, unsafe oxygen levels or engulfment

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, tank cars, process vessels, boilers, pressure vessels, silos and other tank-like compartments

open-topped spaces such as pits or degreasers

pipes, sewers, shafts, ducts and similar structures

shipboard spaces entered through a small hatchway or access point, cargo tanks, cellular double bottom tanks, duct keels, ballast and oil tanks and void spaces (but not including dry cargo holds)

Signage may include:

site safety signage

temporary signage for the benefit of motorists

pedestrians and barricades

Environmental protection requirements may include:

organisational/project environmental management plan

waste management

water quality protection

noise

vibration

dust

clean-up management

Gain access may include:

removing access cover

installing and securing ladder

Communications may include:

verbal instructions

fault reporting

2-way radio

hand signals

mobile phone

site specific instructions

written instructions

instructions related to job/task

Secure access may include:

replacing or closing off access cover

Tools and equipment may include:

harness and lifeline

respirator apparatus

atmospheric testing equipment

signs

barricades

communication devices

tools and equipment relevant to the work to be performed