SIFCWHS002
Work in confined spaces


Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to work in an enclosed or partially enclosed confined space for the purpose of carrying out work or inspections. It applies to all funeral services industry staff working in identified confined spaces in a cemetery or a crematorium. It involves ensuring that work is carried out according to work health and safety, relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Plan and prepare for work in confined spaces.

1.1 Access, confirm and apply work instructions.

1.2 Obtain, confirm and apply safety requirements according to work method, characteristics of the confined space, relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures.

1.3 Obtain authorisation to enter confined space according to relevant legislation.

1.4 Confirm emergency response procedure with the stand by person.

1.5 Isolate mechanical or electrical energies to the confined space according to relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures.

1.6 Select tools and equipment according to work instructions and check, report or rectify faults.

1.7 Identify and implement signage and barrier requirements according to project plan.

1.8 Identify, confirm and apply environmental protection requirements according to project environmental management plan.

1.9 Check rescue equipment and position close to point of entry.

2. Enter and work in the confined space.

2.1 Open access to the space as required.

2.2 Enter confined space according to agreed procedure.

2.3 Test and monitor atmosphere for harmful elements according to workplace policies and procedures.

2.4 Maintain communication with the stand-by person.

2.5 Perform designated work in confined space according to entry permit requirements and work instructions.

3. Exit confined space.

3.1 Recover tools, equipment and materials from confined space.

3.2 Exit confined space according to agreed procedure.

3.3 Close access as required.

3.4 Apply tagging and lock-out procedures as required.

3.5 Complete confined space entry log.

4. Clean work area.

4.1 Clear work area and dispose of or recycle materials according to project environmental management plan.

4.2 Clean, check, maintain and store tools and equipment according to manufacturer guidelines and workplace policies and procedures.

4.3 Remove barriers and signs and clean and store according to workplace policies and procedures.

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

access and interpret relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures related to working in confined spaces

complete safe entry, exit and work in a range of confined spaces.

Evidence of performance of working in confined spaces on five or more different confined space projects is required to demonstrate consistency of performance and ability to respond to different situations.


Evidence of Knowledge

Demonstrated knowledge of:

federal, state or territory, and local government work health and safety/occupational health and safety legislation and regulations relating to working in confined spaces

workplace policies and procedures in relation to working in confined spaces and emergency procedures

responsibilities and authorities for site isolation and site control:

entry permits, including allocated entry time to confined space

work permits:

location of work

duration of work

size of work crew

atmospheric testing requirements

use of personal protective equipment

hot work

stand-by personnel

rescue arrangements

rescue equipment

signs and barriers

concept of, and areas classified as confined spaces in cemeteries and crematoria, including:

boiler furnace

grave

tank

pit

pipe

container

crypt

vault

duct

well

receptacle that:

contains or has contained harmful substances, or that is capable of producing them

contains or has contained (or made of or lined or coated with) substances capable of reducing amount of oxygen present to a dangerous level.

features of tools and equipment used in confined spaces, including:

harness and lifeline

respirator apparatus

atmospheric testing equipment

signs

barricades

communication devices

specific tools and equipment relevant to work to be performed

environmental impacts in relation to confined spaces and minimal impact practices to reduce these, especially those that relate to resource, water and energy use

environmentally sound disposal methods for all types of waste and in particular for hazardous substances.


Assessment Conditions

Skills must be demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that is as industry realistic as possible. In a simulated environment, it is essential that assessment is conducted:

using suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:

in a facility with confined space work areas

tools and equipment, personal protective equipment and emergency rescue equipment

work instructions and entry permits

under industry conditions where there is:

integration of tasks with possible interruptions to work typical of the job role

speed and timing requirements that reflect commercial operating conditions

interaction with relevant personnel

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.


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.


Sectors

Cemetery and Crematoria


Competency Field

Work Health and Safety