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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 italicized wording, if used in the Performance Criteria, is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts. |
Codes of practice/ standards | Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version/version specified by the local regulatory authority must be used. |
Confined space | The Australian standard (AS2865-2009) definition given for confined space is used in this Training Package, i.e.: 'An enclosed or partially enclosed space that is not intended or designed primarily for human occupancy, within which there is a risk of one or more of the following: (a) An oxygen concentration outside the safe oxygen range. (b) A concentration of airborne contaminant that may cause impairment, loss of consciousness or asphyxiation. (c) A concentration of flammable airborne contaminant that may cause injury from fire or explosion. (d) Engulfment in a stored free-flowing solid or a rising level of liquid that may cause suffocation or drowning.' |
Entry | Entry to a confined space is defined by AS2865 as: 'when a person's head or upper body is within the boundary of the confined space. NOTE: Inserting an arm for the purpose of atmospheric testing is not considered as entry to a confined space.' |
Procedures | All operations are performed in accordance with procedures. Procedures include all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards. These may include: legislation/codes OHS legislation, codes of practice and guidance material EPA National and Australian standards licence and certification requirements where relevant internal permit control system process isolations complete mechanical and electrical isolations in place atmospheric testing complete and atmosphere safe or if not safe and cannot be made safe then appropriate measures are implemented as per procedures relevant personnel informed of work and agree that it is safe and appropriate to proceed communication protocols with particular reference to organisation confined space requirements. |
Ready for entry | Checking the confined space is ready for entry includes checking: isolations are complete and appropriate isolation provide positive isolation atmosphere is safe (or if necessary relevant measure are in place to ensure safe entry into an unsafe atmosphere) safe entry and exit methods are in place other items to ensure compliance with procedures, permits, relevant legislation and AS2865. Appropriate steps to be taken if the confined space is not ready for entry may include reporting deficiencies and refusing to enter the space. |
Conditions of the permit | Conditions of the permit include all hazard controls. Permit conditions may require atmospheric testing/monitoring in which case MSAPMOHS217A Gas test atmospheres will also be required. |
Secure work site | Secure work site includes selecting and erecting/deploying required: protective equipment, apparatus signs barriers etc as defined in the confined space entry permit requirements, AS2865 and other relevant requirements. |
Designated PPE | Designated PPE (personal protective clothing and equipment) may include: eye protection (e.g. goggles) ear protection gloves clothing respiratory protection helmets safety footwear lifelines and harnesses personal monitors and alarms other relevant PPE as defined in the confined space entry procedures and permit requirements |
Required instruments and monitors | Required instruments and monitors include: instruments used for pre entry testing appropriate to the hazards continuous monitors appropriate for the hazards other devices used to test the confined space atmosphere: as required by the permit conditions |
Re-authorisation/ reissue of permits | Re-authorisation/reissue of permits may be required when: there is any change to work undertaken the work situation changes there is a gap in work continuity the permit requires it other site rules require it other reasons |
Confined space permit | The confined space permit should meet the requirements of AS2865 - 2009 or other appropriate standard |
Working documentation | Working documentation includes: entry/exit/re-entry logs other documentation required by AS2865 (eg s2.9) other documentation required by the permit(s) other documentation required by the site etc. |
Appropriate action if there is a change in risk | Appropriate action if there is a change in risk includes any or all of: seeking revalidation of the permit evacuating the confined space instigating/undertaking testing raising the alarm initiating the emergency/incident response plan other relevant action. |
Final documentation | Final documentation includes: signing off of permit documentation related to equipment used other required records. |
Reporting of issues | Reporting of issues includes: feedback re the work and methods of improving the work process signs and symptoms of operational stress, equipment malfunctions wear and tear of equipment, tools etc condition of safety/rescue equipment observations of the condition of the confined space within the level of competence of the person making the report. |
Hazards | Typical may hazards include: heat, smoke, dust or other atmospheric hazards sharp edges, protrusions or obstructions limited head spaces or overhangs equipment or product mass slippery surfaces, spills or leaks noise, rotational equipment or vibration high/low oxygen content hazardous atmospheres (eg combustible, toxic) entrapment engulfment heat stress claustrophobia external hazards that may impact on the safety of those working in the confined space (eg exhaust fume, or other hazardous vapours, being drawn into the confined space by ventilation fans) other hazards eg as identified in AS2865. |
Variables | Key variables to be monitored include: sites under which permit activities must be applied type of permit(s) to be executed types of tools and equipment to be employed size of work team scope and urgency of work persons in the confined space/rotation of people in confined space environmental conditions (eg weather). |
Health, safety and environment (HSE) | All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent health, safety and environment requirements, which may be imposed through State or Federal legislation, and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between performance criteria and HSE requirements, the HSE requirements take precedence. |