Elements and Performance Criteria

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 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.

EVIDENCE GUIDE
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 the Training Package.

Overview of assessment
Assessment of this unit may be undertaken as an individual unit or in combination with other relevant units. Other possible relevant units include:
RIIRIS201AConduct local risk control
RIIOHS204AWork safely at heights
MSAPMOHS200A Work safely
MSAPMOHS216A Operate breathing apparatus
MSAPMOHS217A Gas test atmospheres
MSAPMPER200B Work in accordance with an issued permit
MSAPMPER202A Observe permit work
PUASAR005A Undertake confined space rescue.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Competence must be demonstrated in the ability to distinguish between situations requiring different permits and to list the major applications and scope of each type of permit.
The emphasis should be on the ability to stay out of trouble rather than on recovery from a disaster.
As working in a confined space is inherently hazardous it is essential that the worker be able to demonstrate:
recognition of a confined space
the ability to work within a confined space
compliance with the permit conditions
recognition and control of atmospheric hazards
use of confined space entry and exit equipment relevant to the site/job
selection, use and maintenance of appropriate PPE
use of communication equipment and processes applicable to confined space work
completion of documents and records relevant to confined space work
understanding of and the ability to initiate incident/emergency response plan.
Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that:
communications are timely and effective
deviations from permit conditions are recognised, reported and corrected and the permit is re-authorised or re-issued by competent person
actions specified in the permit/standard procedures are carried out
all safety procedures are followed.

Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competence in this unit should be determined by a practical demonstration of a confined space entry. This may be achieved:
by using a suitable simulation based on an actual plant AND
by questioning and using 'what if' scenarios

In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practical/ simulation or similar assessment. Assessors need to be aware of any cultural issues that may affect responses to questions.

This section should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement for this unit of competency. Resources required include suitable access to a plant or equipment that allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios and questions which will be used to probe the reasoning behind the observable actions will also be required to the extent that they form part of the assessment method. Questioning may take place either in the workplace, or in an adjacent, quiet facility such as an office or lunchroom. No other special resources are required.

Method of assessment

Guidance information for assessment
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed and the safety standard required.