Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:57 AM AWST
23/07/2026 12:57 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Work in confined spaces
Work in confined spaces
Unit of competency
National Code
SIFOHS004A
SIFOHS004A
State Code
S7098
S7098
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
21/06/2010
Field of Education
061301 - Occupational Health And Safety
Original Release Date
21/06/2010
Nominal Hours
10
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to work in an enclosed or partially enclosed confined space in a cemetery for the purpose of carrying out work or inspections.This unit is based on BCCM2009B Work in confined spaces from the Civil Construction Training Package.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
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 Identify appropriate personnel.
- 1.4 Obtain authorisation to enter confined space according to relevant legislation.
- 1.5 Confirm emergency response procedure with the stand-by person.
- 1.6 Isolate mechanical or electrical energies to the confined space according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.
- 1.7 Select tools and equipment according to work instructions and check, report or rectify faults.
- 1.8 Identify and implement signage and barrier requirements according to project plan.
- 1.9 Identify, confirm and apply environmental protection requirements according to project environmental management plan.
- 1.10 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 up 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 recommendations and workplace policies and procedures.
- 4.3 Remove barriers and signs and clean and store according to workplace policies and procedures.
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 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.
Work instructions may include:
work method
specifications
quality requirements, such as:
dimensions
tolerances
standards of work as detailed in project drawings
material standards as detailed in project drawings
specifications
project documentation
operational details
tools and equipment.
Safety requirements may include:
hazards and risks, such as:
restricted means of entry and exit
potentially harmful levels of contaminant
atmosphere containing unsafe oxygen levels
engulfment equipment in crematoria
inadequate shoring
workers with poor levels of fitness affecting their heat tolerance
weather
ground conditions
grave location dimensions and age
respiratory protection devices, such as:
air purifying respirators
self-contained compressed air breathing apparatus
supplied airline breathing apparatus
escape breathing apparatus
atmospheric monitoring devices.
Characteristics of the confined space may include:
size and location of grave
access to grave, crypt, vault or cremator
presence of hazardous substances, such as hydrogen sulphide from decomposing matter or carbon monoxide from water bailing pumps
presence of flammable contaminants generated by methane of decomposing matter
presence of unsafe oxygen levels associated with sealed coffins, crypt and graves
presence of materials that may result in engulfment through cave in
mechanical hazards, such as backhoes or conveyors
objects falling into the space, such as monuments or soil and rocks
ignition hazards, such as:
sources of heat
static or friction
plant that poses risks, such as welding, cutting or electronic equipment
grinding, chipping and sandblasting
electrical hazards
poor ventilation
environmental hazards, such as:
water levels
seepage from neighbouring gravesites
high water tables
non-compacted soil
biological hazards, such as:
viruses and bacteria
microbes and pathogens carried in the water or in decomposing tissue
insects, snakes and vermin.
Relevant legislation may include:
OHS
applicable Australian standard for working in confined spaces.
Workplace policies and procedures may include:
safe work procedures in relation to:
recognising and preventing hazards
working in proximity to others
worksite visitors and the public
communication
reporting
manual or machine gravedigging
maintenance of tools and equipment.
Appropriate personnel may include:
physically able
psychologically able.
Authorisation may include:
entry permits, such as allocated entry time to confined space
work permits, such as:
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.
Confined space may include:
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.
Tools and equipment may include:
harness and lifeline
respirator apparatus
atmospheric testing equipment
signs
barricades
communication devices
specific tools and equipment relevant to work to be performed.
Signage may include:
site safety signage
temporary signage for cemetery visitors.
Environmental protection requirements may include:
organisational or project environmental management plan
waste management
water quality protection
noise
vibration
dust and clean-up management.
Rescue equipment may include:
tripods
hoist devices
props
shovels
backhoes
excavators
harnesses
strap and ropes
shoring timber.
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.
Work instructions may include:
work method
specifications
quality requirements, such as:
dimensions
tolerances
standards of work as detailed in project drawings
material standards as detailed in project drawings
specifications
project documentation
operational details
tools and equipment.
Safety requirements may include:
hazards and risks, such as:
restricted means of entry and exit
potentially harmful levels of contaminant
atmosphere containing unsafe oxygen levels
engulfment equipment in crematoria
inadequate shoring
workers with poor levels of fitness affecting their heat tolerance
weather
ground conditions
grave location dimensions and age
respiratory protection devices, such as:
air purifying respirators
self-contained compressed air breathing apparatus
supplied airline breathing apparatus
escape breathing apparatus
atmospheric monitoring devices.
Characteristics of the confined space may include:
size and location of grave
access to grave, crypt, vault or cremator
presence of hazardous substances, such as hydrogen sulphide from decomposing matter or carbon monoxide from water bailing pumps
presence of flammable contaminants generated by methane of decomposing matter
presence of unsafe oxygen levels associated with sealed coffins, crypt and graves
presence of materials that may result in engulfment through cave in
mechanical hazards, such as backhoes or conveyors
objects falling into the space, such as monuments or soil and rocks
ignition hazards, such as:
sources of heat
static or friction
plant that poses risks, such as welding, cutting or electronic equipment
grinding, chipping and sandblasting
electrical hazards
poor ventilation
environmental hazards, such as:
water levels
seepage from neighbouring gravesites
high water tables
non-compacted soil
biological hazards, such as:
viruses and bacteria
microbes and pathogens carried in the water or in decomposing tissue
insects, snakes and vermin.
Relevant legislation may include:
OHS
applicable Australian standard for working in confined spaces.
Workplace policies and procedures may include:
safe work procedures in relation to:
recognising and preventing hazards
working in proximity to others
worksite visitors and the public
communication
reporting
manual or machine gravedigging
maintenance of tools and equipment.
Appropriate personnel may include:
physically able
psychologically able.
Authorisation may include:
entry permits, such as allocated entry time to confined space
work permits, such as:
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.
Confined space may include:
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.
Tools and equipment may include:
harness and lifeline
respirator apparatus
atmospheric testing equipment
signs
barricades
communication devices
specific tools and equipment relevant to work to be performed.
Signage may include:
site safety signage
temporary signage for cemetery visitors.
Environmental protection requirements may include:
organisational or project environmental management plan
waste management
water quality protection
noise
vibration
dust and clean-up management.
Rescue equipment may include:
tripods
hoist devices
props
shovels
backhoes
excavators
harnesses
strap and ropes
shoring timber.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
ability to access, interpret and apply relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures related to working in confined spaces
effective communication to ensure safe operation
working in confined spaces on multiple occasions, for at least three different confined space projects, to ensure consistency of performance and ability to respond to different situations.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
demonstration of skills in a facility with confined space work areas, such as a cemetery or crematorium
access to relevant documentation, such as work instructions and entry permits
access to tools and equipment, including personal protective equipment and emergency rescue equipment.
Methods of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
direct observation of candidate completing safe entry, exit and work in a range of confined spaces
written or verbal questioning to assess knowledge and understanding of equipment specifications and operating procedures, workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation
review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SIFBCR020A Dig a grave manually.
Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification and in the context of the job role.
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.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
ability to access, interpret and apply relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures related to working in confined spaces
effective communication to ensure safe operation
working in confined spaces on multiple occasions, for at least three different confined space projects, to ensure consistency of performance and ability to respond to different situations.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
demonstration of skills in a facility with confined space work areas, such as a cemetery or crematorium
access to relevant documentation, such as work instructions and entry permits
access to tools and equipment, including personal protective equipment and emergency rescue equipment.
Methods of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
direct observation of candidate completing safe entry, exit and work in a range of confined spaces
written or verbal questioning to assess knowledge and understanding of equipment specifications and operating procedures, workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation
review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SIFBCR020A Dig a grave manually.
Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification and in the context of the job role.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WG602 | SIFCWHS002 | Work in confined spaces | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D338 | SIF30208 | Certificate III in Gravedigging, Grounds and Maintenance | Qualification |