Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 1:41 PM AWST
23/07/2026 1:41 PM 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.
Undertake confined space rescue
Undertake confined space rescue
Unit of competency
National Code
PUASAR005B
PUASAR005B
State Code
D3003
D3003
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
06/08/2014
Field of Education
091105 - Police Studies
Original Release Date
06/08/2014
Nominal Hours
16
Description
This unit covers the competency to undertake rescue in confined spaces as defined in AS2865 as a member of a single agency or multi-disciplinary team.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for confined space rescue operation
- 1.1 Operation and task information is obtained and analysed
- 1.2 Rescue equipment is selected based on incident information and cross-checked to ensure it is ready for use
- 1.3 Personal protective equipment is selected relevant to the nature of the confined space rescue operation
2. Assess and manage confined space/trench rescue
- 2.1 Physical features of confined space rescue scene are assessed before deploying rescue resources
- 2.2 Rescue is managed to control access and maintain a safe and effective operational environment
- 2.3 Hazards are assessed, minimised and controlled
- 2.4 Communication with other personnel on site is established and maintained
3. Determine location and condition of casualties
- 3.1 Assessment is undertaken of incident scene to determine possible location of casualties
- 3.2 Appropriate equipment is used to assist in the location of casualties
- 3.3 Evidence of location within confined space is collected and reported
- 3.4 The condition of casualties and nature of entrapment is ascertained where possible
- 3.5 Hygiene procedures are applied in accordance with the organisation's procedures
4. Gain entry to confined space
- 4.1 Entry permit is located and relevant information obtained if available
- 4.2 Atmosphere is monitored in accordance with AS2865
- 4.3 Appropriate ventilation procedures are implemented, where required
- 4.4 Appropriate respiratory protection is used in irrespirable atmospheres, where required
- 4.5 Techniques and equipment are employed to access the casualty
- 4.6 Located casualties are treated in consultation with medical personnel and in accordance with organisational policies
5. Remove casualties
- 5.1 Casualties are removed in accordance with organisation's procedures
- 5.2 Appropriate actions are taken to preserve the incident scene, where possible
6. Conclude rescue operations
- 6.1 Equipment is recovered, cleaned and serviced according to organisational standards and manufacturer's guidelines
- 6.2 Signs and symptoms of operational stress are recognised and promptly reported
- 6.3 Operational documentation is completed to organisational standards
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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.
Confined space is defined as
Per AS2865 definition:
Confined space - an enclosed or partially enclosed space which is at atmospheric pressure during occupancy; is not intended or designed primarily as a place of work; may have restricted means for entry and exit; and may have an atmosphere which contains potentially harmful levels of contaminant; not have a safe oxygen level; or cause engulfment
Confined spaces may include but are not limited to
Storage tanks
tank cars
process vessels
boilers
silos
and other tank-like compartments usually having only a man-hole for entry
Open topped spaces such as pits or degreasers
Pipes
sewers
tunnels
shafts and ducts and similar structures
Any 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
Natural features such as caves and pits
Rescue equipment may include
life rescue line
ropes/tapes
tripods/edge management
harnesses
litters/stretchers
hauling systems
communications
self-contained breathing apparatus/airline
airline equipment
atmospheric monitoring equipment
escape sets and harnesses
isolation equipment
ventilation equipment
Situational or environmental hazards may include
dangerous goods or hazardous substance
moving machinery either electrical or mechanical
heat exhaustion or hypothermia
oxygen enrichment
oxygen deficiency
atmospheric contaminants (such as hydrogen sulphide
methane and carbon dioxide)
swift water
sewers and stormwater canals
falls from heights or into depths
Personal protective equipment may include
gloves
helmets
safety glasses
hearing protection aids
chemical splash suit/fully encapsulated gas-tight suits
atmospheric monitoring equipment
self-contained breathing apparatus
airlines
Recognised removal techniques may include
lifting
lowering
hauling
mechanical advantage systems
Operational documentation may include
entry permits
tally boards
entry control procedures
air monitoring procedures
equipment and rope logs
plan
exposure records
Personnel may include
agency support
on-site staff
emergency services workers
local/state/territory government authorities
Scene preservation may include
preservation of evidence and related legal requirements
Evidence collected may include
entry permit
permit to work
information received from bystanders
witnesses and emergency services personnel
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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.
Confined space is defined as
Per AS2865 definition:
Confined space - an enclosed or partially enclosed space which is at atmospheric pressure during occupancy; is not intended or designed primarily as a place of work; may have restricted means for entry and exit; and may have an atmosphere which contains potentially harmful levels of contaminant; not have a safe oxygen level; or cause engulfment
Confined spaces may include but are not limited to
Storage tanks
tank cars
process vessels
boilers
silos
and other tank-like compartments usually having only a man-hole for entry
Open topped spaces such as pits or degreasers
Pipes
sewers
tunnels
shafts and ducts and similar structures
Any 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
Natural features such as caves and pits
Rescue equipment may include
life rescue line
ropes/tapes
tripods/edge management
harnesses
litters/stretchers
hauling systems
communications
self-contained breathing apparatus/airline
airline equipment
atmospheric monitoring equipment
escape sets and harnesses
isolation equipment
ventilation equipment
Situational or environmental hazards may include
dangerous goods or hazardous substance
moving machinery either electrical or mechanical
heat exhaustion or hypothermia
oxygen enrichment
oxygen deficiency
atmospheric contaminants (such as hydrogen sulphide
methane and carbon dioxide)
swift water
sewers and stormwater canals
falls from heights or into depths
Personal protective equipment may include
gloves
helmets
safety glasses
hearing protection aids
chemical splash suit/fully encapsulated gas-tight suits
atmospheric monitoring equipment
self-contained breathing apparatus
airlines
Recognised removal techniques may include
lifting
lowering
hauling
mechanical advantage systems
Operational documentation may include
entry permits
tally boards
entry control procedures
air monitoring procedures
equipment and rope logs
plan
exposure records
Personnel may include
agency support
on-site staff
emergency services workers
local/state/territory government authorities
Scene preservation may include
preservation of evidence and related legal requirements
Evidence collected may include
entry permit
permit to work
information received from bystanders
witnesses and emergency services personnel
EVIDENCE GUIDE
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
It is essential for this unit that competence be demonstrated in extrication of casualty, minimising further injury to self and others
Consistency in performance
Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Evidence of competent performance should be obtained by observing an individual in an actual or simulated rescue context
Specific resources for assessment
Assessment of this competency requires access to an appropriate training location/venue; and organisation's resource equipment and personnel for team based activities
Resource requirements must meet AS2865
Guidance information for assessment
Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
It is essential for this unit that competence be demonstrated in extrication of casualty, minimising further injury to self and others
Consistency in performance
Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Evidence of competent performance should be obtained by observing an individual in an actual or simulated rescue context
Specific resources for assessment
Assessment of this competency requires access to an appropriate training location/venue; and organisation's resource equipment and personnel for team based activities
Resource requirements must meet AS2865
Guidance information for assessment
Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C3938 | PUASAR005A | Undertake confined space rescue | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D5530 | PUASAR025A | Undertake confined space rescue | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J101 | HLT50412 | Diploma of Paramedical Science (Ambulance) | Qualification |
| D103 | HLT60307 | Advanced Diploma of Paramedical Science (Ambulance) | Qualification |
| C600 | PUA30601 | Certificate III in Public Safety (Firefighting and Emergency Operations) | Qualification |