Elements and Performance Criteria

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.
Relevant compliance documentation may include:
legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures
manufacturer's guidelines and specifications
Australian standards
code of practice
Employment and Workplace Relations legislation
Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation
Work instructions may include:
plans
specifications
quality requirements
operational details
Safety requirements may be included in:
site safety plans
organisational policies and procedures
statutory/regulatory authorities which may include:
federal
state and
local authorities
verbal or written and graphical instructions
signage
work schedules/plans/specifications
work bulletins
charts and hand drawings
memos
maps
materials safety data sheets (MSDS)
diagrams or sketches
safe work procedures or equivalent related to working in confined spaces
regulatory/legislative requirements pertaining to working in confined spaces
manufacturer's specifications and instructions
organisation's work specifications and requirements
instructions issued by authorised organisational or external personnel
relevant Australian standards
Safety requirements may include:
OHS requirements
personal protective clothing and equipment as prescribed under legislation, regulation and workplace policies and practices
use of tools and equipment
workplace environment and safety
handling of materials
use of fire fighting equipment
use of First Aid equipment
hazard control and hazardous materials and substances
safe operating procedures including recognising and preventing hazards associated with working in confined spaces, working in proximity to others, worksite visitors and the public
hazards and risks may include but not be limited to fires, underground services, excavations, traffic, hazardous materials, contaminated atmosphere and toxic gases
risks associated with confined spaces may include but not be limited to restricted means of entry and exit, atmosphere which contains potentially harmful levels of contaminant, unsafe oxygen levels or engulfment
respiratory protection devices are to include but not be limited to air purifying respirators and may include self contained compressed air breathing apparatus, supplied airline breathing apparatus and escape breathing apparatus and atmospheric monitoring devices
Confined space entry permit, or work permits, may include:
location of work
duration of work
size of work crew
atmospheric testing requirements
personal protective equipment
hot work
stand-by personnel
rescue arrangements
other precautions (signs, barriers)
authorisation
Confined spaces may include:
storage tanks, tank cars, process vessels, boilers, pressure vessels, silos and other tank-like compartments
open-topped spaces such as pits or degreasers
pipes, sewers, shafts, ducts and similar structures
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)
Signage may include:
site safety signage
temporary signage for the benefit of motorists
pedestrians and barricades
Environmental protection requirements may include:
organisational/project environmental management plan
waste management
water quality protection
noise
vibration
dust
clean-up management
Gain access may include:
removing access cover
installing and securing ladder
Communications may include:
verbal instructions
fault reporting
2-way radio
hand signals
mobile phone
site specific instructions
written instructions
instructions related to job/task
Secure access may include:
replacing or closing off access cover
Tools and equipment may include:
harness and lifeline
respirator apparatus
atmospheric testing equipment
signs
barricades
communication devices
tools and equipment relevant to the work to be performed

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.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:
knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for entering and working in confined spaces
implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion for entering and working in confined spaces
working with others to undertake and complete the entering and working in confined spaces that meet all of the required outcomes
consistent timely completion of entering and working in confined spaces that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.
Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.
Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.
Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in the work environment. Selection and use of resources for particular work sites may differ due to site circumstances.
Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.
Method of assessment
This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:
written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge
observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:
implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes
consistently achieving the required outcomes
first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:
working with others to undertake and complete the entering and working in confined spaces
Guidance information for assessment
Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.