Elements and Performance Criteria

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version must be used.

The Australian standard (AS2865) definition given for confined space entry is used in this Training Package, i.e.:
an enclosed or partially enclosed space which -
A confined space is determined in part by the hazards associated with a defined set of circumstances (restricted entry or hazardous atmosphere, risk of engulfment) and not just with work performed in a restricted space. In this Training Package work in a 'tight spot' which is not a confined space as defined has been referred to as a 'restricted space'.
Examples of confined space include (but are not restricted to):
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).
A person is deemed to have entered a confined space when their head (i.e. the breathing zone) or upper part of the body is within the boundary of the confined space. (Note that inserting an arm for atmospheric testing is not considered an entry to a confined space).
Risk assessment is required prior to entry to a confined space. The risk assessment checklists may be derived from a standard or code of practice developed by the organisation to meet relevant legislation and standards. The outcomes of the risk assessment should be documented and retained.
Preparation for entry to a confined space will be in accordance with AS2865, or its authorised update or replacement, and local procedures and may include as appropriate:
draining
blanking/blinding of lines
double block and bleed of lines
removal of spool piece
immobilisation of any moving devices
depressuring
venting/purging (to a safe area)
atmospheric testing and monitoring
other requirements as determined by risk assessment and appropriate to the confined space as required by legislation or AS2865.
Safety equipment may include:
respiratory protective devices
self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
long distance breathers
lifting and lowering devices, safety belts, harnesses and lines
safety footwear
gloves
coveralls
intrinsically safe torches
hearing protection
eye protection
head protection
portable gas detectors and monitors
intrinsically safe communication equipment
incident response equipment including rescue, First Aid, and fire suppression
spill kits.
Confined space permit should include details of:
location, description and duration of work to be done
hazards that may be encountered
atmospheric test and monitoring requirements and results
authorisation
isolation, lock out, tag out processes
personal protective equipment and clothing
other precautions (e.g. signs, barricades)
size of work crew
stand-by personnel and emergency response and rescue arrangements
other requirements as determined by risk assessment and in accordance with legislative requirements and relevant Australian Standard including Appendix H of AS 2865
A 'competent person' is a person who has, through a combination of training, education and experience, acquired and skills enabling that person to correctly perform a specified task.
Checks to ensure a workplace is safe include:
mechanical and electrical isolations in place
atmospheric testing complete and atmosphere safe
process isolations complete
relevant personnel informed of work and agree that it is safe and appropriate to proceed

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
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 SOPs
relevant personnel informed of work and agree that it is safe and appropriate to proceed.

This competency includes use of safety equipment and tools such as:
eye protection (e.g. goggles)
ear protection
gloves
clothing
respirators and masks - breathing apparatus
helmets
safety footwear
lines and harnesses
gas test meters.

Typical 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
entrapment/engulfment.

'Respond to routine problems' means 'apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems'. Typical problems may include:
provision of the wrong permit/need for additional permits
incorrect information being supplied with the permit
errors being made in the understanding of permit data
failure to correctly correspond to the requirements of the permit
failure to seek clarification when anomalies occur
variation in job scope from that specified in the permit.

Key variables to be monitored include:
sites under which permit activities must be applied
type of permit 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.


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.

Overview of assessment
Assessment of this unit should demonstrate competence on actual plant and equipment in a work environment. A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.
Simulation may be required to allow for assessment of parts of this unit. Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the Elements, Performance Criteria and skills and knowledge.
Assessment will ensure that the confined space entry procedures and documentation are known and able to be applied to a confined space entry.

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 the major types of permit and to list the major requirements 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:

the ability work within a confined space
compliance with the permit conditions
the testing and use of the approved breathing apparatus supplied by the organisation
identification of problems as they arise
the ability to take appropriate action to resolve faults/problems or report faults/ problems to appropriate personnel
ability to apply knowledge of the legislation, relevant standards and site/organisation risk assessment guidelines for confined spaces
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.

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 may be assessed:

by using a suitable simulation based on an actual plant and including walk throughs of the relevant competency components and/or a range of case studies/scenarios and role plays
by questioning and using 'what if' scenarios both on the plant (during demonstration of normal operations and walk throughs of abnormal operations) and off the plant
through a combination of these techniques.
These aspects may be best assessed using a range of simulations/scenarios/case studies and 'what ifs' as the stimulus with a walk through forming part of the response. These assessment activities should include a range of problems, including new or unusual situations which may have been generated from the past incident history of the plant, incidents on similar plants around the world, hazard analysis activities and similar sources.
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.
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. In all plants it may be appropriate to assess this unit concurrently with relevant teamwork and communication units.
This section should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement for this unit of competency. Resources required include suitable access to an operating 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
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

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.