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. Add any 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.
Confined spaces may include:
water pipe systems and tunnels
access chambers, manholes and shafts
valve pits and sumps
live or inactive sewer mains
wastewater pump wells
tanks, such as water and chemical storage, digesters and filter cells
stormwater systems and environmental traps
trenches
Risk assessment of the confined space access activity may include analysis of:
restricted means of entry and exit
atmosphere that contains potentially harmful levels of contaminants
unsafe oxygen levels
engulfment hazards and need for hydraulic isolation
working with hazardous equipment and materials
working in hot or cold conditions
working in high places
Workplace proceduresand work instructions may include:
application of entry permit procedures
hazard policies and procedures
emergency, engulfment, fire and accident procedures
procedures for the use of personal protective clothing and equipment
hazard identification and issue resolution procedures
job procedures and work instructions
Safety equipment and personal protective equipment will vary according to nature of work undertaken but may include:
self-rescue respiratory protection devices
self-contained compressed air breathing apparatus
supplied airline breathing apparatus and escape breathing apparatus
atmospheric monitoring devices
harness and lifeline
fall arrest and winching system
ventilation equipment
signs
barricades
communication devices
tools and equipment relevant to work to be performed
waterproof overalls
non-slip safety footwear
hard hat
protective gloves

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.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The candidate should demonstrate the ability to work safely in confined spaces by:
planning work in confined spaces effectively
identifying and using specified and required safety equipment
applying entry permit process accurately and according to specified procedures
applying OHS requirements in relation to working in confined spaces within the water industry
assessing risks
working effectively with team members and in particular the stand-by person
conducting air monitoring procedures
working effectively within confined spaces to complete required tasks
completing work and exiting confined space
completing required documentation
handling, cleaning and maintaining equipment effectively and according to standard operating procedures
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Access to the workplace and resources including:
documentation that should normally be available in a water industry organisation
relevant codes, standards and government regulations
Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.
Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:
competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace
where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice
a decision of competence should only be made when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's competence over time and in various contexts
all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence
where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (RCC/RPL), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time
assessment can be through simulated project-based activity and must include evidence relating to each of the elements in this unit
In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge. Questioning will be undertaken in a manner appropriate to the skill levels of the operator and cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and will reflect the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.