Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:33 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
PUASAR025A
State Code
D5530
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Current Release Number
3.00
Current Release Date
02/05/2013
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
29/05/2014
Field of Education
080399 - Business And Management, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
29/05/2014
Nominal Hours
16
Description
This unit covers the competency required to undertake rescue in confined spaces, as defined in AS 2865-2009 Confined spaces, as a member of a single agency or multi-disciplinary team.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for confined space rescue operation
  • 1.1 Operation and task information is obtained from a variety of sources and analysed, and team roles are confirmed.
  • 1.2 Appropriate rescue equipment is identified and selected based on incident information as directed by supervisor.
  • 1.3 Personal protective equipment is selected relevant to the nature of the confined space rescue operation.
  • 1.4 Any further details of the nature of the rescue are received en route.
  • 1.5 Anticipated hazards and associated risks are discussed with rescue team members whilst on route.
2. Assess and manage confined space/trench rescue
  • 2.1 Confined space is assessed, hazards and risks are identified, and appropriate control and ongoing monitoring processes are put in place.
  • 2.2 Physical features of confined space rescue scene are assessed before deploying rescue resources.
  • 2.3 Rescue is managed to control access and to maintain a safe and effective operational environment.
  • 2.4 Situational and environmental hazards are assessed, minimised and controlled.
  • 2.5 Communication with other personnel on site is established and maintained.
3. Determine location and condition of casualties
  • 3.1 Assessment of incident scene is undertaken to determine possible location of casualties.
  • 3.2 Appropriate equipment is used to assist in the location of casualties.
  • 3.3 Evidence of location of casualties within confined space is collected and reported.
  • 3.4 Condition of casualties and nature of entrapment is ascertained where possible.
  • 3.5 Hygiene procedures are applied in accordance with organisational procedures.
4. Gain entry to confined space
  • 4.1 Entry permit is located and relevant information is obtained if available.
  • 4.2 Atmosphere is monitored in accordance with AS 2865-2009 Confined spaces.
  • 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 organisational procedures.
  • 5.2 Appropriate actions are taken to preserve the incident scene and to collect evidence, 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.
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 in:
AS 2865-2009 Confined spaces
Rescue equipment may include:
airline equipment
atmospheric monitoring equipment
communications
escape sets and harnesses
hauling systems
life rescue line
litters/stretchers
isolation equipment
ropes/tapes
self-contained breathing apparatus/airline
tripods/edge management
ventilation and purging equipment
Personal protective equipment may include:
airlines
atmospheric monitoring equipment
chemical splash suit/fully encapsulated gas-tight suits
gloves
hearing protection aids
helmets
safety glasses
self-contained breathing apparatus
Situational or environmental hazards may include:
atmospheric contaminants (such as hydrogen sulphide)
dangerous goods or hazardous substance
engulfment
falls from heights or into depths
heat exhaustion or hypothermia
oxygen enrichment
oxygen deficiency
methane and carbon dioxide
moving machinery either electrical or mechanical
sewers and stormwater canals
stored energy
swift water
Personnel may include:
agency support
emergency services workers
local/state/territory government authorities
onsite staff
specialist advisors and safety authorities
Preserving the incident scene may include:
preserving evidence and related legal requirements
Collecting evidence may include:
entry permit
information received from bystanders
permit to work
witnesses and emergency services personnel
Operational documentation may include:
atmospheric monitoring procedures
entry control procedures
entry permits
equipment and rope logs
exposure records
tally boards
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 this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
extricate casualty minimising further injury to casualty, injury to self and others
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual and/or simulated workplace environments.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed in an industry-approved simulated and/or workplace environment involving confined space rescues using a range of equipment.
Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
appropriate venue
organisational resource equipment
personnel for team-based activities
resources as specified in AS 2865-2009 Confined spaces
Method of assessment
In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.
Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.
Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:
direct observation
interviewing the candidate
journals and workplace documentation
third party reports from supervisors
written or oral questions
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D3003 PUASAR005B Undertake confined space rescue Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OAX68 PUASAR025 Undertake confined space rescue Unit of competency