Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

RIIWHS401E Mapping and Delivery Guide
Supervise work in confined spaces

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency RIIWHS401E - Supervise work in confined spaces
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to supervise work in confined spaces in the resources and infrastructure industries.It applies to those working in supervisory roles. They are generally responsible for the output of others, contribute to the development of technical solutions to non-routine problems and apply management plans to the workplace.Licensing, legislative and certification requirements that apply to this unit can vary between states, territories and industry sectors. Users must check requirements with relevant body before applying the unit.Note: The terms Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and Work Health and Safety (WHS) are equivalent and generally either can be used in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the National Model WHS Legislation has not been implemented RTOs are advised to contextualise the unit of competency by referring to the existing State/Territory OHS legislative requirements.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

Mandatory conditions for assessment of this unit are stipulated below. The assessment must:

include access to:

personal protective equipment

equipment related to supervise working in confined spaces

relevant documentation

be conducted in a safe environment; and,

be assessed in the context of this sector's work environment; and,

be assessed in compliance with relevant legislation/regulation and using policies, procedures and processes directly related to the industry sector for which it is being assessed; and,

confirm consistent performance can be applied in a range of relevant workplace circumstances.

Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated work environment* provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of this sector’s workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Assessor requirements

Assessors must be able to clearly demonstrate current and relevant industry knowledge and experience to satisfy the mandatory regulatory standards as set out in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/Australian Quality Training Framework mandatory requirements for assessors current at the time of assessment and any relevant licensing and certification requirements. This includes:

vocational competencies at least to the level being delivered and assessed

current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided

current knowledge and skills in vocational training and learning that informs their training and assessment

formal relevant qualifications in training and assessment

having knowledge of and/or experience using the latest techniques and processes

possessing the required level of RII training product knowledge

having an understanding and knowledge of legislation and regulations relevant to the industry and to employment and workplaces

demonstrating the performance evidence, and knowledge evidence outlined in this unit of competency, and

the minimum years of current** work experience after competency has been obtained as specified below in an industry sector relevant to the outcomes of the unit.

It is also acceptable for the appropriately qualified assessor to work with an industry expert to conduct assessment together and for the industry expert to be involved in the assessment judgement. The industry expert must have current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided. This means the industry subject matter expert must demonstrate skills and knowledge from the minimum years of current work experience after competency has been obtained as specified below, including time spent in roles related to the unit being assessed:

Industry sector

AQF indicator level***

Required assessor or industry subject matter expert experience

Drilling, Metalliferous Mining, Coal Mining, Extractive (Quarrying) and Civil Infrastructure

1

1 year

2

2 years

Drilling, Coal Mining, Extractive (Quarrying), Metalliferous Mining and Civil Infrastructure

3-6

3 years

Other sectors

Where this unit is being assessed outside of the resources and infrastructure sectors assessor and/or industry subject matter expert experience should be in-line with industry standards for the sector in which it is being assessed and where no industry standard is specified should comply with any relevant regulation.

*Guidance on simulated environments has been stipulated in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide located on VETNet.

**Assessors can demonstrate current work experience through employment within industry in a role relevant to the outcomes of the unit; or, for external assessors this can be demonstrated through exposure to industry by conducting a minimum number of site assessments as determined by the relevant industry sector, across various locations.

*** While a unit of competency does not have an AQF level, where a unit is being delivered outside of a qualification the first numeric character in the unit code should be considered as the AQF indicator level for assessment purposes.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Prepare for work in the confined space
  • Obtain, interpret and confirm work requirements
  • Access, interpret and apply documentation required to supervise in confined spaces
  • Access and interpret the site confined spaces safety management program
  • Determine tasks and develop a written Safe Operating Procedures for work to be carried out
  • Identify and implement communications system and equipment according to workplace procedures
  • Select and wear personal protective equipment
  • Identify and obtain resources for implementation of the confined spaces safety management program
  • Prepare all required permits
       
Element: Provide information about working in confined spaces
  • Establish consultation mechanisms with all levels of the workforce
  • Consult with employees and employee representatives on implementation of the confined spaces safety management program
  • Identify and meet the communication needs of special groups
  • Provide information, instruction, training and supervision to employees
       
Element: Ensure safety and health of others entering and working in a confined space
  • Identify relevant personnel or expertise for risk assessment, and initiate hazard identification and risk assessment process
  • Identify and prepare a written record of hazards
  • Assess risks and determine probability and likelihood
  • Identify and implement effective control measures according to the Hierarchy of Controls
  • Develop a confined space checklist for the Confined Space Entry Permit
  • Ensure atmospheric monitoring instruments available, installed, calibrated and used correctly according to workplace procedures
  • Keep written records of hazard and risk assessment processes and outcomes, and the controls put in place according to workplace procedures
       
Element: Supervise entry and work in a confined space
  • Allocate resources to confined space personnel for effective, safe performance of designated work
  • Ensure all personnel read, understand and sign all required permits
  • Clearly and concisely communicate the work activities to personnel, clarify any questions, and ensure all personnel are clear on their work activities and responsibilities
  • Brief and post confined space observers and sentries
  • Check that required personal protective equipment is suitable and worn correctly according to manufacturer specifications
  • Ensure communications systems are installed, maintained and in working order
  • Monitor and evaluate the continued effectiveness of risk assessment processes and controls
  • Test and maintain controls according to workplace procedures
  • Ensure work activities complies to procedures
       
Element: Implement confined space emergency and rescue systems
  • Select emergency rescue equipment appropriate for the confined space activities
  • Identify and liaise with external Emergency Services agencies
  • Implement site approved emergency procedures
  • Keep and maintain emergency procedure training records
       
Element: Withdraw from confined space and facilitate return to service
  • Confirm that work is completed to site requirements and all work-related materials and equipment removed
  • Confirm all permits are cleared and systems isolation devices removed according to workplace procedures
  • Confirm all personnel sign off the Confined Space Entry Permit
  • Advise appropriate personnel that the confined space is clear for return to service
  • Review the confined space safety management program
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including evidence of the ability to:

supervise work in confined spaces on at least two occasions, including:

performing task analysis to carry out risk assessment, and prepare for emergency procedures

preparing a written safe operating procedure and checklist for confined space work activities

preparing required permits prior to work activity

determining requirements and applying procedures for working in confined spaces

sourcing and allocating required resources for confined space activities

providing clear instructions and coordinating of activities throughout working in confined space activity

establishing and applying effective communication techniques to others throughout the work activity

applying atmospheric contaminants measurement procedures

supervising work activities and correcting work activity when required

training others to carry out first response, first aid and fire- fighting techniques

maintaining written training records

maintaining written record of hazards, risk assessments, outcomes and controls used.

During the above, the candidate must:

locate and apply relevant legislation, documentation, policies and procedures and confirm that the work activity is compliant

implement the requirements, procedures and techniques for supervising work in confined spaces

work effectively with others to supervise work in confined spaces in a way that meets all required outcomes

communicate clearly and concisely with others to receive and clarify work instructions and to determine coordination requirements prior to commencing and during work activities.

The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including knowledge of:

key legislation required to supervise work in confined spaces

key policies, procedures and documentation required to supervise work in confined spaces

principles and techniques for:

performing the process of hazard identification, risk assessment and control

applying workplace strategies for implementing confined space legislation

determining the effects of atmospheric contaminants entering the respiratory system

knowledge of the effects on the human body, including:

oxygen deficiency

toxic contaminants

combustible contaminants

physical hazards, including engulfment and entrapment

physiological conditions, including asthma, epilepsy, phobias and physical fitness

risks to workers handling hazardous substances in confined spaces

risks from electric shock, explosion or fire, temperature changes, noise, and trips, slips and falls

establishing control measures

using methods of systems isolation

preparing written Safe Operating Procedures

processes for examination, testing and maintenance of control measures

implementation of emergency rescue procedures

selection, use, training and maintenance of safety and rescue equipment

record keeping requirements

techniques for using communication and observer systems

principles and techniques for identifying relevant hazards and emergencies

techniques for coordinating and communicating job activities with others.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Obtain, interpret and confirm work requirements 
Access, interpret and apply documentation required to supervise in confined spaces 
Access and interpret the site confined spaces safety management program 
Determine tasks and develop a written Safe Operating Procedures for work to be carried out 
Identify and implement communications system and equipment according to workplace procedures 
Select and wear personal protective equipment 
Identify and obtain resources for implementation of the confined spaces safety management program 
Prepare all required permits 
Establish consultation mechanisms with all levels of the workforce 
Consult with employees and employee representatives on implementation of the confined spaces safety management program 
Identify and meet the communication needs of special groups 
Provide information, instruction, training and supervision to employees 
Identify relevant personnel or expertise for risk assessment, and initiate hazard identification and risk assessment process 
Identify and prepare a written record of hazards 
Assess risks and determine probability and likelihood 
Identify and implement effective control measures according to the Hierarchy of Controls 
Develop a confined space checklist for the Confined Space Entry Permit 
Ensure atmospheric monitoring instruments available, installed, calibrated and used correctly according to workplace procedures 
Keep written records of hazard and risk assessment processes and outcomes, and the controls put in place according to workplace procedures 
Allocate resources to confined space personnel for effective, safe performance of designated work 
Ensure all personnel read, understand and sign all required permits 
Clearly and concisely communicate the work activities to personnel, clarify any questions, and ensure all personnel are clear on their work activities and responsibilities 
Brief and post confined space observers and sentries 
Check that required personal protective equipment is suitable and worn correctly according to manufacturer specifications 
Ensure communications systems are installed, maintained and in working order 
Monitor and evaluate the continued effectiveness of risk assessment processes and controls 
Test and maintain controls according to workplace procedures 
Ensure work activities complies to procedures 
Select emergency rescue equipment appropriate for the confined space activities 
Identify and liaise with external Emergency Services agencies 
Implement site approved emergency procedures 
Keep and maintain emergency procedure training records 
Confirm that work is completed to site requirements and all work-related materials and equipment removed 
Confirm all permits are cleared and systems isolation devices removed according to workplace procedures 
Confirm all personnel sign off the Confined Space Entry Permit 
Advise appropriate personnel that the confined space is clear for return to service 
Review the confined space safety management program 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

RIIWHS401E - Supervise work in confined spaces
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

RIIWHS401E - Supervise work in confined spaces

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: