Application
This unit was developed for Defence workers involved in the testing of confined space environments as a workplace responsibility, but is applicable to all individuals who work in this field
Typically, these individuals must demonstrate the ability to work independently or as part of a team under indirect supervision. They must be able to use discretion and judgement and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs.
All activities are carried out in accordance with relevant legislation, organisational policies and procedures.
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Prepare for environmental testing | 1.1 Confined space potential contaminants are identified. 1.2 Organisational restrictions or requirements pertinent to the confined space are identified. 1.3 Equipment and resources required for the testing are identified, acquired and prepared. 1.4 Work health and safety (WHS) requirements are applied throughout the testing procedures. |
2. Test confined space for contaminants/ threats | 2.1 Testing sample is obtained in accordance with testing protocols. 2.2 Tests are conducted and results are recorded in accordance with testing protocols. 2.3 Test results are analysed in accordance with testing protocols. 2.4 Confined space environment is monitored. |
3. Finalise test/s | 3.1 Documentation and reports are completed. 3.2 Testing equipment is cleaned and refurbished. |
Required Skills
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Required Skills |
access, read, interpret and apply information on testing analyse test results communicate effectively identify and report on contaminants/threats operate test equipment |
Required Knowledge |
analysis procedures engineering controls legislation, organisational policies and procedures relevant to confined space entry operating procedures of relevant test equipment principles of atmospheric monitoring sampling procedures testing protocols |
Evidence Required
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Assessment must confirm the ability: plan and prepare for testing accurately record and analyse test results report abnormalities maintain records/documentation apply knowledge of relevant work health and safety legislative requirements apply principles and practices of work health and safety identify intervention points for expert advice to assist in work and to guide problem solving Consistency in performance Evidence for competency in this unit must be gathered over time and across a range of workplace or simulated situations. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Context of assessment Competency should be assessed in the workplace under conditions that accurately simulate a realistic workplace in accordance with all relevant legislation and organisation requirements. Evidence should be gathered while observing the individual conducting an actual or simulated confined space environment test. Documented evidence of all relevant reports and tests of the activity should be submitted as evidence for assessment. Specific resources for assessment Access to the organisational legislation, codes of practice, guidance material, policies/procedures and relevant equipment including PPE required to support testing of confined space environment. |
Range Statement
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. | |
Potential contaminants may include: | Dusts/fumes/gases/vapours/particles Hazardous substances Liquids Noise Radiation (Ionising or non |
Equipment and resources may include: | Testing equipment as required by SOPs Testing equipment pertinent to the perceived contaminant/threat |
Preparation of equipment and resources may include: | Testing equipment for safe operation (confidence testing) prescribed by manufacturer Testing equipment for serviceability |
Work health and safety requirements may include: | General duty of care under WHS legislation and common law Provisions relating to health and safety representatives and/or WHS committees Provisions relating to WHS issue resolution state/territory/commonwealth WHS acts, regulations, codes of practice and guidance material relating to hazards present in workplace and industry |
Testing sample may include: | Quantity required to obtain valid result Sending sample with appropriate paperwork to testing laboratory for specialised tests |
Recording test results may include: | Manual or automated recording systems |
Analysis of test results may include: | Comparison against known standards Determination of safe levels of contaminants/threats |
Monitoring of the confined space environment may include: | Maintaining testing regime while in confined space, be it continuous or periodic, in accordance with entry plan and work permit Monitoring if determined under risk assessment Monitoring in response to work being undertaken in the space |
Documentation and reports may include: | Testing equipment usage reports/logs Work permit completion after testing Written reports required by organisation |
Cleaning and refurbishing testing equipment may include: | Decontamination procedures Disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE) Disposal of test samples Inspection, servicing and cleaning equipment ready for re |
Sectors
Not applicable.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Licensing Information
Not applicable.