This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to undertake rescues in confined spaces as a member of a single organisation or team involving multiple organisations.

A confined space is determined by the hazards associated with a set of specific circumstances and not just because work is performed in a small space. A confined space means an enclosed or partially enclosed space that

is not designed or intended primarily to be occupied by a person, and

is, or is designed or intended to be, at normal atmospheric pressure while any person is in the space, and

is or is likely to be a risk to health and safety from

an atmosphere that does not have a safe oxygen level, or

contaminants, including airborne gases, vapours and dusts, that may cause injury from fire or explosion, or

harmful concentrations of any airborne contaminants, or engulfment.

The unit is applicable to a range of confined space rescue situations undertaken by personnel from the emergency services, volunteer organisations and/or organisations where confined space work is performed. Permits may be required to perform work in a confined space in various jurisdictions.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare for confined space rescue operation

1.1

Appropriate rescue equipment is identified and selected based on incident information, as directed by the supervisor

1.2

Operation and task information is obtained through a briefing, in accordance with organisational procedures

1.3

Personal protective clothing and equipment is selected relevant to the nature of the confined space rescue operation

1.4

Any further details of the nature of the rescue received en route is assessed

1.5

Anticipated hazards and associated risks are discussed with rescue team members while en route, in accordance with organisational procedures

2

Assess and manage confined space rescue

2.1

Confined space is assessed, hazards and risks are identified and appropriate control measures and ongoing monitoring processes are put in place, in accordance with organisational procedures

2.2

Physical features of confined space rescue scene are assessed before deploying rescue resources

2.3

Confined space rescue is managed by controlling access and maintaining a safe operational environment, in accordance with organisational procedures

2.4

Communication with other personnel on site is established and maintained throughout the rescue

3

Determine location and condition of casualties

3.1

Assessment of confined space 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 the location of casualties within confined space is collected and reported to appropriate personnel

3.4

Condition of casualties and nature of entrapment is ascertained, as required

3.5

Hygiene precautions are applied, in accordance with organisational procedures

4

Gain entry to confined space

4.1

Entry permit is located and relevant information is obtained, as required

4.2

Entry procedures are implemented, in accordance with organisational requirements

4.3

Atmosphere is monitored, in accordance with organisational procedures and industry standards

4.4

Appropriate ventilation procedures are implemented, as required, in accordance with organisational procedures

4.5

Appropriate respiratory protection equipment is used in hazardous atmospheres

4.6

Confined space rescue techniques and equipment are employed to access casualties

4.7

Located casualties are treated, in consultation with medical personnel and in accordance with organisational procedures

5

Remove casualties

5.1

Casualties are removed, in accordance with organisational procedures

5.2

Appropriate actions are taken to preserve confined space incident scene

6

Conclude rescue operations

6.1

Appropriate actions are taken to preserve the incident scene, in accordance with organisational procedures

6.2

Equipment is recovered, cleaned and serviced, in accordance with organisational procedures and manufacturers' guidelines

6.3

Hygiene precautions are implemented, in accordance with organisational procedures

6.4

Decontamination procedures are followed, in accordance with organisational procedures

6.5

Operational debriefing is participated in, in accordance organisational procedures

6.6

Operational documentation including post incident report is completed, in accordance with organisational procedures

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Not applicable

Search and Rescue