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.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for work in the confined space | 1.1 Obtain, interpret and confirm work requirements 1.2 Access, interpret and apply documentation required to supervise in confined spaces 1.3 Access and interpret the site confined spaces safety management program 1.4 Determine tasks and develop a written Safe Operating Procedures for work to be carried out 1.5 Identify and implement communications system and equipment according to workplace procedures 1.6 Select and wear personal protective equipment 1.7 Identify and obtain resources for implementation of the confined spaces safety management program 1.8 Prepare all required permits |
2. Provide information about working in confined spaces | 2.1 Establish consultation mechanisms with all levels of the workforce 2.2 Consult with employees and employee representatives on implementation of the confined spaces safety management program 2.3 Identify and meet the communication needs of special groups 2.4 Provide information, instruction, training and supervision to employees |
3. Ensure safety and health of others entering and working in a confined space | 3.1 Identify relevant personnel or expertise for risk assessment, and initiate hazard identification and risk assessment process 3.2 Identify and prepare a written record of hazards 3.3 Assess risks and determine probability and likelihood 3.4 Identify and implement effective control measures according to the Hierarchy of Controls 3.5 Develop a confined space checklist for the Confined Space Entry Permit 3.6 Ensure atmospheric monitoring instruments available, installed, calibrated and used correctly according to workplace procedures 3.7 Keep written records of hazard and risk assessment processes and outcomes, and the controls put in place according to workplace procedures |
4. Supervise entry and work in a confined space | 4.1 Allocate resources to confined space personnel for effective, safe performance of designated work 4.2 Ensure all personnel read, understand and sign all required permits 4.3 Clearly and concisely communicate the work activities to personnel, clarify any questions, and ensure all personnel are clear on their work activities and responsibilities 4.4 Brief and post confined space observers and sentries 4.5 Check that required personal protective equipment is suitable and worn correctly according to manufacturer specifications 4.6 Ensure communications systems are installed, maintained and in working order 4.7 Monitor and evaluate the continued effectiveness of risk assessment processes and controls 4.8 Test and maintain controls according to workplace procedures 4.9 Ensure work activities complies to procedures |
5. Implement confined space emergency and rescue systems | 5.1 Select emergency rescue equipment appropriate for the confined space activities 5.2 Identify and liaise with external Emergency Services agencies 5.3 Implement site approved emergency procedures 5.4 Keep and maintain emergency procedure training records |
6. Withdraw from confined space and facilitate return to service | 6.1 Confirm that work is completed to site requirements and all work-related materials and equipment removed 6.2 Confirm all permits are cleared and systems isolation devices removed according to workplace procedures 6.3 Confirm all personnel sign off the Confined Space Entry Permit 6.4 Advise appropriate personnel that the confined space is clear for return to service 6.5 Review the confined space safety management program |
Evidence of Performance
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.
Evidence of Knowledge
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.
Assessment Conditions
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.
Foundation Skills
Oral communication | Conveys information and requirements clearly, and listens carefully |
Reading | Identifies and interprets relevant information from workplace procedures, documentation, legislation and regulations |
Problem solving | Identifies a range of factors that impact on a decision, including own values and principles, the needs, power, values, beliefs and assumptions of stakeholders |