Enter and work in confined spaces

Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to enter and work in confined spaces in the resources and infrastructure industries.

It applies to those working in operational roles. They generally work under supervision to undertake a prescribed range of functions involving known routines and procedures and take responsibility for the quality of work outcomes.

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.

Elements and performance criteria

Element	Performance criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes.	Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.
1. Plan and prepare for working in confined space	1.1 Obtain, interpret and confirm work requirements 1.2 Access, interpret and apply documentation required to enter and work in confined spaces 1.3 Identify and address potential risks, hazards and environmental issues, and implement control measures according to workplace procedures 1.4 Obtain and confirm authorisation of a confined space entry permit that meets regulatory requirements 1.5 Select and wear appropriate personal protective equipment for planned work activities 1.6 Obtain and interpret emergency procedures with the stand-by person, and be prepared for emergency situations 1.7 Identify, obtain and implement signage and barrier requirements according to workplace procedures 1.8 Select tools and equipment for the tasks, check for serviceability and rectify or report any faults to relevant personnel 1.9 Position rescue equipment by the entry permit
2. Work in confined space	2.1 Gain access to confined space 2.2 Test and monitor the atmosphere for harmful elements according to workplace procedures 2.3 Correctly apply tagging and lock-out procedures 2.4 Enter the confined space according to workplace procedures 2.5 Maintain ongoing communication with the stand-by person 2.6 Comply with entry permit requirements 2.7 Monitor and adhere to allocated entry time
3. Exit confined space	3.1 Exit confined space according to workplace procedures 3.2 Recover tools, equipment and materials 3.3 Conduct inspection of the confined spaces according to workplace procedures 3.4 Remove tagging and lock-out procedures 3.5 Complete confined space entry permit requirements according to workplace procedures
4. Clean up	4.1 Clear work area and dispose of materials according to workplace procedures 4.2 Remove, clean and store barriers and signs 4.3 Conduct equipment inspections to identify faults according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures and report to relevant personnel 4.4 Conduct routine operational servicing, lubrication and housekeeping activities according to workplace procedures 4.5 Process written maintenance records according to workplace procedures

Unit Description

Application

Elements and performance criteria

Important Notice