SKILL  KNOWLEDGE  SAFETY

MSAPMOHS216A - Operate breathing apparatus

Description

 This unit covers competence associated with the operation and maintenance of breathing apparatus equipment in an irrespirable atmosphere

Pre Requisites

 Nil

Application

 This competency applies to operators who are required to wear breathing apparatus for part of their job - because they are working in a confined space, with hazardous gases/vapours, in an anoxic atmosphere or for other applications requiring the wearing of breathing apparatus. They may also be required to wear it in emergency situations, however this is not the prime focus of this unit, and so makes this unit different from PUAFIR207A Operate breathing apparatus open circuit, as it has no prerequisite and is much broader in its application

Performance Criteria

 1. Conduct pre-donning checks and tests on breathing apparatus.    
1.1 Inspect breathing apparatus for immediate use in accordance with procedures.
1.2 Report/record faulty or damaged equipment in accordance with procedures.

2. Operate breathing apparatus.    
2.1 Identify, monitor and control hazards in accordance with the procedures.
2.2 Establish and maintain communication with appropriate personnel throughout the activity.
2.3 Demonstrate effective application of breathing apparatus, undertaking activities as a member of a team, in accordance with procedures.
2.4 Implement entrapment procedures in accordance with procedures.
2.5 Maintain personal safety at all times.

3. Conclude operations.    
3.1 Close down breathing apparatus set in accordance with procedures.
3.2 Remove breathing apparatus set in accordance with procedures.
3.3 Undertake after-use cleaning and maintenance of breathing apparatus in accordance with procedures.
3.4 Make equipment ready for operational use in accordance with procedures.

Required Skills & Knowledge

 Underpinning knowledge:
  •     respiratory system, effects of irrespirable atmospheres on the body, protective equipment
  •     characteristics, component parts, operation of compressed air breathing apparatus
  •     operational testing, standard operating procedures and safe work practices when wearing breathing apparatus
  •     operating breathing apparatus
  •     use of procedures, personal lines and tallies
  •     pre-use tests and checks, including serviceability of components, integrity of components, cylinder pressure, integrity of air flow system, ancillary equipment.
  •     breathing apparatus control, including principles of BA Control, organisation procedures, Stage 1 (one entry point), Stage 2 (multiple entry points), entry/exit control point, entry/exit control officer, timing device
  •     entrapment procedures, including cease all strenuous activity, activate the distress signal unit, remain calm, relocate to safest available place, call for assistance
  •     communications, including distress signal unit, portable radio, communications sets, signal lines, hand signals.

Underpinning skills:
  •     Inspecting, donning, operating in, removal, cleaning, maintaining and returning to operational status of breathing apparatus.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements
This unit requires the ability to interpret any permits or other documentation associated with the wearing of breathing apparatus for the job.
Writing is required to the level of completing required workplace reports.
Numeracy is required to enable the determination of the available working time from a breathing apparatus set and similar activities.

Range Statement

 Context
This competency applies to anyone required to wear breathing apparatus as part of their job.

Procedures
All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.
Procedures include all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.

Tools and equipment
This competency includes use of breathing apparatus, including:
  •     open circuit
  •     airline equipment.
Hazards
Typical hazards include:
  •     fire
  •     failure to maintain a face seal
  •     exhaustion of air supply
  •     malfunction of equipment
  •     disorientation in smoke/darkness or confinement
  •     structural hazards and/or hazardous materials
  •     entrapment.

Problems
'Respond to routine problems' means 'apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems'.

Variables
Key variables to be monitored for an irrespirable atmospheres include
  •     heated atmospheres
  •     asphyxiating atmosphere (oxygen deficient)
  •     (non-skin absorption) toxic or poisonous atmosphere
  •     smoke or suspended particles/fibres in atmosphere.

Evidence Guide

 Overview of assessment
A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment. Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the competency as a whole, as defined by the Elements, Performance Criteria and skills and knowledge.
Assessment will occur using industrial breathing apparatus and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
In accordance with AS/NZ 17151716, it is essential that competence is demonstrated in the ability to:
  •     appropriately conduct pre-donning tests
  •     correctly don breathing apparatus
  •     operate breathing apparatus
  •     move in conditions of reduced visibility
  •     use breathing apparatus in emergency procedures
  •     follow organisation procedures
  •     correctly remove breathing apparatus
  •     return breathing apparatus to operational status.

Assessment method and context
Competence in this unit may be assessed:
  •     by using an appropriate, industrial breathing apparatus and scenarios
  •     in a situation allowing the generation of evidence of the ability to respond to problems
  •     by using a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios
  •     through a combination of these techniques.
In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practical/simulation or similar assessment. Assessors need to be aware of any cultural issues that may affect responses to questions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed.

Specific resources for assessment
This section should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement for this unit of competency. Resources required include suitable access to breathing apparatus and associated equipment that allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios and questions will also be required to the extent that they form part of the assessment method. Questioning may take place either in the workplace, or in an adjacent, quiet facility such as an office or lunchroom. No other special resources are required.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

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