Description

Pre/Co-Requisites

Pre-requisites:

• PUAFIR201B Prevent injury

Co-requisites:

• Nil

Performance Criteria

1. Conduct predonning checks and tests on breathing apparatus

1.1. Breathing apparatus is inspected for immediate use in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
1.2. Faulty or damaged equipment is reported and recorded in accordance with the organisation’s procedures

2. Don and check breathing apparatus

2.1. Breathing apparatus is donned in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
2.2. Breathing apparatus is started and checked in accordance with organisational procedures
2.3. Breathing apparatus control procedures are followed in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
2.4. Ancillary equipment required for the task is selected for use

3. Operate breathing apparatus

3.1. Hazards are identified, monitored and controlled in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
3.2. Communication is established and maintained with members and other appropriate personnel throughout the activity
3.3. Activities are undertaken as a member of a team, demonstrating effective application of breathing apparatus in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
3.4. Entrapment procedures are implemented in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
3.5. Personal safety is maintained at all times

4. Conclude operations

4.1. Breathing apparatus set is closed down in accordance with organisational procedures
4.2. Breathing apparatus set is removed in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
4.3. After use cleaning and maintenance of breathing apparatus is undertaken in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
4.4. Equipment is made ready for operational use in accordance with organisational procedures

Key Competencies

Communicating ideas and information

• Communicate ideas and information to reporting procedures (verbal and written) 

Collecting analysing and organising information

• Collect, organise and understand information related to recognising and reporting situations

 Planning and organising activities 

• Plan and organise activities which implement and follow standard procedures 

Working with others and in teams

• Work with others and in a team by assisting and cooperating with team members 

Using mathematical ideas and techniques 

• Use mathematical ideas and techniques to document and report numbers for emergency procedures

Solving problems 

• Establish diagnostic processes which recommend improvements for OH&S issues

Using technology 

• Use workplace technology related to the use of technology to assist with safe work practices

Range Statement

Types of breathing apparatus must include

• open circuit
• and may also include airline equipment escape sets

Types of irrespirable atmospheres must include

• heated atmospheres
• asphyxiating atmosphere (oxygen deficient)
• (non-skin absorption) toxic or poisonous atmosphere
• smoke or suspended particles/fibres in atmosphere

Pre-use tests and checks must include

• serviceability of components
• integrity of components
• cylinder pressure
• integrity of air flow system
• ancillary equipment

Breathing apparatus control equipment must include

• control boards
• breathing apparatus set tallies
• entry control officer identification
• guideline and branch line tallies
• procedures
• personal lines

Breathing apparatus control must include

• principles of BA Control
• organisation’s procedures
• Stage 1 (one entry point)
• Stage 2 (multiple entry points)
• entry/exit control point
• entry/exit control officer
• timing device

Entrapment procedures may include

• cease all strenuous activity
• activate the distress signal unit
• remain calm
• relocate to safest available place
• call for assistance

Communications must include

• distress signal unit
• portable radio

and may also include

• communications sets
• signal lines
• hand signals

Hazards must 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

Evidence Guide

Critical Aspects of Evidence

It is essential for this unit that competence be demonstrated in accordance with AS/NZ 1715–1716:

• appropriate conduct of pre-donning tests
• correct donning of breathing apparatus
• operation of breathing apparatus
• movement in conditions or reduced visibility
• breathing apparatus emergency procedures
• organisation’s procedures are followed
• correct removal of breathing apparatus
• return of breathing apparatus to operational status

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 the Distress Signal Unit
• use of the breathing apparatus control equipment
• use of procedures, personal lines and tallies

Underpinning Skills

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

Resource implications

• access to a range of controlled or simulated scenarios
• Breathing Apparatus and associated equipment

Consistency in performance

• Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments

Context of assessment

• A combination of oral or written presentations, observations, on the job and/or in a range of simulated environments