SKILL  KNOWLEDGE  SAFETY

PUASAR025A - Undertake confined space rescue

Deacription

 This unit covers the competency required to undertake rescue in confined spaces as a member of a single agency or multi-disciplinary team

Pre Requisites

 Nil

Application

The application of this unit in the workplace covers a range of confined space rescue situations.

The unit is typically performed by personnel from emergency services and/or volunteer organisations or organisations where confined space work is undertaken.

In the context of the Fire Sector the following units are pre-requisite units:

PUASAR022A Participate in a rescue operation

PUAFIR307B Monitor hazardous atmospheres

Performance Criteria

 1. Prepare for confined space rescue operation    
1.1 Operation and task information is obtained from a variety of sources and analysed, and team roles are confirmed
1.2 Appropriate rescue equipment is identified and selected based on incident information as directed by supervisor
1.3 Personal protective equipment is selected relevant to the nature of the confined space rescue operation
1.4 Any further details of the nature of the rescue are received en route
1.5 Anticipated hazards and associated risks are discussed with rescue team members whilst on route
    
2. Assess and manage confined space/trench rescue    
2.1 Confined space is assessed, hazards and risks are identified, and appropriate control and ongoing monitoring processes are put in place
2.2 Physical features of confined space rescue scene are assessed before deploying rescue resources
2.3 Rescue is managed to control access and to maintain a safe and effective operational environment
2.4 Situational and environmental hazards are assessed, minimised and controlled
2.5 Communication with other personnel on site is established and maintained
    
3. Determine location and condition of casualties    
3.1 Assessment of 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 location of casualties within confined space is collected and reported
3.4 Condition of casualties and nature of entrapment is ascertained where possible
3.5 Hygiene procedures are applied in accordance with organisational procedures
    
4. Gain entry to confined space    
4.1 Entry permit is located and relevant information is obtained if available
4.2 Atmosphere is monitored in accordance with AS 2865-2009 Confined spaces
4.3 Appropriate ventilation procedures are implemented, where required
4.4 Appropriate respiratory protection is used in irrespirable atmospheres, where required
4.5 Techniques and equipment are employed to access the casualty
4.6 Located casualties are treated in consultation with medical personnel and in accordance with organisational policies
    
5. Remove casualties    
5.1 Casualties are removed in accordance with organisational procedures
5.2 Appropriate actions are taken to preserve the incident scene and to collect evidence, where possible
    
6. Conclude rescue operations    
6.1 Equipment is recovered, cleaned and serviced according to organisational standards and manufacturer's guidelines
6.2 Signs and symptoms of operational stress are recognised and promptly reported
6.3 Operational documentation is completed to organisational standards
    

Required Skills & Knowledge

 Required Skills
  •     operate atmospheric monitoring equipment
  •     operate isolation systems
  •     operate lifting equipment
  •     operate lowering and hauling systems
  •     operate self contained breathing apparatus and airline equipment
  •     operate ventilation equipment

Required Knowledge
  •     Australian Standard (AS) 2865-2009 Confined spaces
  •     lock, tag out and isolation procedures
  •     organisational procedures for cleaning and discarding equipment in terms of environmental management and sustainability
  •     potential occupational hazards and control measures
  •     procedures for atmospheric monitoring
  •     purging and ventilation in accordance with national standards
  •     selection, use and maintenance of respiratory devices
  •     use of ropes and knots for accessing confined space

Range Statement

 Confined space is defined in    
  • AS 2865-2009 Confined spaces

Rescue equipment may include    
  • Airline equipment
  • Atmospheric monitoring equipment
  • Communications
  • Escape sets and harnesses
  • Hauling systems
  • Life rescue line
  • Litters/stretchers
  • Isolation equipment
  • Ropes/tapes
  • Self-contained breathing apparatus/airline
  • Tripods/edge management
  • Ventilation and purging equipment

Personal protective equipment may include    
  • Airlines
  • Atmospheric monitoring equipment
  • Chemical splash suit/fully encapsulated gas-tight suits
  • Gloves
  • Hearing protection aids
  • Helmets
  • Safety glasses
  • Self-contained breathing apparatus

Situational or environmental hazards may include    
  • Atmospheric contaminants (such as hydrogen sulphide)
  • Dangerous goods or hazardous substance
  • Engulfment
  • Falls from heights or into depths
  • Heat exhaustion or hypothermia
  • Oxygen enrichment
  • Oxygen deficiency
  • Methane and carbon dioxide
  • Moving machinery either electrical or mechanical
  • Sewers and stormwater canals
  • Stored energy
  • Swift water
  • Personnel may include    Agency support
  • Emergency services workers
  • Local/state/territory government authorities
  • Onsite staff
  • Specialist advisors and safety authorities

Preserving the incident scene may include    
  • Preserving evidence and related legal requirements
  • Collecting evidence may include    Entry permit
  • Information received from bystanders
  • Permit to work
  • Witnesses and emergency services personnel

Operational documentation may include    
  • Atmospheric monitoring procedures
  • Entry control procedures
  • Entry permits
  • Equipment and rope logs
  • Exposure records
  • Tally boards

Evidence Guide

 Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit    
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
  •     extricate casualty minimising further injury to casualty, injury to self and others.
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual and/or simulated workplace environments.
    
Context of and specific resources for assessment    
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed in an industry-approved simulated and/or workplace environment involving confined space rescues using a range of equipment.

Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
  •     appropriate venue
  •     organisational resource equipment
  •     personnel for team-based activities
  •     resources as specified in AS 2865-2009 Confined spaces.

Method of assessment    
In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.
Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.
Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:
  •     direct observation
  •     interviewing the candidate
  •     journals and workplace documentation
  •     third party reports from supervisors
  •     written or oral questions.

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