Confined Space Rescue

This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to undertake rescues in confined spaces as a member of a single organisation or team involving multiple organisations.

A confined space is determined by the hazards associated with a set of specific circumstances and not just because work is performed in a small space. A confined space means an enclosed or partially enclosed space that

• is not designed or intended primarily to be occupied by a person, and
• is, or is designed or intended to be, at normal atmospheric pressure while any person is in the space, and
• is or is likely to be a risk to health and safety from:
  • an atmosphere that does not have a safe oxygen level, or
  • contaminants, including airborne gases, vapours and dusts, that may cause injury from fire or explosion, or
  • harmful concentrations of any airborne contaminants, or engulfment.

The unit is applicable to a range of confined space rescue situations undertaken by personnel from the emergency services, volunteer organisations and/or organisations where confined space work is performed. Permits may be required to perform work in a confined space in various jurisdictions.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.