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PUASAR025 - Undertake confined space rescue


This course provides learners with the opportunity to gain experience in realistic confined space rescue operations across a range of scenarios.  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.

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. 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. It provides the knowledge along with the practical training to operate a range of rescue equipment and techniques for the safe extraction of injured or ill persons from a confined space.

The skills in this course are applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Individuals within the fire sector or who are completing this unit, contributing to the attainment of a fire qualification, must hold the pre-requisite units of: PUAFIR306 Identify, detect and monitor hazardous materials at an incident and PUASAR022 Participate in a rescue operation.

Units Delivered

The following units will be included in your certificate:

PUASAR025 - Undertake confined space rescue

Course Delivery

This course can be delivered/assessed in the workplace or at facility organised by the training provider.

Course Durations

Course durations can vary for multiple reasons, so the durations below are the minimum possible amount.

Refresher Face to Face contact time of at least 6 Hours
Face-to-Face Face to Face contact time of at least 10 Hours

An individual undertaking this course with Allens Training Pty Ltd will need to demonstrate the following to be eligible for entry:

  • Participants must be clean shaven, no facial hair that may affect facial seal as per Australian Standard 1715.
  • Psychological* and physical capability to be able to meet the demands of the practical demonstrations for this course, such as the undertaking of the requirements to safely enter, work in and exit a confined space wearing appropriate PPE. This may involve climbing up, down, through or under structures or confined spaces, being suspended, wearing harnesses and other relevant PPE, dragging and lifting in confined and restricted environments in dark, low light or smoke-filled areas. Participants will need sufficient physical ability to lift 15kg from ground to overhead and access heights above 2m.
  • This training is very physical. You will be ascending ropes and hanging in harnesses for extended periods in order to conduct rescues. If you do not possess the fitness/strength to climb towers, and other structures under your own strength, you will be unable to demonstrate the competence required for this program.
  • Protective non-slip footwear/safety shoes and comfortable/practical clothing must be provided by the student and worn during the practical sessions and assessment.
  • Language, literacy and numeracy requirements - students must be able to read and correctly interpret required documentation relevant to the confined space entry, speak clearly and unambiguously in English, explain, describe and verify sometimes complex needs and issues and understand the permit requirements. Writing is required to the level of completing workplace forms and producing any required reports. Numeracy is required to the level of being able to correctly differentiate between high and low pressures and temperatures, voltages or masses and interpret gas test/monitoring results.

*Safe Work Australia notes “Working in a confined space may impose physiological and psychological demands over and above those encountered in a normal working environment. Consideration should be given to a worker’s:

  • physical ability;
  • ability to work in a restrictive space (for example claustrophobia) and ability to wear the PPE required to do the work (for example respirators).” 

Code of Practice - Confined Spaces, December 2011 p 14.

Individuals within the fire sector or who are completing this unit, contributing to the attainment of a fire qualification, must hold the pre-requisite units of: PUAFIR306 Identify, detect and monitor hazardous materials at an incident and PUASAR022 Participate in a rescue operation.

Individuals undertaking this course will be expected to complete both written and practical assessment tasks.

This certificate does not require renewal

Please note that enrolment to this course is made with Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909. Please refer to the student handbook located on the RTO website allenstraining.com.au (https://allenstraining.com.au/students/student-handbook) for all details relating to rights and responsibilities including complaints and appeals.

Respond to two (2) simulated scenarios to undertake confined space rescues demonstrating:

  • Identifying unacceptable risk using the acceptability/ unacceptability criteria
  • Working with others to determine risk controls
  • Assessing and determining the consequences and likelihood of potential risk
  • Controlling risk by selecting and implementing the most appropriate controls
  • Completing reports and records about the risk assessment and treatment implementation
  • Monitors and minimises own exposure to worksite risks and hazards during activities

During the above, the candidate must:

  • Locate and apply relevant documentation, policies and procedures and confirm that the work activity is compliant
  • Implement the requirements, procedures and techniques for conducting local risk control
  • Undertake confined space rescue effectively with others
  • Communicate with others to receive and clarify work instructions and to determine coordination requirements prior to commencing and during work activities
  • Complete the tasks in line with Federal. State/Territory regulations, codes of practice and other National workplace or site procedures.

Theory assessment -   A written assessment consisting of multiple-choice and short answer questions. The student must complete all assessment questions.

This course is delivered and assessed on behalf of Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909