Another step closer to Verification of Competency (VoC) for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).

On 4th March the Common Industry Competencies Project Team (from the Competence and Behaviour Working Group (CBWG)) carried out a pilot of the VoC for SCBA.  Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from Chevron, INPEX, Kaefer, bp and ERGT took part in the pilot hosted by our training delivery partner ERGT at their premises in Jandakot, allowing for  replication, as far as possible, the environment and equipment found onsite.

The opportunity to pilot and step through the SCBA VoC candidate assessment, with the SMEs role playing as assessor and candidate, provided practical input and identified improvements that have since been incorporated into the VoC.

The SCBA VoC assessment is now undergoing a final site test by one of our CBWG members prior to launch.

The use of an industry recognised VoC as an alternative pathway for verifying the competency of workers was incorporated into the CIC Specification in 2023 as part of the competence cycle.

Incorporating the option to use standardised VoC’s:

  • Removes the requirement for full training each time to reset the competence cycle (or revalidate competence) by recognising a worker’s experience and proficiency in the job or task, and
  • Provides an option for onsite resetting of the competence cycle (or revalidation of competence) in an environment that is more adapted to the individuals experience and proficiency.

The first VoC to be added to the CIC Specification is Work Safely at Height. 

As the SCBA competence cycle requires resetting on a yearly basis (or SCBA wearers are required to revalidate competence on a yearly basis), the use of VoC (as defined by competency cycle) provides a more flexible alternative and is planned to be launched and available to all members by mid 2026.

For more information, contact our Competence and Behaviour Working Group:  [email protected].