Course Description

This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to test the working atmosphere, using electronic test apparatus, to find out if it is safe for the proposed work.

It applies to situations where an individual may be required to carry out gas testing of an atmosphere prior to entering a specific area or workspace. The competency requires the person to interpret readings and take actions based on the interpretation.

Working environment may be hazardous, unpredictable, subject to time pressure, chaotic and expose responders to risk, on land or water, by day or night. Workplace atmospheres may include visible and invisible hazards and hazardous surfaces.

The unit is suitable for use in the following situations:

• confined spaces
• enclosed and partially enclosed spaces
• hot work
• storage tanks, silos, pits, pipes, shafts, ducts, transport vehicles and ships
• testing as part of issuing a work permit
• monitoring as part of working under a work permit
• open areas
• holding the gas tester by hand
• lowering the gas tester into a space, e.g. on a line.

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

Who is this course for?

This unit of competency applies to an individual working alone or as part of a team or group and working in liaison with other shift team members and the control room operator, as appropriate.

How is the course delivered?

Face-to-face, classroom setting. 1 Day.

Are there any prerequisites?

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements to enter the MSMWHS217 Gas Test Atmospheres. However, it is preferred that students:

• Are 18 years or older
• Have sound language and literacy skills (at least Year 10 English, or equivalent)

Students are required to:

• Obtain a Unique Student Identifier (USI)
• Provide a valid ID with his/her picture and signature

How will I be assessed?

Performance Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and must include the ability to:

• recognise and assess conditions that require testing
• identify the appropriate action according to procedures and within scope of responsibility, including:
  • selecting, preparing and using gas testing equipment
  • applying testing regime
  • selecting and using personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • identifying hazards and applying control measures
  • cleaning and maintaining equipment
• take readings and interpret, report/record relevant data
• apply known solutions to routine problems
• communicate clearly and unambiguously with a range of personnel on safety conditions and procedures.

Knowledge Evidence

Evidence must be provided that demonstrates knowledge of:

• organisational procedures, including:
  • work permit systems
  • safety, hazards and hazard control
  • incident, fire and accident
  • PPE
  • organisation standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• common atmospheric hazards and contaminants
• explosive range, upper and lower explosive limits
• exposure standards (time-weighted average, short-term exposure limits, peak limitation values, and examination of toxic effect at -the level of a range of flammable gases)
• conditions under which atmospheres become hazardous
• units of measurement used to express concentration of atmospheric contaminants (mg/cubic m. ppm, % v/v).

This course requires you to demonstrate competency by completing both theory and practical assessments.

Course outcomes

This is a nationally accredited course, students who successfully complete this training will be awarded the statement of attainment for MSMWHS217 Gas Test Atmospheres .