Course Set - Confined Spaces, Gas Testing and Work in Accordance with a Permit

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

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

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

• An official form of photo identification (e.g., driver’s licence, passport, or student ID). 
• 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.
• Protective footwear/safety shoes and comfortable/practical clothing must be provided by the student and worn during the practical sessions and assessment.
• To successfully complete this course, students will need to demonstrate the following language, literacy, numeracy and digital (LLND) skills during training and assessment:
  • Learning: Follow clear instructions, ask questions if I’m unsure, and take steps to keep myself and others safe while working.
  • Reading: Read and understand basic workplace procedures, safety rules, and simple work instructions.
  • Writing: Write down basic information or fill in simple forms when needed.
  • Oral communication: Use different methods (like speaking, radios, or signals) to share clear information and check understanding with others.
  • Numeracy: Use numbers to understand things like time, size, or levels.
  • Digital Literacy: Able to use a mobile phone or basic device to read messages, follow online instructions, complete online forms or access learning resources

*Safe Work Australia notes “Working in a confined space may impose additional physiological 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)
• ability to wear the PPE required to do the work (for example respirators).

Confined spaces can also give rise to psychosocial hazards such as:

• high job demands (e.g. high levels of physical, mental or emotional effort are needed to do the job)
• low job control (e.g. workers unable to limit where they are required to work in a restrictive space)
• poor physical environments (e.g. performing hazardous work, doing demanding work while wearing uncomfortable PPE, conditions that affect concentration or are unpleasant), and
• remote or isolated work (e.g. significant delays to entering or exiting the space, or difficulty getting help in an emergency).” 

SWA Code of Practice Confined Spaces Nov 2024 

Online learning: Students must have basic digital literacy skills to navigate online platforms, complete assessments, and access course materials. Before enrolment, students should assess their ability to engage in online learning. Support is available where required. The online learning program can be found in the student portal. Students must have access to a computer, smart phone, tablet or other electronic device with access to the internet to complete the online studies and associated assessment tasks.

Delivery mode: Online with face-to-face - The online pre-course learning and theory assessment is expected to take approximately 3-4 hours to complete. These timeframes are estimates. Individuals with prior experience in similar training may complete the online component in less time, while those new to the subject may need more time to complete all the learning content and theory questions.

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

The units have the following recommended renewal periods:

RIIWHS202E - Enter and work in confined spaces - Not applicable

MSMWHS217 - Gas test atmospheres - Not applicable

MSMPER200 - Work in accordance with an issued permit - Not applicable

Please note that enrolment to this course is made with Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909. Please refer to the student handbook on our website for all details relating to rights and responsibilities including complaints and appeals.

Performance tasks:

- Perform a horizontal and a vertical entry into a confined space

- Confirm the scope and location of the work to be conducted

- Identify and raise the type of work permit required

-  Prepare for permitted work

- Identify hazards and check hazard controls specified on the permit are consistent with the hazard analysis

- Use atmospheric monitoring devices prior to entering the confined space  

• Interpret readings and take required action 

• Maintain testing and monitoring equipment 

- Monitor work for compliance and respond appropriately to changing conditions and circumstances 

- Seek variation to permit/ new permit if job or work environment vary from that specified in the permit

- Formally see and receive authorised extensions to the permit when required

- Identify and act on incidences of non-compliance and report promptly to relevant personnel 

- Withdraw/cancel permit if conditions warrant it 

- Provide an end-of-day status report

- Check the work conducted against the issued permit to ensure that all nominated work requirements have been satisfied

- Demonstrate concluding operation techniques

Documentation – The student must complete all documentation according to the required standard:

• Complete two Job Safety Environmental Analysis (JSEA)/ Safe Work Methods Statement (SWMS) forms 
• Apply for and obtain a Confined space entry permit for both scenarios – horizontal and vertical entry  
• Record results from testing of atmosphere
• Complete work permit documentation

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

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