Course Set - Confined Space, Operate Breathing Apparatus, Gas Testing Atmosphere, Issue Work Permits and Hazard Control

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 will need to demonstrate the following to be eligible for entry: 

• Participants must be clean shaven to attend the course. The unit of competency states that participants “Don the apparatus in accordance with workplace procedures and the manufacturer’s specifications.” The manufacturer’s specifications state: “The sealing line between head and facepiece must be free of hair and foreign substances which could cause leakages”. 

• To successfully complete MSMPER300 Issue work permits, a student must hold the pre-requisite unit MSMWHS201 Conduct hazard analysis.  

• 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 temporarily 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 

• 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

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

MSMWHS216 - Operate breathing apparatus - Not applicable

MSMWHS217 - Gas test atmospheres - Not applicable

MSMWHS201 - Conduct hazard analysis - Not applicable

MSMPER300 - Issue work permits - 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

- Complete a hazard analysis:

• Prepare for the hazard analysis
• Identify hazard
• Assess risks
• Control risks
• Review controls

- Identify and raise the type of work permit required

- Issue the permit and prepare for work

- Receive end of day report and close the work permit

- Use atmospheric monitoring devices prior to entering the confined space  

• Test for one or more of: atmospheric (including explosivity), flammability, toxicity, temperature, humidity, combustibles, electricity or stored pressure/energy 

• Interpret readings and take required action 

• Maintain testing and monitoring equipment 

Ensure correct preparation of the worksite including at least one of:   

• mechanical, electrical or other energy sources and process isolations 

• de-energising all sources of energy/pressure 

• purging of plant 

• ventilation of plant 

• lockout/ tag out procedures 

• blinding/ blanking lines 

• other hazard controls 

Correctly don and operate two (2) breathing apparatus (open circuit) :

• Demonstrate pre-donning checks, tests procedures and fault reporting   

• Demonstrate consistency in performance over time in a range of actual or simulated environments   

• Demonstrate concluding operation techniques   

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

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

- Withdraw/cancel permit if conditions warrant it 

- Give an end of day status report

- 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  
• Recording result for testing of atmosphere
• Complete an equipment fault log
• Label the components of breathing apparatus    
• Close a work permit

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