This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to recognise and assess conditions that require gas testing; test the working atmosphere using an electronic test apparatus and interpret the results to determine if it is safe for the proposed job activity. 

This course applies to situations where an individual may be required to perform gas testing prior to entering a specific area or workspace and whilst work is carried out in the workspace. Atmospheric testing is an important component of confined space work as these working environments may be hazardous, unpredictable, subject to time pressure, chaotic and expose responders to risk, on land or water, by day or night.

Situations that require testing might include:

• 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.

The following units will be included in your certificate:

MSMWHS217 - Gas test atmospheres

Full face-to-face training and assessment (1 day)

An individual undertaking this course with NNZMC PTY LTD T/a Industry Skills Solutions will need to demonstrate the following to be eligible for entry: 

• Participants must be 16 years and over 
• Participants must have the physical capability to be able to meet the demands of the practical skills demonstration; 
• ID is required 
• A Unique Student Identifier (USI) Number. This is required prior to enrolments being processed. To obtain a USI number, please go to www.usi.gov.au to register.
• Online study:  Students must have access to a computer, smartphone, tablet or other electronic devices with access to the internet to complete the online/ pre-course studies. Attendees must have completed their own online pre-course work (if applicable) prior to attending the face-to-face training day. If any applicant has not completed the online pre-course work, they will be unable to attend the session. This may incur further charges or cancellation fees.
• Participants must wear enclosed shoes/safety shoes and comfortable/practical clothing 
• 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).”

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

Assessments conducted during face-to-face training session(s) include: 

Practical scenarios: For a Confined Space scenario , complete the following:

• Prepare for testing
• Test gas
• Interpret readings
• Monitor gas on an ongoing basis
• Communicate required actions to be taken, based on the interpretation
• Maintain equipment
• Maintain records of tests and results in accordance with procedures
• Documentation - The student must complete site-based test gas report forms

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

Upon successful completion of this training course, you will receive a Statement of Attainment for the nationally recognised unit/s of competency:

MSMWHS217 - Gas test atmospheres

Your Statement of Attainment will be issued by Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909.

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.