MSMWHS217

Gas Test Atmospheres

Knowing whether the air is safe to enter can be the difference between a routine job and a fatality. MSMWHS217 Gas Test Atmospheres builds the skills to test a working atmosphere with electronic equipment, read what the results mean, and act on them. You’ll learn to calibrate your gear, pinpoint atmospheric hazards, apply the right controls and PPE, monitor levels as work continues, and keep your equipment and records in order across settings like confined spaces, hot work, storage tanks and work permit systems.

Training Details

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.

Assessment is competency-based and combines theory with practical demonstration of gas testing.

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.

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.

Find more information on MSMWHS217 – Gas test atmospheres on training.gov.au.

Learning Outcomes

Preparing for gas testing and selecting the correct equipment
Testing an atmosphere using electronic gas test apparatus
Interpreting readings and acting on the results
Maintaining and caring for gas testing equipment

On successful completion you receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment for MSMWHS217 Gas test atmospheres.

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).

PLEASE NOTE:
Australian Advanced Academy (RTO 45286) holds this qualification on its scope of registration and is responsible for training, assessment and certification. This course is delivered on their behalf under a training agreement.

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