Course Set - RIIWHS202E, MSMWHS201, MSMPER300, MSMWHS216 & MSMWHS217 Confined space, Operate breathing apparatus, Gas testing atmosphere, Issue work permits and Hazard control

This course set is designed for new and experienced personnel required to work in confined spaces; operate confined space safety equipment including atmospheric gas testing and breathing apparatus; conduct hazard analysis; and issue work permits in the resources and infrastructure industries at an operational level. Many roles require confined space training and this associated skillset including safety, injury prevention and maintenance personnel, engineers, risk managers, mine managers, cable installers and transport personnel and safety observers/ stand-by personnel.

This course set also applies to individuals who are working alone or as part of a team to conduct a hazard analysis which may be required under a safety case, by organisational procedures or simply as good practice. It will provide individuals with the skills and knowledge required to conduct a hazard analysis. Additionally, this course set applies to individuals who require understanding of the permit system and the limitations of each permit and making decisions regarding the need for and correct use of each permit. This unit includes the issue of any and all permits. Permits are also called ‘clearances’ by some organisations.

Finally, this course set is for those individuals who may be required to carry out gas testing of an atmosphere prior to entering a specific area or workspace. 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. It 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, interpret readings and take actions based on the interpretation.

This course set has been designed for individuals who work alone or as part of a team as an operator, required to wear breathing apparatus in their work role. This might be because they are working in a confined space, with hazardous gases/vapours, or in an oxygen deficient atmosphere. It covers the skills and knowledge required to conduct pre-donning checks and tests on breathing apparatus, operate and maintain breathing apparatus and equipment in an irrespirable atmosphere, and conclude operations as defined by the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1715:2009 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment.

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Units Being Delivered: The following units will be included in your certificate:

• MSMPER300 – Issue work permits
• MSMWHS201 – Conduct hazard analysis
• MSMWHS216 – Operate breathing apparatus
• MSMWHS217 – Gas test atmospheres
• RIIWHS202E – Enter and work in confined spaces

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

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Entry Requirements:
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

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Course Duration:
We provide the following methods of course delivery:
Face to Face: 960 minutes (minimum) delivery, full face to face course.
Refresher 600 minutes (minimum).

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Assessment Activities:
Practical task demonstrations:

• 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
• Prepare for the hazard analysis
• 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:
• Prepare for the hazard analysis
• 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

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  Access your student handbook here.