Confined spaces are notoriously challenging and dangerous environments found in many industries from mining to construction. Harbouring an array of potentially deadly hazards including, toxic, flammable or explosive gases, and critically low oxygen, ensuring the right safety measures are in place is absolutely crucial in ensuring the health and wellbeing of workers.

If you want to successfully navigate confined spaces and complex gas environments with confidence, you must be armed with the knowledge and skills to identify potential hazards and take immediate action. That’s exactly what WAATA’s comprehensive gas test atmospheres training program delivers, equipping you with the essential tools to keep yourself and your team safe on the job.

From understanding the properties of different gases to mastering the latest testing equipment, this important gas testing course covers it all. Participants will gain a deep understanding of gas behaviour, learn how to interpret data accurately, and develop the critical decision-making abilities needed to respond to emergency situations. Read on to find out more.

Understanding Gas Test Atmospheres Training

This course arms participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively monitor, test, and interpret atmospheric conditions in workplaces where hazardous gases may be present. Often undertaken in conjunction with confined space training, it is particularly relevant for industries such as mining, manufacturing, and construction, where workers may encounter confined spaces or other areas where flammable, toxic, and asphyxiating gases may be present.

But why is testing important?

Humans requires the oxygen level in the atmosphere to be just right in order to survive. The air must contain between 19.5% and 23.5% oxygen, shown on a gas meter as O². The perfect amount of oxygen is 20.9%. Due to the nature of their size, confined spaces may not have a safe oxygen level so it is vital this is tested before any work is commenced in the space.

Additionally, tight spaces may also harbour a range of gases that pose a significant threat to human life. Flammable gases can cause fires or explosions is they reach their lower explosive limit (LEL) within a confined space – Common examples include methane and hydrogen.

Toxic gases may also be present and these can cause a wide range of health effects, or even death, depending on the levels. Carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide, or nitrogen dioxide are some common examples.

In confined spaces many hazardous gases cannot be detected by sight, and many emit no smell or odour – this is why testing by a competent person using a correctly calibrated gas testing device must be conducted. If the result shows the atmospheric conditions are unsafe, then measures can be taken to ensure workers are not put at risk.

Safe atmospheric conditions have:

• Oxygen levels between 19.5% and 23.5%.
• Flammable gas or vapour in the atmosphere below 5% of its Lower Explosive Limit (LEL).
• No atmospheric contaminants (or contains atmospheric contaminants below their exposure standard).

What are the Training Requirements?

While specific requirements may vary slightly between states and territories, certain core elements are consistent across Australia.

The Gas Test Atmospheres course must be delivered by an accredited RTO authorised to provide nationally recognised training.

While there are no formal prerequisites for enrolling in this course, participants must demonstrate the ability to read and interpret different testing equipment and be able to adequately communicate the conclusions. Sufficient literacy skills are required to the level of completing required necessary reports and forms. Adequate numeracy skills are also required to the level of being able to read instruments, interpret the results, and communicate the required actions. Additionally, participants are generally expected to have a basic understanding of workplace health and safety principles. Some RTOs may even require candidates to hold a relevant White Card (Construction Induction Card) or equivalent certification.

The Course Content

This gas testing course covers a range of topics essential for gas monitoring and testing, including:

• The characteristics and behaviours of a wide range of toxic and flammable gases.
• Understanding potential hazards from various atmospheric conditions.
• Gas detection principles – finding the type of gas present in a space.
• Selecting the right apparatus to proceed with gas testing and learning how to calibrate the apparatus before testing.
• Atmospheric testing procedures – understanding the sampling pattern or testing regime for testing.
• Interpretation of gas monitoring results.
• Risk assessment and implementing hazard control measures.
• Relevant legislative requirements and industry standards.

To successfully complete the course, participants are required to demonstrate competency through both theoretical and practical assessments.

Gas-related incidents can pose significant risks to individuals and property, so it’s imperative for workplaces to prioritise safety measures.  Without proper gas testing before entering dangerous spaces, there is the potential for serious accidents and even fatalities.

Don’t settle for anything less than the best when it comes to gas testing. Invest in your safety and the safety of your colleagues by enrolling in our Gas Test Atmospheres training today.

Speak to the team at WAATA today about enrolling in our gas testing course. Perth has relied on our expert training since 2010 – We are passionate about delivering high-quality courses for maximum student outcomes and employer satisfaction. Whether you are wanting to complete confined space training, dogging and rigging, or get your forklift ticket, Perth’s WAATA is your trusted RTO. Reach out to us today.