
MSMWHS217
Gas test atmospheres
Hazardous atmospheres can be invisible and immediately life-threatening. This course covers the skills and knowledge required to use electronic gas testing equipment to determine whether a work area is safe — including confined spaces, storage tanks, pits, hot work areas, and any workplace where atmospheric hazards may be present.

Duration
1/2 Day (4 hours)
Price
$175
Location
WA | Bayswater
Delivery
Face to Face
Course Overview

MSMWHS217 – Gas Test Atmospheres gives participants the practical skills and knowledge to safely prepare for, conduct, and monitor atmospheric testing using electronic gas detection equipment across a range of workplace environments. The course covers how to identify the type of atmosphere to be tested, select and calibrate the correct equipment, identify atmospheric hazards, interpret readings, take action where readings are unacceptable, and maintain gas testing equipment and records.
This unit applies wherever atmospheric testing is required before or during work — including confined spaces, enclosed and partially enclosed spaces, storage tanks, silos, pits, pipes, shafts, ducts, transport vehicles, hot work areas, and situations where a work permit is required. It is relevant across resources, mining, construction, utilities, oil and gas, and general industry.
Training is delivered by experienced industry trainers at our facility or on-site across Western Australia.
Course Details
Certification
Participants who successfully complete all training and assessment requirements will be issued a Statement of Attainment for MSMWHS217 – Gas Test Atmospheres by Paratus Training (RTO 45274).
Course Outline
WHS legislation, Australian Standard AS 2865-2009 Confined Spaces, and workplace procedures for gas testing
Common atmospheric hazards — oxygen deficiency, oxygen enrichment, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide, methane, and other flammable and toxic gases
Explosive range, upper and lower explosive limits (UEL/LEL)
Exposure standards — time-weighted averages (TWA), short-term exposure limits (STEL), and peak limitation values
Units of measurement for atmospheric contaminants — mg/m³, ppm, and % v/v
Work permit systems and atmospheric testing requirements
Determining the type of gas or atmosphere to be tested
Selecting and calibrating gas testing equipment in line with procedures
Determining the testing regime and sampling pattern required
Identifying hazards from possible atmospheric contaminants
Implementing hazard control measures and selecting appropriate PPE
Using gas testing equipment to test atmospheres — by hand and by lowering on a line
Interpreting and reporting gas readings
Ongoing atmospheric monitoring during work activities
Taking required action when readings are unacceptable
Communicating required actions to appropriate personnel
Cleaning, inspecting, and fault-finding gas testing equipment
Returning equipment to the required location and condition
Maintaining records of tests and results in line with workplace procedures
Prerequisites and Entry Requirements
There are no formal prerequisite units required for this course.
All participants must:
Have sufficient Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills to read and interpret workplace procedures, documentation, and gas readings
Hold a valid Unique Student Identifier (USI)
Bring a pen
Wear appropriate PPE: steel-capped boots, long pants, and a hi-vis long sleeve shirt. If you do not have a hi-vis shirt, Paratus Training can provide a hi-vis vest
Please let us know before enrolment if you have any medical conditions, injuries, or physical limitations that may affect your ability to take part in practical training.
Course Dates
Who needs this training?
New to industry
If your role requires you to test atmospheres before or during work — in confined spaces, hot work situations, or any area where hazardous gases may be present — this course gives you the skills and knowledge to conduct testing safely and interpret readings correctly.
Renewal due
There is no legislated expiry date for this unit, however Australian Standard AS 2865-2009 Confined Spaces requires that persons involved in atmospheric testing be reassessed at appropriate intervals. Industry best practice and most employers regard a two-year cycle as the standard. This course gets you back up to date with current equipment, procedures, and exposure standards.
Team training
If your workforce regularly carries out gas testing across confined space, hot work, or field operations, we can come to your site. On-site delivery is available across Western Australia and can be contextualised to the specific equipment and gases relevant to your operations. Contact us to discuss group bookings and scheduling options.
Related Courses
Gas testing is often one of several competencies required before workers can safely access certain site areas or complete specific tasks. The courses below are worth checking if you are rounding out your safety tickets or preparing for work in hazardous or enclosed environments.
Frequently asked questions
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