About the course
This course is for new and experienced personnel who work in confined spaces and test the atmosphere before entering a work area, in the resources and infrastructure industries at an operational level. Many roles need confined space training, including safety, injury prevention and maintenance personnel, engineers, risk managers, mine managers, cable installers, transport personnel, and safety observers and stand-by personnel.
Atmospheric testing is an important part of confined space work. These workplaces can be hazardous, unpredictable, under time pressure and chaotic, on land or water, by day or night, and their atmospheres can hold both visible and invisible hazards.
You learn:
- what makes a space a confined space, and the key terminology
- the regulations and legislative requirements for entering and working in and around confined spaces
- how to identify hazards and emergencies, and put the right control measures in place
- how to carry out a risk assessment and apply for a confined space entry permit
- how to inspect and select personal protective equipment, and operate confined space safety equipment
- how to use atmospheric testing and monitoring devices, interpret the results and take the right action
- how to carry out routine servicing of equipment and gear
You then show that you can enter, work in and exit a confined space safely under an issued permit, in two scenarios.
Course details
Units of competency: your certificate includes
- RIIWHS202E Enter and work in confined spaces
- MSMWHS217 Gas test atmospheres
Ways to complete it:
Option Duration Price (GST free) Face-to-face 9 hours face-to-face $395 Online with face-to-face assessment Online learning and theory assessment, then 4 hours face-to-face (5 hours for groups of more than 5) $345 Refresher 5 hours face-to-face $295 Online learning: the online pre-course learning and theory assessment takes about 3 to 4 hours. People with similar prior training may finish sooner; people new to the subject may need longer.
Delivery: at your workplace or at a facility organised by us
Renewal: neither unit has a recommended renewal period
Evidence of identity: an official form of photo identification, such as a driver licence, passport or student ID
What to wear: protective footwear or safety shoes and comfortable, practical clothing, which you provide and wear for the practical sessions and assessment
Assessment
You complete both written and practical assessment tasks.
Practical scenarios:
- Maintain and calibrate gas test equipment, and enter and work in a confined space: horizontal entry
- Enter and work in a confined space and carry out atmospheric testing: vertical entry
Documentation:
- Complete two Job Safety Environmental Analysis (JSEA) or Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) forms
- Apply for and obtain two confined space entry permits, one for the horizontal entry and one for the vertical entry
- Record the gas test results
You also complete a written theory exam of multiple-choice and short answer questions. You must answer every question successfully.
Entry requirements and support
You need the physical and psychological capability to take part in the practical demonstrations, which means safely entering, working in and exiting a confined space while wearing the right PPE. This may involve:
- climbing up, down, through or under structures or confined spaces
- being suspended, and wearing harnesses and other PPE
- dragging and lifting in confined and restricted spaces
- working in dark, low-light or smoke-filled areas
Safe Work Australia's Confined Spaces Code of Practice (November 2024) notes that working in a confined space can place extra physical demands on a worker. It asks employers to consider each worker's physical ability, their ability to work in a restrictive space (for example, claustrophobia), and their ability to wear the PPE the work needs, such as respirators. Confined spaces can also give rise to psychosocial hazards, including high job demands, low job control, poor physical environments, and remote or isolated work.
To complete the course you need these core skills:
- Learning: follow clear instructions, ask questions when unsure, and take steps to keep yourself and others safe while working
- Reading: read and understand permits, warning signs, safety instructions and gas monitor displays
- Writing: complete forms or short notes to report gas test results or safety actions
- Oral communication: use different methods, such as speaking, radios or signals, to share clear information and check others understand
- Numeracy: use numbers to read gas levels, follow timing steps and check whether conditions are safe to enter
- Digital literacy: use a mobile phone or basic device to read messages, follow online instructions, complete online forms and access learning resources
When you enrol you complete a short self-evaluation against these core skills, so your trainer knows about any extra support you may need. For the online option you need a computer, smartphone, tablet or other device with internet access. The online learning is in the student portal, and support is available if you need it.
Enrolment with Allens Training
This course is delivered and assessed by Orana Skills Centre on behalf of Allens Training Pty Ltd, RTO 90909. Your enrolment is with Allens Training. The student handbook sets out your rights and responsibilities, including complaints and appeals.
In-house training
We run confined space and gas testing training for organisations at a time that suits your workforce, at your workplace anywhere in NSW and Australia. Use the form below or contact us to arrange a course for your team.