Course Title:
MSMPER205 – Enter Confined Space
Target Audience:
This course is designed for workers across a range of industries where confined space entry is a routine or occasional requirement. It is essential for:
- Construction and Civil Works personnel
- Mining and Quarrying operators
- Manufacturing and Industrial plant workers
- Utility and Infrastructure maintenance teams
- Emergency responders and rescue personnel
- Wastewater and Sewerage operators
- Telecommunications and cable installation crews
Whether you're new to confined space work or need to renew your competency, this course is suitable for all workers required to enter, exit, and perform work inside confined spaces under permit conditions.
Course Overview:
MSMPER205 – Enter Confined Space is a nationally recognised unit of competency that provides learners with the essential skills and knowledge to safely enter and work within confined spaces, following all relevant legal, procedural, and safety requirements.
Confined spaces present serious risks, including oxygen deficiency, toxic gases, engulfment, and restricted movement. This course ensures workers understand how to identify these risks, follow entry procedures, and operate safely using control measures such as gas testing, PPE, standby observers, and communication protocols.
Participants will gain both theoretical understanding and practical experience, performing tasks in simulated confined space environments under supervision.
Key Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion, participants will be able to:
✅ Accurately identify confined spaces according to WHS definitions and site conditions
✅ Conduct hazard identification and risk assessments specific to confined space environments
✅ Prepare and implement safe entry permits, including signage and isolation protocols
✅ Use atmospheric testing devices to detect oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic substances
✅ Select and wear appropriate PPE and safety equipment (e.g., harnesses, respirators)
✅ Communicate effectively with standby personnel and team members during confined space entry
✅ Follow emergency response procedures, including evacuation and rescue protocols
✅ Exit the confined space safely and complete required documentation and debriefs
Topics Covered:
Confined Space Definitions and Legal Framework
- Definitions under WHS regulations and Australian Standards (e.g., AS 2865)
- Roles and responsibilities of entrants, standby personnel, and supervisors
- Overview of applicable legislation and Codes of Practice
Hazard Identification and Risk Control
- Atmospheric risks (oxygen deficiency, flammable/toxic gases)
- Physical hazards (engulfment, entrapment, limited egress)
- Risk control using the hierarchy of controls
Permit to Work Systems
- Understanding and complying with entry permits
- Site preparation, signage, and entry logs
- Importance of procedural checklists and hazard isolation
Gas Testing and Atmospheric Monitoring
- Operation, calibration, and interpretation of gas detectors
- Pre-entry and ongoing atmospheric testing
- Threshold limits and response actions
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Safety Gear
- Selection and use of respirators, harnesses, protective clothing
- Equipment inspection and maintenance
- Use of lifelines, retrieval systems, and communication devices
Communication and Standby Roles
- Maintaining communication between entrants and observers
- Importance of continuous monitoring and emergency readiness
- Coordinating multiple roles during an entry
Emergency Procedures and Rescue Readiness
- Triggers for evacuation and emergency response
- Responsibilities of rescue teams and standby observers
- Use of retrieval systems and confined space rescue protocols
Documentation and Reporting
- Recording gas test results, PPE inspections, and entry permits
- Reporting hazards, incidents, and non-compliance
- Site-specific documentation and record-keeping for audit readiness
Delivery Format:
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Face-to-Face Instruction:
Includes classroom-based theory, hands-on practical sessions, and simulated confined space scenarios. -
On-Site Training (by arrangement):
Customised delivery based on your worksite’s specific confined space risks, equipment, and procedures.
Duration:
-
1 Day (typically 6–8 hours)
Duration may vary slightly depending on participant experience and group size.
Assessment Method:
Participants will be assessed through:
- Knowledge assessment – written or verbal (theory)
- Practical assessment – safe entry, work, and exit from a confined space
- Scenario-based activities – hazard response and emergency drills
Prerequisites:
- No formal prerequisites required
- Participants should possess basic literacy and numeracy skills
- Must be physically capable of working in confined spaces and wearing PPE
- It is recommended that participants also complete:
-
-
MSMPER200 – Work in Accordance with an Issued Permit
- MSMWHS217 – Gas Test Atmospheres
(These may be offered as part of a combined training package.)
-
Certification:
Upon successful completion, participants will receive:
Statement of Attainment for:
MSMPER205 – Enter Confined Space
(Recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework – AQF)
Refresher Training:
To maintain compliance with WHS regulations and site requirements, refresher training is typically required every 2 years, or as mandated by the employer or governing body.
Contact us for refresher course availability and pricing.
Why This Course Matters
Confined spaces remain one of the most dangerous workplace environments, with a high potential for serious injury or death due to atmospheric hazards, engulfment, and limited access.
This course is essential for:
✅ Ensuring worker safety in high-risk confined environments
✅ Meeting compliance with national WHS regulations and industry standards
✅ Equipping teams with the knowledge and confidence to operate safely and effectively
