MSMWHS217 - Gas Test Atmospheres

Course Overview: MSMWHS217  Gas Test Atmospheres

The MSMWHS217 gas test atmosphere training is recommended for employees who enter and work in confined spaces with hazardous gases. This course is particularly critical for roles where entry into confined or poorly ventilated areas is required, and where the presence of toxic, flammable, or oxygen-deficient atmospheres poses a significant risk.

Participants will gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to perform gas tests effectively, using detection equipment safely, interpreting readings, and responding to hazardous atmospheric conditions. They'll know how to test the working atmosphere and ensure a safe working environment.

Roar Training is a nationally registered training organisation providing quality training to professionals in Australia. 

Who Should Attend the MSMWHS217 Gas Test Atmospheres Course?

This is recommended for workers assigned anywhere required to carry out gas testing prior to entering a specific area, such as those with invisible hazards and hazardous surfaces. 

It's suitable for workers across a wide range of industries where testing of an atmosphere prior to entering is required, including:

• Mining and Resources
• Oil and Gas Extraction and Processing
• Construction and Civil Works
• Utilities and Infrastructure
• Confined Space Entry Crews
• Industrial Maintenance and Shutdowns
• Manufacturing and Warehousing
• Hazardous Waste and Emergency Response Teams

It is particularly relevant to:

• Safety observers / stand-by personnel
• Confined space entrants or supervisors
• Permit officers
• Plant operators
• Maintenance and shutdown workers

It's also for those required to enter and work in confined spaces, pits, or tunnels, where testing of an atmosphere prior to entering is done for the health and safety of workers.

Key Learning Outcomes

This course covers the skills and knowledge required to:

• Identify and assess hazardous atmospheres in the workplace
• Select and operate gas detection equipment correctly
• Perform gas testing for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic vapours
• Accurately interpret gas readings and initiate appropriate control measures
• Implement safe work practices in response to atmospheric testing
• Follow emergency procedures and communicate test results effectively
• Maintain documentation and comply with WHS and permit-to-work systems

Core Topics Covered in the Training Course

 1. Understanding Hazardous Workplace Atmospheres

This unit of competency covers properties of gases and how they behave in various environments. This unit of competency also includes:

• Types of hazardous gases and vapours: flammable, toxic, oxygen-deficient/excess
  
• Behaviour of gases (e.g. density, dispersion, layering)
  
• Atmospheric hazards in confined spaces and other high-risk work areas
  
• Exposure standards (TWA, STEL) and health effects
  
  

2. Understanding Equipment to Carry Out Gas Testing of an Atmosphere

• Types of gas detectors: single-gas and multi-gas monitors (O₂, CO, H₂S, CH₄)
  
• Pre-use checks, bump testing, calibration and maintenance
  
• Limitations of detection devices and sensor technologies
  
• Correct procedures for personal and fixed gas monitoring
  

3. Risk Assessment and Preparation

• Identifying job-related risks that may affect air quality
  
• Understanding environmental conditions (temperature, pressure, air movement)
  
• Pre-entry checks and atmospheric testing protocols
  
• Integration with Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and permit systems
  
  

4. How to Test the Working Atmosphere with Gas Detection Equipment

• Step-by-step procedures for atmospheric testing
  
• Sampling from different layers (top, middle, bottom of the space)
  
• Testing frequency and ongoing monitoring during the task
  
• Interpreting readings against established threshold levels
  
• How to interpret readings and take actions based on gas monitor alarms
  
  

5. Responding to Hazardous Conditions

• Immediate actions for unsafe readings (evacuation, ventilation, re-testing)
  
• Use of PPE, breathing apparatus, and isolation techniques
  
• Escalation and reporting procedures
  
• When to stop work or deny access based on test results
  
  

6. Reporting, Documentation, and Compliance

• Recording gas test results accurately on permits, registers, or digital systems
  
• Understanding WHS obligations and regulatory requirements
  
• Roles and responsibilities under organisational safety procedures
  
• Ensuring documentation is audit-ready and compliant
  
  

Assessment

Participants will be assessed via:

• Knowledge assessment (written or verbal)
  
• Practical demonstration of gas testing techniques using real or simulated equipment
  
• Scenario-based problem solving, including suggesting actions based on the interpretation of equipment, and response planning
  
  

Course Duration

• You can complete the gas test atmosphere training within  4–6 hours (½ day)
  
• Duration may vary based on industry context, group size, and delivery method
  
  

Delivery Format

• Face-to-Face: Trainer-led delivery with live demonstrations and practical application. This is not an online training or online refresher course.
  
• Blended Delivery: An online course for the theory with onsite or workshop-based practical component is available upon request. We don't offer online assessment, as we're required to test the working knowledge of students using electronic test apparatus
  
• Customisable to include industry-specific gas testing scenarios (e.g., drilling, tank entry, shutdowns)
  
  

Certification

On successful completion, participants will receive a Statement of Attainment for MSMWHS217 Gas Test Atmospheres

(Roar Training is a Nationally recognised training organisation (RTO) under the Australian Qualifications Framework. The statement of attainment number for this course is MSMWHS217. 

If you're looking for your unique student identifier (USI), you can go to usi.gov.au to find it, or create a new one.

Why This Course Is Critical

Workplace incidents involving undetected hazardous gases can result in severe injury or death due to:

• Asphyxiation (low oxygen) due to working at heights or lack of oxygen in a specific area or workspace
  
• Explosion or fire (flammable gases)
  
• Toxic exposure (hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, etc.)
  
  

Having trained personnel who can confidently and competently perform gas testing is a fundamental control for confined space entry, hot work, and other high-risk tasks.

Next Steps

Equip your team with essential atmospheric testing skills and ensure compliance with national WHS laws and safety procedures. 

📞 Contact Roar Training Solutions or book online for a nationally accredited gas test atmosphere training within Australia. Normal course fee starts at $299, discounted price is at $249. You can also request group training, or integrate this course into a broader safety program.