Course Set - Confined space, Operate breathing apparatus (RIIWHS202, MSMWHS216)

This course combines confined space entry with the practical use of breathing apparatus for new and experienced personnel working at an operational level, particularly in the resources and infrastructure industries. It addresses work where hazardous gases, vapours or insufficient oxygen require breathing apparatus.

Content covers identifying confined spaces, assessing hazards and risks, implementing controls and working under an issued entry permit. Equipment selection, atmospheric testing and monitoring, isolation, communication with stand-by personnel and emergency arrangements support safe entry and ongoing work.

Practical activities involve preparing for, entering, working in and exiting confined spaces using appropriate protective equipment and breathing apparatus. This includes pre-use checks, correct fitting and operation, monitoring remaining working time and responding to changing conditions. Post-use activities cover safely removing, cleaning and checking equipment, reporting faults and completing required records.

Units Delivered

The following units will be included in your certificate:

MSMWHS216 - Operate breathing apparatus

RIIWHS202 - Enter and work in confined spaces

Course Delivery

This course can be delivered/assessed in the workplace or at facility organised by the training provider.

Course Durations

Course durations can vary for multiple reasons, so the durations below are the minimum possible amount.

Refresher face-to-face contact time of at least 5 Hours

Face-to-Face face-to-face contact time of at least 9 Hours

Entry Requirements

An individual undertaking this course with Allens Training Pty Ltd will need to demonstrate the following to be eligible for entry:

An official form of photo identification (e.g., driver’s licence, passport, or student ID),
Participants are required to be clean shaven to attend this course, in accordance with AS/NZS ISO 16975.3 and AS/NZS 1715:2009. Facial hair within the sealing area can compromise the effectiveness of the respirator, impacting its ability to provide proper protection
Psychological and physical capability* to safely undertake the practical components of the course, including entering, working in and exiting a confined space while wearing appropriate PPE. This may involve working in restrictive or enclosed environments, climbing through or accessing confined-space entry points, wearing required PPE and safely using equipment associated with confined-space work.
Protective footwear/safety shoes and comfortable/practical clothing must be provided by the student and worn during the practical sessions and assessment.
To successfully complete this course, students will need to demonstrate the following language, literacy, numeracy and digital (LLND) skills during training and assessment:
- Learning: Follow clear instructions, ask questions if I’m unsure, and take steps to keep myself and others safe while working.
- Reading: Read and understand basic workplace procedures, safety rules, and simple work instructions.
- Writing: Write down basic information or fill in simple forms when needed.
- Oral communication: Use different methods (like speaking, radios, or signals) to share clear information and check understanding with others.
- Numeracy: Use numbers to understand things like time, size, or levels.
- Digital Literacy: Able to use a mobile phone or basic device to read messages, follow online instructions, complete online forms or access learning resources

*Safe Work Australia notes “Working in a confined space may impose additional physiological demands over and above those encountered in a normal working environment. Consideration should be given to a worker’s:

physical ability;
ability to work in a restrictive space (for example claustrophobia)
ability to wear the PPE required to do the work (for example respirators).

Confined spaces can also give rise to psychosocial hazards such as:

high job demands (e.g. high levels of physical, mental or emotional effort are needed to do the job)
low job control (e.g. workers unable to limit where they are required to work in a restrictive space)
poor physical environments (e.g. performing hazardous work, doing demanding work while wearing uncomfortable PPE, conditions that affect concentration or are unpleasant), and
remote or isolated work (e.g. significant delays to entering or exiting the space, or difficulty getting help in an emergency).”

SWA Code of Practice Confined Spaces November 2024

Assessment Requirements

Individuals undertaking this course will be expected to complete both written and practical assessment tasks.

Certificate Renewal Requirements

The units have the following recommended renewal periods:

Unit	Period
MSMWHS216 - Operate breathing apparatus	Not applicable
RIIWHS202 - Enter and work in confined spaces	Not applicable

Learner Rights, Responsibilities & Support

Please note that enrolment to this course is made with Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909. Please refer to the student handbook located on the RTO website allenstraining.com.au (https://allenstraining.com.au/students/student-handbook) for all details relating to rights and responsibilities including complaints and appeals.

Assessment Activities

Performance tasks:

Pre-Donning Checks, Tests and Concluding Operations
Enter and work in confined space – Horizontal entry
Enter and work in confined space – Vertical entry

Documentation:

Completion of two (2) site-based Risk Assessment forms and two (2) Confined space entry permits
Completion of an Equipment Fault log

Theory assessment – A written assessment consisting of multiple-choice and short answer questions. The student must complete all assessment questions.

This course is delivered and assessed on behalf of Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909