This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to test the working atmosphere, using electronic test apparatus, to find out if it is safe for the proposed work.

It applies to situations where an individual may be required to carry out gas testing of an atmosphere prior to entering a specific area or workspace.

The competency requires the person to interpret readings and take actions based on interpretation.

Working environment may be hazardous, unpredictable, subject to time pressure, chaotic and expose responders to risk, on land or water, by day or night. Workplace atmospheres may include visible and invisible hazards and hazardous surfaces.

Students will attain the practical application and understanding required to effectively carry out atmospheric gas testing in all industries and will be able to:

▪ Assess enclosed and partially enclosed spaces

▪ Determine the safety of hot work

▪ Storage tanks, silos, pits, pipes, shafts, ducts, transport vehicles and ships

▪ Testing as part of issuing a work permit

▪ Monitoring as part of working under a work permit

▪ Open areas ▪ holding the gas tester by hand

▪ Lowering the gas tester into a space, e.g. on a line.

▪ Determine the type of gas/atmosphere to be tested

▪ Apply hazard identification and risk assessment

▪ Use gas testing equipment and interpret and report the readings

▪ Monitor the atmosphere on an ongoing basis

▪ Clean and maintain testing equipment