Overview
This nationally recognised course provides participants with the skills and knowledge required to operate and maintain open-circuit breathing apparatus (BA) in irrespirable atmospheres.
Designed for personnel who form part of a site-based Emergency Response Team (ERT), the course focuses on the safe use of emergency response equipment while operating in hazardous, smoke-filled, and confined environments. Training is conducted in accordance with AS/NZS 1715 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment and reflects realistic emergency response conditions.
This is a physically demanding course designed to replicate real emergency conditions. Participants will be required to PPE/PPC weighting up to 25kgs. This equipment will be worn for periods of time up to 25 minutes in dark, smoke-filled confined spaces, whilst carrying out search and rescue drills.
Participants must have a reasonable level of health and fitness to safely undertake the practical components of this training.
Learning outcomes
The course covers the following:
- Selection, use and maintenance of breathing apparatus equipment including pre-donning checks and tests
- Breathing apparatus control procedures
- Ancillary equipment requirements
- Identifying, detecting and controlling hazards
- Communication procedures and team operations
- Entrapment procedures
- Moving in smoke and darkness
- Safe operations
- Cleaning and maintenance of breathing apparatus equipment
Entry Requirements
Participants must:
- Be clean shaven to ensure facial seal of respirators as per AS/NZS 1715
- Provide photo I.D on entry
- Unless exempt, provide a verifiable USI number
- Be physically fit and healthy with capacity to perform manual tasks
- Be able to read, write, communicate orally, and understand and interpret complex information and situations
- Interact with others and work under pressure
- Dress appropriately i.e., long sleeve, long pants or overalls, safety boots/closed in shoes, safety glasses
Please ensure you read our Student Handbook for further information on our policies, procedures, terms, and program conditions.
SDS is committed to identifying and supporting the language, literacy, numeracy and digital (LLND) needs of all learners. Where required, SDS may conduct an LLND assessment prior to training to determine whether any additional support or reasonable adjustment is needed.
Participants are encouraged to advise the training team at any time if they believe they may require learning support so appropriate arrangements can be made.
Delivery method
This course is delivered over two (2) days and consists of classroom-based theory learning with practical based activities.
Assessments
Assessment includes written and/or multiple-choice knowledge assessment and practical based skills assessments.
Completion
On successful completion participants will receive a nationally recognised statement of attainment for:
- PUAFIR207 Operate breathing apparatus open circuit
- PUAFIR210 Prevent injury
Skills maintenance
There is no legislated expiry for this unit, industry best practice recommends refresher training every two (2) years to maintain competence and familiarity with current standards and procedures.
