Overview
This nationally recognised course provides participants with the skills and knowledge required to safely operate breathing apparatus in irrespirable atmospheres and hazardous environments.
Breathing apparatus is commonly used when working in confined spaces, oxygen-deficient atmospheres, areas contaminated by hazardous gases or vapours, and during emergency response and rescue operations. Participants will learn how to inspect, test, operate, maintain, and work safely while wearing self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) in accordance with industry requirements and AS/NZS 1715 Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Equipment.
The course includes extensive hands-on practical training where participants will wear breathing apparatus, navigate simulated hazardous environments, conduct operational checks, and undertake practical exercises designed to replicate real-world workplace conditions.
This course is suitable for personnel working within mining, oil and gas, utilities, emergency response, manufacturing, defence, and industrial environments where respiratory protection is required.
Learning outcomes
The course covers the following:
- Legislative and workplace requirements relating to breathing apparatus
- The effects of irrespirable atmospheres and respiratory hazards on the body
- Hazard identification and risk control measures
- Breathing apparatus components, operation, capabilities, and limitations
- Pre-use inspections, testing, and equipment checks
- Correct donning, operation, and doffing of breathing apparatus
- Communication, entry control, and team safety procedures
- Air management and monitoring of available working time
- Emergency and entrapment procedures
- Cleaning, maintenance, and preparation of breathing apparatus for operational use
Entry Requirements
Participants must:
- Be clean shaven to ensure facial seal of respirators as per AS/NZS 1715
- Not suffer from severe claustrophobia or medical conditions that may prevent the safe use of breathing apparatus
- 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
Upon successful completion of all assessment requirements, participants will receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment for:
- MSMWHS216 Operate Breathing Apparatus
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.
