Operate Breathing Apparatus BA

MSMWHS216 – Operate Breathing Apparatus

This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate and maintain breathing apparatus and equipment in an irrespirable atmosphere, as defined by the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1715:2009 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment.

Participants will undertake a theory assessment and a practical assessment. The theory assessment will determine whether each participant has adequate underlying knowledge to operate the breathing apparatus successfully. The practical assessment will determine whether each participant has the requisite skills to be deemed competent in operating the breathing apparatus.

This unit of competency applies to operators who are required to wear breathing apparatus because they are working:

• In a confined space
• With hazardous gases/vapours
• In an oxygen-deficient atmosphere
• In other situations, the wearing of breathing apparatus is required.

Operators may also be required to wear breathing apparatus in emergency situations. However, this is not the prime focus of this unit.

This unit of competency applies to an individual working alone or as part of a team or group and liaising with other shift team members and the control room operator, as appropriate.

This nationally recognised OHSA Operate Breathing Apparatus Training Course is available at our training centres in Brisbane and the Gold Coast and is designed for people who work in or around confined space areas, with hazardous gases/vapours, in an oxygen-deficient atmosphere, or other situations, requiring the wearing of breathing apparatus.

We are able to conduct on-site training with either our purpose-built mobile training facility or at your own workplace and tailor the training course to suit the practical scenarios relevant to your company’s operations. While there is a standard set of learning outcomes for the course, we understand that the context and environment in which the learning is applied are varied.

This BA Training course will cover the theory and practical functions of operating and maintaining breathing apparatus.
The main topics that will be covered include:

• Conduct pre-donning checks,
• Inspect and report/record faults of damaged equipment,
• Operation of the breathing apparatus,
• Monitor and control hazards whilst wearing a breathing apparatus,
• Undertake team activities whilst wearing a breathing apparatus,
• Conclude operations.

Other terminology for the Breathing Apparatus course include:

• Breathing apparatus training
• Self-contained breathing apparatus training
• BA training
• Confined space breathing apparatus training
• Operate breathing apparatus training

OHSA will supply all equipment necessary for you to undertake training. However, we actively encourage students to bring along their own equipment where practicable.

Safety clothing, including long-sleeved shirts/trousers and enclosed footwear, is required.

Participants should have sufficient literacy and numeracy to read and comprehend instructions for safety at the workplace.

Participants will need sufficient physical and psychological ability to participate in practical scenario-based training, which may involve crawling and climbing up, down, through or under structures or confined and restricted spaces, being temporarily suspended, wearing harnesses and other relevant PPE breathing apparatus, lifting and carrying breathing apparatus/ cylinders (10-15kg), donning harnesses, dragging, lifting or carrying people or mannequins in confined and restricted environments in dark, low light or smoke-filled areas.

Who should use breathing apparatus?

A breathing apparatus is supplied for people who may have to enter confined spaces (if the area is deemed to be safe).

How long does a breathing apparatus certificate last?

Breathing apparatus competency does not formally have an expiry date.