Gas Test Atmospheres

Course details

This nationally recognised Gas Test Atmospheres course teaches participants the skills and knowledge to safely test and monitor workplace atmospheres using electronic gas detectors to determine if conditions are safe for the proposed work.

The unit of competency covers essential topics such as atmospheric hazards, gas testing procedures, and interpreting results. Participants will learn how to identify both visible and invisible hazards, understand exposure standards and gas characteristics, and maintain accurate testing records. Practical training includes selecting, preparing, using, and maintaining gas testing equipment, as well as conducting bump tests and calibrations.

Designed for those working in high-risk environments or roles where atmospheric monitoring is required, this course is ideal for workers who operate under a work permit, or those monitoring or performing confined space tasks. It supports safer decision-making and compliance with WHS obligations across various industries.

Course name

Gas Test Atmospheres

Duration

4 hours face-to-face

Cost

$275 per person

Course code

MSMWHS217 – Gas test atmospheres

On-site & Group bookings

Available on request

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Target audience

This nationally recognised unit is recommended for individuals in operational roles where testing and monitoring potentially hazardous atmospheres may be part of their responsibilities. It’s relevant to both new and experienced workers across a range of high-risk environments.

It’s designed for:

Workers involved in confined spaces, enclosed and partially enclosed environments
Personnel required to conduct gas testing in the atmosphere prior to or during their duties
Staff undertaking hot work or operating in locations such as storage tanks, silos, pits, pipes, shafts, ducts, transport vehicles or ships
Team members or control room operators responsible for atmospheric monitoring in open areas or when lowering gas detectors into confined spaces using a line
Anyone required to carry out gas testing and interpret atmospheric readings as part of a workplace and team safety system

This course is particularly suitable for existing workers who are responsible for safety-critical tasks and need to demonstrate competency in atmospheric testing to meet workplace compliance and WHS requirements.

Outcomes of MSMWHS217 – Gas test atmospheres

Students who are deemed competent will receive a Statement of Attainment for Gas Testing Atmosphere – MSMWHS217, recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework. This certification is nationally recognised. The Statement is issued by Link Resources Training Pty Ltd (RTO 45483).

This certification demonstrates that participants possess the knowledge required to safely conduct these tasks and have demonstrated the practical skills to safely test, monitor, manage, and interpret working atmosphere risks, results, and hazards. This course is highly regarded across various sectors and is often recommended and required by industry standards and employers.

Course delivery

This practical training course covers the required knowledge and skills to safely test and monitor potentially hazardous atmospheres in a workplace using gas detection equipment. It involves identifying risks, selecting and operating gas testing apparatus, interpreting results, and maintaining compliance with WHS requirements.

Throughout the course, participants will be able to:

Understand legal, safety and WHS requirements associated with atmospheric testing
Successfully complete risk assessments and identify permit needs for controlled work environments
Recognise atmospheric hazards including oxygen deficiency or enrichment, and explosive or toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide, and methane
Identify both visible and invisible hazards, including hazardous surfaces and spaces
Apply exposure limits and standards when interpreting readings
Select, prepare, and operate electronic testing apparatus
Perform bump tests and calibrate equipment to confirm reliability
Record and interpret gas detector data in line with workplace procedures
Monitor atmospheres using both direct and remote testing methods (e.g. lowering devices into spaces)

The course combines essential theory with hands-on use of gas detection equipment, ensuring participants gain both the technical knowledge and practical skills to carry out atmospheric testing safely and accurately across a range of environments.

Training areas

Face-to-face training and assessment can be conducted at one of Link Resources’ purpose-built training facilities or on-site.

Link Resources Training Facilities:

Entry requirements

All candidates must be literate in the English language (no interpreters allowed).

Upon enquiry, students can enter the program by expressing an interest and being sent an information pack that contains a booking notification and course information (Course Brochure). This interest process enables the RTO and client to work together to ensure the course is suitable for them and to identify any additional support needs & make adequate provisions.

No pre-requisites exist for this Unit of Competency.

Payment Options

Please see the Link Resources Payments, Cancellations and Refund Policy below in Student Information for all details on Payments for your course.

Payment can be made via direct bank transfer, EFTPOS, cash or cheque. For billing information, including who to write a cheque to, please email accounts@link-resources.com.au or call (07) 3067 6120.

Pathways

Training and education pathways

Completion of MSMWHS217 – Gas Test Atmospheres training is often used in conjunction with various other courses that are required or highly regarded across industries, such as oil, gas, construction, manufacturing, and more. For those looking to further build their skills, the following units are recommended:

Employment pathways

This unit of competency is suitable for individuals seeking to work in roles where atmospheric testing and gas monitoring are required as part of operational safety. It may support progression into or within positions such as:

Confined space entry workers
Permit-based operations staff
Maintenance and shutdown personnel
Civil and construction workers
Utilities and infrastructure operators
Resource sector workers
Manufacturing and processing plant staff

Why choose Link Resources to conduct gas test atmospheres training?

Industry-leading trainers

Our experienced trainers bring firsthand knowledge from the field, giving you confidence in the skills you’re learning and how to apply them safely on-site.

Practical, real-world training

We don’t just teach theory — our training simulates real conditions, so you walk away with practical skills you can use immediately in high-risk environments.

Convenient delivery and various facilities

With locations across Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Adelaide, Devonport and Launceston — plus options for on-site group bookings — we make it easy to get qualified.

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Advance your career with a nationally recognised certification

Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a Statement of Attainment for MSMWHS217 – Gas test atmospheres, supporting your competency in the workplace.

Need something different? Call us on 07 5491 2544

Our locations

Link Resources has purpose-built training facilities all across Australia to meet your specific training requirements.

Brisbane

18/229 Junction Road, Cannon Hill QLD 4170

Sunshine Coast

8 Technology Drive, Warana, QLD 4575

Kurwongbah

Neilson Road, Kurwongbah QLD 4503

Melbourne

14 Mason St, Dandenong, VIC 3175

Adelaide

Unit 4/77-79 Tapleys Hill Rd, Hendon SA 5014

Devonport

14 Loone Ln, Spreyton TAS 7310

Launceston

55 Oakden Road, Prospect TAS 7250

Frequently asked questions

Why is gas testing important in the workplace?

Testing the atmosphere is essential in high-risk environments where gases such as confined spaces, pits, tanks, or areas with limited ventilation could be present. Gas testing helps prevent incidents like explosions, poisoning, or asphyxiation by confirming the space is safe before work begins.

Does the course include interpreting gas readings and deciding what actions to take?

It does. A key part of the course is learning how to respond to gas detector readings, including recognising when levels are outside safe limits and understanding the appropriate steps to take before work can safely proceed.

Is this course just for confined space work?

No. While many participants work in confined spaces, the course is also relevant to anyone performing hot work, working with permits, or operating in storage tanks, ducts, transport vehicles, silos, or open areas where atmospheric hazards may be present.

How does this course help with workplace compliance?

This unit of competency (MSMWHS217) is often required as part of broader WHS and permit-to-work systems. It helps demonstrate that workers are competent in managing atmospheric risks and is recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework.

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Course details

Target audience

Outcomes of MSMWHS217 – Gas test atmospheres