Breathing Apparatus Incident Response Perth   ·   Melbourne

Structure and Assessment
This course is delivered through classroom presentations, group discussion and practical demonstrations and exercises. Trainees will demonstrate their competence through written and practical assessment.

Learning Outcomes
The Elements of Competency listed below describe the essential outcomes aligned to the industry performance expectations.

MSMWHS216 Operate breathing apparatus

• Conduct pre-donning checks and tests on breathing apparatus
• Operate breathing apparatus
• Conclude operations in accordance with procedures

Skills Maintenance
In alignment with industry expectations and to ensure ongoing competence and capability ERGT recommends skills maintenance be conducted every 2 years.

Regulator
The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) is the national regulator for Nationally Recognised Training.

Medical Requirements
A health questionnaire and declaration of fitness will be required at course registration. Please contact ERGT for any concerns regarding completion of practical training and assessment requirements and to discuss options for reasonable adjustments.

Physical Requirements
To successfully participate in this course, trainees will need to be physically able to:

• Lift and don breathing apparatus equipment
• Move and operate while wearing breathing apparatus,
• Sustain moderate physical activity over an extended period while wearing breathing apparatus.
• Perform equipment checks, cleaning, and maintenance which involve fine motor skills (e.g., tightening straps, operating valves, inspecting components).
• Communicate verbally while wearing breathing apparatus, using communication systems where required.

Trainees should consider their physical capacity to complete these tasks safely. If there are any concerns regarding their ability to undertake the practical training and assessment, they should contact ERGT prior to enrolment to discuss:

• Potential challenges related to physical demands
• Options for flexible assessments where applicable

Essential Skills for Participation
To successfully participate in this course, trainees will need to have:

• Reading skills to interpret documents such as manufacturer instructions, procedures, signage, and organisational instructions.
• Writing skills To accurately record information, including any faults or incidents relating to breathing apparatus use.
• Numeracy skills: To monitor and interpret pressure gauge readings and perform basic calculations relating to available air supply and safe operating times.
• Oral communication skills: To communicate clearly with team members and report incidents or faults verbally to supervisors or control room operators.
• Problem-solving skills: To recognise and respond appropriately to different situations and implement emergency procedures if entrapment or other hazards occur.
• Planning and organisational skills: To prepare equipment for use and manage time effectively while using limited air supply.
• Teamwork skills: To work cooperatively with other shift members, rescue teams, and control room operators during operations.

Additional Requirements
Please read AS/NZS 1715 Appendix B: Facial Seal of Respirators. You will not be able to meet competency if you do not comply with the requirements of the standard. Please contact ERGT if you require further clarification.