Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations require PCBUs to give workers reasonable access to a safe work environment. As confined areas bring additional risks, it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that workers receive safety training.
Confined spaces courses cover detailed training, including safe entry and exit procedures. The courses also cover the best practices for maintaining the safety of workers while completing work inside a tight spot, which includes communication and atmospheric monitoring. To reduce the risk of work injuries, explore the requirements for working in a confined space.
Who Should Attend the Confined Space Training ACT?
Anyone that needs to work in a confined space should complete the course. According to Safe Work Australia, a confined space is an area not designed for people to work in. This includes enclosed or partially enclosed spaces that meet the following criteria:
- Not intended for human occupation
- Intended for normal atmospheric pressure
- Provides a risk to the health of workers due to unsafe atmospheres
- Includes a risk of engulfment
Your work environment may qualify as a confined space. Common examples include tanks, dry wells, shafts, chimneys, containers, and tunnels. The biggest risks associated with these spaces involve the atmospheric conditions.
Tight areas have limited air circulation. Harmful airborne contaminants become a greater threat. To overcome these challenges, workers need to learn how to identify hazards and implement control measures.
Along with confined spaces safety training, you may need to enrol in additional courses. Atmospheric testing training is often required to properly monitor the atmosphere.
This program is also a prerequisite for many other units. If you intend to complete training skylight installation and repair, concrete sawing and drilling, or mill relining, you may need to complete this course first.
What Is the WHS / OHS Standard for Confined Space Training Canberra?
RIIWHS202E is the unit of competency intended to meet WHS standards for confined space training. Registered training organisations (RTOs) follow course outlines that meet Australian standards.
According to the standard, RTOs should complete assessments in the context of the sector’s work environment. For example, those working in the coal mining industry may include a different assessment process compared to those working in civil construction.
The course also includes a few prerequisites. Before you enrol, you need to complete construction induction training. You also need to present a valid license or ID and understand the English language.
The standard for confined space training is designed to reduce some of the risks related to working in enclosed or partially enclosed areas. You learn how to safely enter a confined space and monitor the atmosphere using gas testing equipment.
The recommended code of practice also requires workers to maintain communications. However, the first step is completing a thorough risk assessment.
How Often Is Confined Space Training Required in Canberra?
The statement of attainment that you receive after completing the course does not expire. This is common with safety training certificates. However, as with other units of competency, industry standards organisations often recommend taking a refresher course every one or two years.
If you have already completed the face to face training and have a statement of attainment, you may complete an online course to meet the refresher training requirements.
How Much Is Confined Space Training Canberra ACT?
At AlertForce, the confined spaces course costs $300 per person. However, discounts may apply for group training or if you are eligible for Training Authority Fund eligibility brings the cost down to approx $180.
The refresher course costs less. You can complete the online self-paced training for $177.
What Are the Training Outcomes?
The training outcomes include the skills and knowledge necessary to work safely in a confined space. The main topics of the course include:
- Reviewing procedures for entering a confined area
- Assessing safety requirements
- Gaining access to the worksite
- Testing and monitoring the atmosphere
- Proper steps for entering the workspace
- How to comply with entry permit requirements
- Exiting the confined space
- Securing access to the worksite
- Clearing the work area and disposing of materials
The initial portion of the training focuses on the planning and preparing stages. You learn how to read an entry permit and identify the proper safety equipment and signage. This section also covers the selection of tools and rescue equipment.
A large portion of the course discusses best practices for working in a confined space. This includes testing and monitoring the atmosphere for harmful contaminants. In most cases, you will also need to maintain communication with a standby person.
When exiting the space, the code of practice requires you to inspect and clean up the work area. You should remove all tools, equipment, and work materials. Typically, the last step is the removal of barriers and signs.
After completing these topics, you must pass an assessment before receiving your statement of attainment.
To remain safe when working in confined spaces, contact AlertForce for suitable training courses in Canberra.
