Working in a confined space brings additional dangers. These areas often have inadequate ventilation, allowing potentially hazardous atmospheres to develop quickly.
Before working in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, you may need to complete a confined space course. The training gives you the skills and knowledge needed to identify and minimise potential hazards. Here is a closer look at the enter and work in confined spaces course in Darwin.
Who Should Attend Confined Spaces Training?
Anyone who works or supervises work in a confined space should complete this training. Proper training helps you avoid the dangers of working in a confined area.
According to SafeWork Australia, a confined area is defined as a space that is enclosed or partially enclosed. It also needs to meet these conditions:
- Is not designed for human occupation
- Is designed to be at normal atmospheric pressure
- Poses a health and safety risk from unsafe oxygen levels
- Poses a health and safety risk from airborne contaminants
- Contains harmful concentrations of contaminants
- Includes a risk of engulfment
While training covers techniques for reducing hazards in a confined space, the best method for eliminating risk is to avoid entering the space. When avoiding the space is not an option, training helps keep you safe.
The main hazards of entering and working in a confined space include:
- Oxygen deprivation, which may cause brain damage, unconsciousness, or death
- Toxic atmospheres that increase the risk of poisonous effects on your body
- Exposure to explosive or flammable atmospheres
- Getting trapped or crushed by moving parts such as mixers or augers
Common examples of enclosed or partially enclosed spaces include pits, tanks, vats, and shafts. Tunnels, trenches, and silos also count as confined spaces. If your job involves work in one of these spaces, you likely need to obtain a certificate.
How Can I Get a Confined Space Certificate in Darwin?
To obtain the certificate, you need to complete the required unit of competency. This requires training through a registered training organisation such as AlertForce. The training provides a statement of attainment, which does not expire.
What Is the WHS Standard for Confined Space Training in Darwin?
RIIWHS202D is the Australian standard for confined spaces training. The training requires several prerequisites. Before enrolling, you need to obtain a white card. The white card (construction induction training) demonstrates knowledge of basic safety for a construction site.
Along with RIIWHS202D, some workers may need to complete additional training. For example, if there is a risk of harmful atmospheres, workers may need to learn how to monitor the air using gas testing devices.
What Are the Course Subjects?
The course is designed to protect workers who need to enter and work in confined areas. The training follows the recommendations of the WHS Act, which requires persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to identify hazards and control risks. The primary learning outcomes and course subjects include:
- Understanding the hazards of working in a confined area
- Learning the WHS regulations for enclosed and partially enclosed spaces
- Implementing hazard control measures to reduce exposure to risks
- Using personal protective equipment to minimise risks
Personal protective equipment (PPE) for entering and working in a confined space may include breathing apparatus. Masks and ventilators may protect against harmful atmospheres. Along with PPE, workers may need to analyse the atmosphere and conduct air testing or gas testing.
Some registered training organisations include additional units of competency. For example, when you take the nationally recognised confined space enter and work course through AlertForce, you also complete the MSMPER200 and MSMWHS201 units.
The MSMPER200 course covers the steps for working in accordance with an issued permit. Supervisors issue permits to give workers written procedures for reducing hazards.
MSMWHS201 includes the steps for conducting a hazard analysis of a worksite. You learn how to analyse the site and detect hazards before implementing the most effective hazard control measures such as wearing PPE or using atmospheric testing devices.
How Often Is Confined Space Training Required in Darwin?
These training courses include training and assessment. After completing the course, you receive a statement of attainment. It does not expire.
As with other types of training without expiration dates, retaking the course every two years is recommended. While retaking the course is not a WHS Act requirement, some industries and individual organisations require workers to complete a refresher program every two years.
How Much Is Confined Space Training Darwin?
The cost of confined space training in Darwin varies. AlertForce offers in-person training for $180 per person while other registered training organisations may charge more. When it comes time for the refresher course, you only need to pay up to $88.
The in-person courses last for a full day with breaks and a lunch period. The online courses are self-paced and should only take an hour or two to complete.
