Gas Tester Training: Level-I

Gas Tester Level 1

The two-day course is designed to equip the participants with comprehensive knowledge and the practical skills necessary for clearance measurements before confined space entry operations. It covers the characteristics of ox-, tox- and ex-hazards.

Learning objectives

This course is designed to provide the delegates with the knowledge and competencies required to carry out gas testing of atmospheres in confined spaces for pre-entry and on an ongoing basis. To provide those personnel preparing for a gas tester role with the knowledge to safely conduct gas tests for oxygen levels, flammable and toxic gases. In addition, this course also equips the delegates with the knowledge necessary to conduct gas testing within confined spaces and an awareness of associated confined space hazards.

Course content

Course syllabus

The course contains the following modules:

• Module 1 – Authorised gas tester
• Module 2 – Testing for flammable gas in preparation for hot work
• Module 3 – Confined space testing
• Module 4 – Gas monitoring for hot work sites

The duty holder/employer is responsible for ensuring that personnel appointed to the Authorised Gas Tester role have received sufficient training and gained relevant experience to undertake the role(s) competently and safely. The duty holder/employer must ensure that, apart from the provision of theory training, that further workplace training is provided and workplace competence assessment is conducted prior to formal appointment.

Module 1 – Authorised Gas Tester

• Confined space criteria
• The type of operations being tested for flammable and toxic gases
• The hazards of operations within an oxygen-enriched, oxygen-deficient, toxic or flammable environment
• Carrying out a suitable and sufficient risk assessments
• Understand the safe systems of work, how to work within the safe system of work and the associated responsibilities
• The implications of statutory and organisational requirements
• Interpreting operational requirements
• How to select, use and care for PPE and RPE
• Accessing and interpreting operational instructions
• Theoperatingprinciplesofatmospheremonitoringandmeasuringequipmentandfailuremodes
• Thestrengthsandweaknessesofvarioustypesofatmosphericflammableandtoxicgasdetectionequipment
• Correct selection of aspirating or non-aspirating detectors to obtaining representative atmosphere sample
• Equipment required for testing for hydrocarbons in inert atmospheres
• Gas detector pre-start checks
• Determining the extent of the test boundaries
• Calibrating the instruments used in atmospheric testing
• Sources of assistance during the event of damaged or defective equipment
• Interpreting normal and abnormal results
• Documenting the results and advising relevant personnel

Module 2 – Testing for flammable gas in preparation for hot work

• Hot work (any operation involving naked flames or producing heat and/or sparks or any operation that has spark potential)
• Type of operations being tested for flammable and toxic gases
• The principles of hot work gas testing
• The hazards and properties of flammable gases
• Acceptable levels of flammable gases and the correct amount of oxygen
• Carrying out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment
• Using safe systems of work and understanding the associated responsibilities
• The implications of organisational and statutory requirements
• Detectors used for the flammable product
• How to set up the relevant detectors for each gas testing application and confirm functioning correctly
• The range and frequency of tests and monitoring and retesting requirements
• Where to site portable or transportable equipment that will be used to continuously monitor the atmosphere

Module 3 – Confined space testing

• The hazards and properties of flammable and toxic gases
• The behaviour of different gases
• The range and frequency of tests and monitoring and retesting requirements after initial entry
• Acceptable levels of flammable gases and the correct amount of oxygen
• The implications of WEL for toxic gases and LEL for flammable gases
• How to set up the relevant detectors for each gas testing application and confirm functioning correctly
• Performing gas tests in sequential order
• How to obtain representative atmosphere sample
• Taking various samples to locate varying concentrations of gases and vapours
• Importance of sampling confined spaces at a distance
• Testing flammable gases in inert atmospheres
• Where to site portable or transportable equipment that will be used to continuously monitor the atmosphere

Module 4 – Gas monitoring for hot work sites

• Hot work (any operation involving naked flames or producing heat and/or sparks or any operation that has spark potential)
• Confined space criteria
• The type of operations being tested for flammable and toxic gases
• Roles and responsibilities of theFireWatch
• Roles and responsibilities of the Stand By person
• Responsibilities of the Gas Monitor role
• How to select, use and care for PPE
• How to work within the safe system of work
• The hazards and properties of flammable gases
• The behaviour of different flammable and toxic gases
• The potential arrival of flammable gas or vapour clouds at the hot work site
• Impact of environmental changes on working conditions
• Importance of checking controls on the equipment areas specified
• Importance of regular communication
• Sources of assistance and specialist support
• Completion of relevant documentation