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Course Set - RIIWHS202E & MSMPER200 Confined spaces and Work in accordance with a permit


This course set is designed for new and experienced personnel required to work in confined spaces and conduct work activities under the authority of an issued permit to work and within the context and requirements of that permit. This typically applies to all work undertaken by maintenance staff and contractors and also to any other non-process work performed on the plant. It aims to ensure that people working under a permit to work understand the system, know the limitations of the permit under which they are working and comply with all the requirements of the permit. Often people with this qualification may be called 'permit recipients' or 'permit holders' by some organisations. Some organisations call 'permits' 'clearances'.  

Participants will learn to distinguish what constitutes a confined space; key terminology; as well as understand the regulations and legislative requirements governing entering and working in and around confined spaces. Participants will identify hazards and emergencies as well as implement appropriate control measures; conduct risk assessments and apply for a confined space entry permit.  

Students will demonstrate how to enter, exit and work safely in a confined space according to an issued permit for two scenarios. Participants will also inspect and select appropriate personal protective gear; operate various confined space safety equipment including atmospheric testing/monitoring devices; and conduct routine servicing of all equipment and gear. 

Units Delivered

The following units will be included in your certificate:

Course Delivery

This course can be delivered/assessed in the workplace or at facility organised by the training provider.

Course Durations

Course durations can vary for multiple reasons, so the durations below are the minimum possible amount.

Refresher Face to Face contact time of at least 5 Hours
Face-to-Face Face to Face contact time of at least 9 Hours
Online with face-to-face assessment Face to Face contact time of at least 4 Hours

An individual undertaking this course will need to demonstrate the following to be eligible for entry: 

  • Psychological* and physical capability to be able to meet the demands of the practical demonstrations for this course, such as the undertaking of the requirements to safely enter, work in and exit a confined space wearing appropriate PPE.  This may involve climbing up, down, through or under structures or confined spaces, being temporarily suspended, wearing harnesses and other relevant PPE, dragging and lifting in confined and restricted environments in dark, low light or smoke-filled areas. 

  • Protective footwear/safety shoes and comfortable/practical clothing must be provided by the student and worn during the practical sessions and assessment 

  • Language, literacy and numeracy requirements - students must be able to read and correctly interpret required documentation relevant to the confined space entry, speak clearly and unambiguously in English, explain, describe and verify sometimes complex needs and issues and understand the permit requirements. Writing is required to the level of completing workplace forms and producing any required reports. Numeracy is required to the level of being able to correctly differentiate between high and low pressures and temperatures, voltages or masses and interpret gas test/monitoring results. 

*Safe Work Australia notes “Working in a confined space may impose physiological and psychological demands over and above those encountered in a normal working environment. Consideration should be given to a worker’s: 

  • physical ability; 

  • ability to work in a restrictive space (for example claustrophobia) and ability to wear the PPE required to do the work (for example respirators).”  

Code of Practice - Confined Spaces, December 2011

Individuals undertaking this course will be expected to complete both written and practical assessment tasks.

The units have the following recommended renewal periods:
Unit Period
RIIWHS202E - Enter and work in confined spaces Not applicable
MSMPER200 - Work in accordance with an issued permit Not applicable

Please note that enrolment to this course is made with Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909. Please refer to the student handbook located on the RTO website allenstraining.com.au (https://allenstraining.com.au/students/student-handbook) for all details relating to rights and responsibilities including complaints and appeals.

Performance tasks:

- Perform a horizontal and a vertical entry into a confined space

- Apply tagging and lock out procedures  

- Confirm the scope and location of the work to be undertaken 

- Determine if a permit/s is required for the work to be carried out 

- Identify and raise the type of work permit required

- Identify hazards and check that the hazard controls specified on the permit are consistent with the hazard analysis  

- Use atmospheric monitoring devices prior to entering the confined space  

  • Interpret readings and take required action 

  • Maintain testing and monitoring equipment 

- Work in accordance with an issued permit  

  • Monitor work for compliance and respond appropriately to changing conditions and circumstances 

  • Display issued permit on work site as required 

  • Ensure compliance with scope, location and timeframe specified in the permit 

  • Seek variation to permit/ new permit if job or work environment vary from that specified in the permit 

  • Suspend job and make worksite safe before leaving site 

  • Formally seek and receive authorised extensions to the permit when required 

  • Give end-of-day status report to permit issuer 

- Demonstrate concluding operation techniques

Documentation – The student must complete all documentation according to the required standard:

  • Complete two Job Safety Environmental Analysis (JSEA)/ Safe Work Methods Statement (SWMS) forms 
  • Apply for and obtain a Confined space entry permit for both scenarios – horizontal and vertical entry  
  • Recording result for testing of atmosphere
  • Sign onto/receive the permit
  • Formally seek and receive authorised extensions to the permit when required  

Theory assessment -   A written assessment consisting of short-answer and multiple-choice questions. The student must complete all assessment questions.

This course is delivered and assessed on behalf of Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909