Course photo
Enrol now Find a provider

MSMWHS216 - Operate breathing apparatus


This course has been designed for individuals who work alone or as part of a team as an operator required to wear breathing apparatus in their work role.  This might be because they are working in a confined space, with hazardous gases/vapours, or in an oxygen deficient atmosphere.

It covers the skills and knowledge required to conduct pre-donning checks and tests on breathing apparatus, operate and maintain breathing apparatus and equipment in an irrespirable atmosphere, and conclude operations as defined by the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1715:2009 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment.

Concluding operations will include correctly closing down, removing and cleaning the breathing apparatus and reporting faults and/or damage to breathing apparatus.

Units Delivered

The following units will be included in your certificate:

MSMWHS216 - Operate breathing apparatus

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 4 Hours
Face-to-Face Face to Face contact time of at least 8 Hours

As a minimum, entrants to this course must have:

Participants must be clean shaven to attend the course. The unit of competency states that participants “Don the apparatus in accordance with workplace procedures and the manufacturer’s specifications.” The manufacturer’s specifications state: “The sealing line between head and facepiece must be free of hair and foreign substances which could cause leakages”.

The literacy and numeracy competencies to be able to read testing equipment and determine the available working time from a breathing apparatus set

The physical capability to wear and work in a breathing apparatus and associated equipment in a range of conditions.

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

This certificate does not require renewal

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.

Assessments conducted during face-to-face training session(s) include: 

Performance tasks:

  • Demonstrate pre-donning checks, tests procedures and fault reporting
  • Demonstrate concluding operation techniques
  • Label components of breathing apparatus

Practical scenarios:

  • Confined space work
  • Rescue operation

Documentation – Completion of an Equipment Fault log.

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