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PUAFIR306 - Identify, detect and monitor hazardous materials at an incident


This course applies to emergency response teams and personnel required to detect and identify contaminants at a hazardous materials incident.

This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to use specific equipment to detect, identify and monitor airborne contaminants, liquids, and solids at a hazardous materials incident. This includes dangerous goods, goods too dangerous to be transported and hazardous chemicals. Students will learn how to assess the risks posed by the materials identified and to formulate an entry plan for their safe isolation and mitigation.

Please note, a hazardous materials incident is a generic term used to refer to an incident involving any hazardous material based on physico-chemical, chemical, biological or radiological properties that poses an unreasonable risk to life, property or the environment. Response situations may include confined spaces such as storage tanks and silos, hazardous waste sites, post-fire situations, transport vehicles, motor vehicle accidents, ships or unknown substance incidents. This unit of competency stands alone and incorporates the content of the following unit:

  • PUAFIR306 Identify, detect and monitor hazardous materials at an incident

Units Delivered

The following units will be included in your certificate:

PUAFIR306 - Identify, detect and monitor hazardous materials at an incident

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 8 Hours
Face-to-Face Face to Face contact time of at least 16 Hours

An individual undertaking this course with Allens Training Pty Ltd will need to demonstrate the following to be eligible for entry:

  • Participants must be clean shaven, as facial hair may affect facial seal
  • PUAFIR207 Operate breathing apparatus open circuit* *It is essential that the prerequisite unit listed are obtained prior to the issuance of this unit to individuals within the fire sector or the units contributing to the attainment of a fire qualification.
  • For individuals not within the fire sector or the unit is not contributing to the attainment of a fire qualification, it is best practice and highly recommended for individuals to have the underpinning knowledge and current industry experience of operating breathing apparatus open circuit.
  • Psychological and physical capability to be able to meet the demands of the practical demonstrations for this course. This includes undertaking the requirements to safely enter and work in an environment with detectable but safe levels of contamination; and use different types of detection equipment wearing appropriate PPE including chemical protective clothing and breathing apparatus. This may also involve climbing up, down, through or under structures or confined spaces, 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.

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.

Practical demonstrations: 

  • two (2) simulated scenario for a hazardous atmosphere

Documentation – Completion of an Incident Report Form and a Hazard Control Zone diagram

Theory assessment – A written assessment consisting of multiple-choice and short answer questions. All questions must be completed

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