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Course Set - RIIWHS202E, MSMPER200 & MSMWHS217 Confined spaces, Gas testing and Work in accordance with a permit


This course set is designed for new and experienced personnel who are required to work in confined spaces, gas test atmospheres and conduct work activities under the authority of an issued permit to work and within the context and requirements of that permit within the construction, resources and infrastructure industries.  

It is designed to teach participants how to identify confined space hazards, work safely within confined spaces according to an issued permit and operate various confined space safety equipment. Finally, this course set applies to individuals who may be required to carry out gas testing of an atmosphere prior to entering a specific area or workspace. These working environments may be hazardous, unpredictable, subject to time pressure, chaotic and expose responders to risk, on land or water, by day or night. Or workplace atmospheres which may include visible and invisible hazards and hazardous surfaces. 

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 gas testing/monitoring devices and interpret the results to take appropriate action; and conduct routine servicing of all equipment and gear. 

Units Delivered

The following units will be included in your certificate:

RIIWHS202E - Enter and work in confined spaces
MSMWHS217 - Gas test atmospheres
MSMPER200 - Work in accordance with an issued permit

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 30 Mins
Online with face-to-face assessment Face to Face contact time of at least 4 Hours 30 Mins

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 p 14. 


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
MSMWHS217 - Gas test atmospheres 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

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

- Identify and raise the type of work permit required

-  Prepare for permitted work

- Identify hazards and check 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 

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

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

- Formally see and receive authorised extensions to the permit when required

- Identify and act on incidences of non-compliance and report promptly to relevant personnel 

- Withdraw/cancel permit if conditions warrant it 

- Provide an end-of-day status report

- Check the work conducted against the issued permit to ensure that all nominated work requirements have been satisfied

- 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  
  • Record results from testing of atmosphere
  • Complete work permit documentation

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