MSMWHS216 Operate Breathing Apparatus
MSMWHS216 Operate Breathing Apparatus
Course Description
Training and assessment delivered and assessed on behalf of Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909
This nationally recognised course provides participants with the skills and knowledge to safely operate breathing apparatus (BA) in irrespirable, hazardous or oxygen-deficient atmospheres. It covers self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), airline equipment and other open-circuit systems, but does not include rebreather (closed-circuit) apparatus.
Designed for workers who may be required to wear BA as part of their duties—such as those working in confined spaces, with hazardous gases or vapours, or where oxygen levels may be compromised—the course develops practical competence across a range of realistic scenarios, including operating BA under adverse conditions such as an entrapment situation.
Participants learn to inspect and test equipment, don and operate BA safely, identify and control hazards, communicate effectively, respond to emergencies, and complete post-use maintenance and reporting.
Training and assessment align with AS/NZS ISO 16975.3:2023, AS/NZS 1715, and relevant WHS/OHS regulations to ensure safe and effective performance in high-risk environments.
Units Delivered
The following units will be included in your certificate:
- MSMWHS216 - Operate breathing apparatus
Course Delivery
About this course
Course Duration
- 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
Entry Requirements
An individual undertaking this course with Allens Training Pty Ltd will need to demonstrate the following to be eligible for entry:
- An official form of photo identification (e.g., driver’s licence, passport, or student ID).
- Participants are required to be clean shaven to attend this course, in accordance with AS/NZS ISO 16975.3 and AS/NZS 1715:2009. Facial hair within the sealing area can compromise the effectiveness of the respirator, impacting its ability to provide proper protection
- Protective footwear/safety shoes and comfortable/practical clothing must be provided by the student and worn during the practical sessions and assessment.
- Psychological and physical capability to meet the demands of the practical demonstrations for this course, including wearing and operating breathing apparatus and associated equipment in a range of conditions. Have the physical capacity to independently don, operate, and remove a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) weighing up to 15 kg, work safely in confined or low-visibility environments, and perform simulated tasks involving crawling, kneeling, climbing, carrying equipment, and a controlled entrapment exercise requiring sustained physical effort and calm breathing under stress
Assessment Requirements
Individuals undertaking this course will be expected to complete both written and practical assessment tasks.
Certificate Renewal Requirements
This certificate does not require renewal
Learner Right, Responsibilities & Support
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.
Assessment Activities
Assessments conducted during face-to-face training session(s) include:
Performance tasks:
- Conduct pre-donning, checks, tests and concluding operations for breathing apparatus (BA)
- Operate BA in a hazardous atmosphere
- Operate breathing apparatus (BA) under adverse conditions
- Complete an Equipment fault Log
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.
Core Skill Requirements
Students are required to complete a self evaluation against the following core skills as part of the enrolment process. This will allow your trainer to understand any additional support that may be required during the course delivery and assessment.
| Learning | I can follow safety steps in order, remember what to do in an emergency, and learn by practising. |
| Reading | I can read and understand emergency signs, safety labels, and rescue instructions related to electrical dangers. |
| Writing | I can fill in simple forms or record what happened during an emergency or training. |
| Oral Communication | I can speak clearly and listen carefully when giving or receiving information during an emergency situation. |
| Numeracy | I can read numbers (like voltage or time) and understand basic timing and measurements. |
