Monitor Hazardous Atmospheres

PUAFIR307B – Monitor hazardous atmospheres

CERTIFICATE III

Overview

The content of this learner resource covers the skills and knowledge needed to identify typical atmospheric contaminants, understand the hazards associated with them and the effects on humans of exposure to hazardous atmospheres. It also describes how to use a range of equipment to measure and monitor the concentration of various airborne contaminants and the recommended actions, including how to apply appropriate control strategies for dealing with airborne contaminants based on the interpretation of results from monitoring equipment used.

Target

audience

The target audience for this training are individuals who are required to:

·         operate equipment in order to monitor atmospheric conditions

·         measure contaminants

·         interpret readings

·         recommend action to take based on the interpretation and the effects of humans exposed to hazardous atmospheres.

Nominal

duration

24 hours

Relationship to PUA units

This document is part of the support materials for the unit of competency, PUAFIR307B Monitor Hazardous Atmospheres. PUAFIR307B is an elective unit in Certificate III in Public Safety (Firefighting and Emergency Operations) and Certificate III in Public Safety (Firefighting Operations).

Course
content

This learner resource is divided into five sections.

·         Section 1 explores how air monitoring contributes to all of the three stages of the risk management process: hazard identification, risk assessment and implementation of control measures.

·         Section 2 covers the effects of a hazardous atmosphere on the human body and describes some of the gases that are commonly found in this type of atmosphere.

·         Section 3 examines how equipment such as detectors can be used to monitor the atmosphere.

·         Section 4 details how to apply air-monitoring strategies at a hazardous materials (‘hazmat’) incident to assist in hazard identification, assess the potential effects on the community and environment; and determine the health and safety precautions required for personnel.

·         Section 5 gives some hints on how to take effective atmospheric samples.

Learning objectives

On completion of PUAFIR307B, participants will be able to:

·         describe the range of occurrences of hazardous atmospheres and the precautions necessary when working in or near them

·         use direct reading instruments to monitor hazardous atmospheres and take precautions to safeguard health

·         describe how data from atmospheric monitoring can provide input to the various stages of incident response.