Operate Breathing Apparatus

Harness offers a half-day safety course to Operate Breathing Apparatus. This course covers skills required to operate a breathing apparatus, understand the key functions, how to safely conduct operational checks on breathing apparatus and calculate cylinder duration.

Harness’s Breathing Apparatus course utilises our custom simulators to maintain a greater emphasis on the practical application of confined spaces work with the functional limitations of using a breathing apparatus.

Theory is presented in a supportive learner centred environment designed to provide functional theoretical knowledge directly applicable to the field.

The assessment for this course has been designed to the Australian Qualification Framework, relevant Training Package RII, Australian and Industry expectations, as well as Commonwealth and State Legislation.

In the delivery of this course, our trainers focus on providing an individualised adult learning environment that considers the learner’s employment and experience and supports an opportunity to also learn from others and their environments.

Learning Methods:

The mode of delivery for this Breathing Apparatus (BA) course is face to face in a classroom environment as well as significant practical elements outside of the classroom. Harness trainers focus on providing an individualised adult learning environment that considers the learner’s employment history and experience in the industry.

The Harness BA course utilises our custom simulators, which maintains a greater emphasis on the practical application of confined spaces work with the functional limitations of using a breathing apparatus. Theory is presented in a supportive learner centred environment designed to provide functional theoretical knowledge that is directly applicable to real world tasks. Learning materials provided include the Harness student handbook and participants will be advised in advance of attending the course if there are any materials to be provided by them.

Course Content

Throughout the Harness course our trainers will cover off the below operations ensuring a comprehensive understanding of both practical and theoretical elements.

Pre-checks on a Breathing Apparatus

• Inspect, report and conduct checks on a BA unit & to ensure safety prior to use

Operate Breathing Apparatus

• Identify, monitor and control hazards

• Establish and maintain communication whilst operating a Breathing Apparatus

• Undertake various activities individually and part of a team whilst operating a BA

• Maintain safety at all times

Conclude Operations

• Close down and remove breathing apparatus in accordance with procedures

• Undertake cleaning and maintenance of equipment.

• Make equipment ready for operational use

Knowledge & Skills

• Respiratory system, effects of irrespirable atmospheres on the body, protective equipment

• Characteristics, component parts, operation of compressed air breathing apparatus

• Operational testing, standard operating procedures and safe work practices when wearing breathing apparatus

• Operating breathing apparatus

• Use of procedures, personal lines and tallies

• Pre-use tests and checks, including serviceability of components, integrity of components, cylinder pressure, integrity of air flow system, ancillary equipment.

• Breathing apparatus control, including principles of BA Control, organisation procedures, Stage 1 (one entry point), Stage 2 (multiple entry points), entry/exit control point, entry/exit control officer, timing device

• Entrapment procedures, including cease all strenuous activity, activate the distress signal unit, remain calm, relocate to safest available place, call for assistance

• Communications, including distress signal unit, portable radio, communications sets, signal lines, hand signals.

• Inspecting, donning, operating in, removal, cleaning, maintaining and returning to operational status of a BA unit.