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MSAPMOHS217A
Gas Test Atmospheres
Instructions for Use: To protect and maintain version control, this document is supplied as a PDF. All STP documentation is only to be used as intended and is to be treated as “commercial in confidence” and covered by copyright, unless otherwise approved in writing by STP.
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2. Welcome Actively listen Turn your phone to silent
Welcome to todays course:
To maximise the training benefit to yourself and others, please:  
Actively listen
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Participate in discussions 
Share you knowledge & experiences
Respect others viewpoints
Keep to the subject
Comply with requirements
Ask questions

3. STP Site Induction E.M.P. Exits Evacuation Alarm Muster Point
Fire Extinguishers
First Aid
Toilets
Duty of Care
S.D.S.
P.P.E.
Incidents / Injuries
Lunch Bar
Smoking
Amenities
Personal Security
Questions?????

4. MSAPMOHS217A Gas Test Atmospheres
Version 1.2

5. Administration Course Forms Company Procedures Induction
Safety
Course Duration
IAW relevant AS’s
Site Requirements
Company Procedures
Breaks / Lunch
Mobile Phones
Training Frequency
L.L.N / Injuries
Questions?????

6. Competency Requirements
MSAPMOHS217A
Gas Test Atmospheres
Theory Assessment (Open Book)
From the manual
Practical Assessment
b. Calibrate and test gas monitor, interpret and record atmospheric readings.

7. Objectives - to enable you to:
Identification of Confined Spaces
Conduct confined space risk assessment
Work according to Site procedures
Complete entry permit procedures
Use of appropriate PPE
Appreciation of rescue, first aid & fire fighting
Evidence of competency is gathered in two forms:
Knowledge is assessed with written and verbal answers.
Skill is assessed throughout the course.

8. Occupational Safety and Health?
Each state and territory has occupational health and safety legislation in the form of Acts and Regulations (OSH, OHS, WHS) that are intended to ensure the health, safety and welfare of persons at work. This course is to the Australian Standards, and also covers W.A. specifics.
157 work-related fatalities (9 bystanders)
27 falls from height – including 2 from ladders or scaffold and 3 into pits or holes in the ground
20 being hit by a falling object – 7 deaths from being hit by falling trees or branches
17 from electrocution – 5 deaths from contact with overhead power lines
35 workers killed in Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing industry group – only 4% of Australian workforce
27 workers killed in Construction industry
21 workers killed in Manufacturing industry – low rate per persons employed in industry

9. Acts and Regulations Queensland WHS Act 2011 WHS Regulation 2011
Northern Territory WHS Act 2011 WHS Regulations 2011
Western Australia OSH Act 1984 OSH Regulation 1996
New South Wales WHS Act 2011 WHS Regulation 2011
ACT WHS Act WHS Regulation 2011
South Australia WHS Act WHS Regulation 2012
Victoria OHS Act 2004 OHS Regulation 2007
Tasmania WHS Act 2012 WHS Regulation 2012

10. Acts and Regulations WA OSH Act (1984) : WA OSH Regulations (1996):
An Act is a law passed by parliament to govern certain activities.
The aim of the Act is to prevent a person’s death, injury, or illness being caused by a workplace.
WA OSH Regulations (1996):
Regulation is linked to an Act and provides the specific detail on how that act is to be implemented.
The Regulation sets out rules to prevent or control certain hazards which might cause injury or death in the workplace.
Free download at

11. Australian Standards
Australian Standards set out the safety requirements for persons working in specific areas or who deal with specific equipment. These standards only become legally binding when they are incorporated into legislation.
Atmospheric Testing Requirements for confined spaces can be found in (AS) 2865:2009 Confined Spaces and more detailed information can be found in (AS) :2003 Electrical Apparatus for the Detection and Measurement of Flammable Gases, particularly Table A which details specific gravity lower and upper explosive limits.
This Australian Standard outlines the minimum requirements for establishing a safe system for entry and conduct of tasks in or on a confined space

12. Australian Standards
AS 1319:1994 – Safety signs for the occupational environment
AS/NZS 1715:2009 – Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
AS/NZS 1716:2012 Respiratory protective devices
AS 1891 – Industrial Fall arrest systems and devices
AS/NZS Electrical apparatus for the detection and measurement of flammable gases
AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 – Risk Management principles and guidelines

13. Confined Space Fatalities 6 OUT OF 10 DEATHS ARE WOULD BE RESCUERS
95% are caused by an atmosphere that is not assessed
80% occur when performing a familiar task
64% occur even though the task could have been performed from outside
60% are unplanned rescue attempts
6 OUT OF 10 DEATHS ARE WOULD BE RESCUERS

14. Hazardous Gas Zones Reference: AS/NZS 60079.10.1 2009
Zone “0” – Most Hazardous i.e. inside gas and sludge pipework. “An area in which an explosive gas atmosphere is present continuously, or is to be expected to be present for long periods, or for short periods which occur with high frequency.”
Zone “1” – Hazardous i.e. a space containing compressors, sediment traps etc. “An area in which an explosive gas atmosphere can be expected to occur periodically or occasionally during normal operation.”

15. Hazardous Gas Zones
Zone “2” – Potentially Hazardous i.e. within 1 meter of a flanged or screwed gas or sludge pipe joint. “An area in which an explosive gas atmosphere is not expected to occur in normal operation and if occurs is likely to be present only infrequently and for short periods.”
Non Hazardous Restricted Zone – “An Area not classified as Zone, 0, 1, or 2 but still subject to some restrictions.

16. A Competent Person
Competent Person : A person who has, through a combination of training, education and experience, acquired knowledge and skills enabling that person to perform a specified task correctly.
All Persons with tasks associated with a confined space SHALL be trained and assess as competent to conduct those tasks.
Refresher Training shall be conducted at appropriate intervals to maintain competency to conduct tasks associated with confined spaces

17. Responsibilities of a Business
A person who conducts a business has a legal and moral responsibility to ensure the health and safety of each employee and any other person is not affected by the conduct of that business
Must provide a safe place of work.
Must ensure a safe system of work.
Must provide PPE and training in its use.
Must provide information, training and supervision.
OSH Act 1984 Div 2 Section 19

18. Responsibilities of the Worker
Note: Please note that as an attendee, you are considered to be a worker and must therefore meet the corresponding requirements. If you have any concerns or questions, please see your Instructor.
A worker or anyone else at a workplace must:
Comply with instructions given for workplace health and
safety.
Use PPE if provided.
Not interfere with or misuse safety equipment.
Not risk the health and safety of himself or herself, or any other person at the workplace.

19. Definition of a Confined Space (AS)
An enclosed or partially enclosed space that is not intended or designed primarily for human occupancy, within which there is a risk of one or more of the following:
An oxygen concentration outside the safe oxygen range.
A concentration of airborne contaminant that may cause impairment, loss of consciousness or asphyxiation.
A concentration of flammable airborne contaminant that may cause injury from fire or explosion.
Engulfment in a stored free-flowing solid or a rising level of liquid that may cause suffocation or drowning. .

20. Definition
Enclosed or partially enclosed can be of a design in which atmospheric contaminants could accumulate, such as heavier than air contaminants (Gases) in a pit, tank or sewage tunnel.

21. Definition Note: A Confined Space isn't always a small space.
Not intended or designed primarily …. In some confined spaces such as machinery pits and storage tanks persons may regularly enter for a variety of task including servicing and maintenance however the key point is that the design or intent of such areas is not primarily as a place of work but as a housing for equipment or storage of a product.
Note: A Confined Space isn't always a small space.

22. Definition Oxygen outside the Safe Oxygen Range
The safe oxygen range is 19.5% to 23.5% by volume, under normal atmospheric conditions. Oxygen values outside this range are considered unsafe.
At atmospheric pressures significantly higher or lower than normal atmospheric pressure, expert advice should be sought.
Concentration of Airborne Contaminant
A Contaminant is defined as: Any dust, fume, mist, vapour, biological matter, gas or other substance in liquid or solid form, the presence of which may be harmful to persons.
If there is a risk that the space contains a level of contaminant that may cause impairment, loss of consciousness or asphyxiation; that space may be a confined space.

23. Hazards are not always obvious
Ship Holds
Manholes
Sewers
Tunnels
Shafts
Pits
Ducts
Silos ?
Tanks
Pipes
++++++
Confined spaces are not limited to the above.

24. Entry Permit Entry Permit
The entry permit outlines the procedures, guidelines and risk control measures to be followed for the confined space task.
The entry permit may reference to other permits such as hot work, hazardous substances, or working at heights.

25. Entry Permit
Results of atmospheric testing should be recorded on the entry permit.
The entry permit should be displayed in a prominent place adjacent to the entry, to facilitate signing and clearance
The entry permit records the entry and exit times of personnel

26. Atmospheric Testing
AS 2865:2009 states that atmospheric testing or monitoring shall be conducted in a manner consistent with the hazards identified in the risk assessment of the confined space.
Atmospheric Testing for Entry
Atmospheric testing should include testing by scientific means for:
Oxygen concentration
Concentration of airborne contaminants
Concentration of flammable airborne contaminants

27. Oxygen Deficiency 21 – 18% No noticeable effect
O2% in Air Symptoms
21 – 18% No noticeable effect
18 – 14% Increased respiration rate, faster heart beat, impaired attention, thinking and co-ordination
14 – 10% Very faulty judgement and muscular co-ordination Muscular exertion causes rapid fatigue and possible permanent heart damage.
10 – 6% Nausea and vomiting, unable to perform vigorous movement or loss of all movement Unconsciousness then death
6 – 2% Spasmodic breathing, convulsive movements, death
in minutes
< 2% Immediate unconsciousness

28. Atmospheric Monitoring Alarms
Gas Low/Warn High/Alarm Range
Oxygen 19.5% % 0 – 25%
LEL 5% % 0 – 100%
CO 30PPM PPM –500ppm
H2S 10PPM PPM
CL2 .5PPM PPM
High / Off / Over / OL /
Note: Red denotes a latching alarm.

29. Airborne Contaminants
A contaminant is any dust, fume, mist, vapour, biological matter, gas or other substance in liquid or solid form, the presence of which may be harmful to persons. Contaminants include non-toxic or minimally toxic gases (known as asphyxiants) which dilute or displace oxygen in the atmosphere, which may result in death. Toxic contaminants are those which may be harmful to health and safety through being poisonous, corrosive, or carcinogenic. Many toxic contaminants have exposure limits. These are known as Workplace Exposure Standards.

30. Entry to The Body a. Inhalation b. Absorption c. Ingestion
Physiology of Respiratory Protection Fresh Air = 78.09% Nitrogen / Oxygen 20.95% /Carbon Dioxide .04% / Other .92%
Gas, Vapour,
Mist, Smoke,
Dust & Fumes.
Entry to The Body a. Inhalation b. Absorption c. Ingestion
Inhalation of Gases
Irritants (Ammonia)
Asphyxiates (Nitrogen)
Systemic Poison (CO)
Anaesthetics (H 2 S)
Sensitising Agents (Toluene)

31. Fire Protection
For combustion to occur there must be three elements present:
a. fuel
b. oxygen to support combustion, and
c. heat or a source of ignition
This is known as the “TRIANGLE OF FIRE”. If any one of these elements are removed or are not present, then combustion will not occur
FUEL
HEAT
AIR

32. Explosive Limits
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) – in relation to a flammable gas, is the minimum amount of flammable gas required to burn and continue to burn when in contact with a flame.
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL) – in relation to a flammable gas, is the maximum amount of gas which continues to burn when in contact with a flame, any more of which would not support combustion.

33. Flammable Atmosphere
An atmosphere becomes flammable when the ratio of oxygen to combustible material in the air is neither too rich nor too lean for combustion to occur. Combustible gases or vapors will accumulate when there is inadequate ventilation in areas such as a confined space.

34. Explosive Ranges
L.E.L.
U.E.L.

35. Flammable Atmosphere Where the concentration of flammable
contaminant in the atmosphere of a confined
space has been found to be greater than 5% of
its LEL and less than 10% of its LEL then all persons
in the confined space shall be removed unless a
continuous monitoring suitably calibrated gas
detector is used in the confined space at all
times while persons are present.

36. Flammable Atmosphere Where the concentration of flammable
contaminant in the atmosphere of a confined
space has been found to be 10% of its LEL or
greater, persons in the confined space shall be
removed
AS/NZS

37. Monitor Readings %LEL and UEL ACTION < 5% Area can be accessed
5% or > Prior No access permitted until area ventilated to
to Entry reduce level to below 5% before initial entry
5%-10% During Access allowed to continue if continually Occupation monitored
10% or > Area to be vacated
High/Off/Over/OL No access permitted – area will have little
to no oxygen, and may have an explosive atmosphere

38. Workplace Exposure Standards
TIME WEIGHTED AVERAGE (TWA)
The average airborne concentration of a
particular substance when calculated over a
normal eight hour workday, for a five day
working week.

39. Workplace Exposure Standards
SHORT TERM EXPOSURE LIMIT (STEL)
A 15 minute TWA exposure which should not be exceeded at any time during a workday even if the 8 hour TWA average is within the TWA exposure standard.
Exposure at the STEL should not be longer than 15 minutes and should not be repeated more than 4 times a day. There should be at least 60 minutes between
successive exposures at the STEL.

40. Workplace Exposure Standards
PEAK
A maximum or peak airborne concentration of a particular substance.
Determined over the shortest analytically practicable period of time, which does not exceed 15 minutes

41. Workplace Exposure Standards
– Cautions
There are many toxic contaminants which may be present in a confined space. Not all substances have established Workplace Exposure Standards (sometimes called Permissible Exposure Limits). Some substances may have a TWA but not a STEL; or may have a TWA and STEL but not a peak limitation.
Workplace Exposure Standards do not represent an absolute line between safe and unsafe.

42. Workplace Exposure Standards
– Cautions
Workplace Exposure Standards apply to an average person – some workers may be more susceptible to exposure to toxic contaminants – due to illness or health conditions.
Workplace Exposure Standards change over time. What is considered safe today may not be considered safe in the future.
Exposure to all toxic contaminants should be minimised as much as is practicable.

43. Safety of the Atmosphere
95% of fatalities occur from entering an area that has not been assessed for the safety of the atmosphere. The atmosphere of the confined space is to be tested before any person is permitted to enter the confined space. AS/NZS 2865 – 2009 indicates that a test be conducted for:
a. oxygen content
b. airborne concentration of flammable or combustible contaminants.
airborne concentration of potentially harmful contaminants AS

44. Hydrogen Sulphide Rotten Egg Gas Concentration Symptoms
1ppm / % Rotten Egg Gas can be smelt
10ppm / 0.001% This is the TWA. If the concentration goes above this level the area must be evacuated or breathing apparatus worn
15ppm / % This is the STEL
100ppm / 0.01% Sense of smell deadened in 15 mins. Eyes and throat start to burn
200ppm / 0.02% Sense of smell deadened in 3 mins
500ppm / 0.05% Central Nervous System attacked, breathing ceases within 15 mins
700ppm / 0.07% Unconscious very quickly, breathing stops
1000ppm / 0.1% Unconscious immediately,
irreversible brain damage.

45. Chlorine Concentration Symptoms
ppm/ % % Can be smelt
0.5ppm/ % Peak exposure for 15 min
1ppm/0.0001% TWA exposure for 8 hours
30ppm/0.003% Immediate chest pain, coughing, and vomiting
50ppm/0.005% Pulmonary odema
430ppm/0.043% Fatal exposure in 30 min
1000ppm/0.1% Fatal exposure after a few
deep breaths

46. Flammable Airborne Contaminants
A flammable contaminant is any dust, fume, mist, vapour or gas present in the air at concentrations that can propagate a flame on contact with an ignition source.
Flammable contaminants are expressed as:
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) The minimum concentration of a flammable gas required to burn and continues to burn when in contact with an ignition source.
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): The maximum concentration of a flammable gas which will burn.
Methane – LEL 5% of atmosphere
Propane – LEL 2.1% of atmosphere
Butane – LEL 1.9% of atmosphere
Hydrogen – LEL 4.0% of atmosphere

47. Atmospheric Monitoring
1. Press Mode key
a. Software – Self Check
b. Serial No, Data Logging
c. Low - High Alarms appear
d. Type of Sensor
e. Date and Time
2. Check battery strength. (40% Min)
3. Conduct Fresh Air Calibration.
4. Conduct challenge test. (If required).
This test is based on manufacturer
recommendations and Company Policy.
BUMP (Before Use)
CHALLENGE (Monthly)
Returns to Zero
5. Attach Pump and test if required.

48. Method of Test
Never put your head into an open area that has not been assessed for its atmospheric conditions. Once the cover is removed approach from an up-wind direction and monitor from top to bottom.

49. Ventilation
Ventilation of a confined space should be by natural, forced or mechanical means to establish and maintain a safe atmosphere.
This ventilation should be continued throughout the period of occupancy.
The area must be retested after any period of ventilation to ensure that the ventilation process was adequate.

50. Liquids
Liquids should be pumped from the area and or the flow of the liquid diverted before testing takes place. If it cannot be removed it should be stirred by means of a mechanical pump or by blowing compressed air through the bottom of the area to release any trapped gases (such as H2S).
Manual stirring with a paddle may be inadequate to release any trapped gases.

51. Method of Test
Never put your head into an open area that has not been assessed for its atmospheric conditions. Once the cover is removed approach from an up-wind direction and monitor from top to bottom.

52. Questions ?