Course Details

Confined Space Standby Training

This course is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge required to safely observe permit-controlled work and conduct atmospheric testing using electronic gas detection equipment. Whether you're acting as a safety observer or performing gas tests prior to work commencement, understanding and managing potential hazards is crucial for maintaining a safe work environment.

Accredited Units of Competency

On successful completion, you will receive a Statement of Attainment for the following nationally recognised units:

• RIIWHS202E Enter and work in confined spaces

• RIIRIS201E Conduct local risk control

• MSMPER200 Work in accordance with an issued permit

• MSMPER300 Issue work permits

• MSMPER202 Observe permit work

• MSMPER300 Issue work permits*

• MSMWHS217 Gas test atmospheres

 Prerequisites

• MSMWHS201 Conduct hazard analysis is a prerequisite unit for MSMPER300 Issue work permits

What You’ll Learn

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Perform two confined space entries using harnesses and retrieval systems

• Understand the legal responsibilities of a Standby Person in confined space operations

• Interpret and monitor confined space permits and ensure all controls are in place

• Maintain continuous communication with entrants

• Observe work activities to ensure compliance with permit conditions and SWMS

• Identify and respond to changing hazards, unsafe behaviours, or permit breaches

• Carry out gas testing, interpret readings, and report unsafe atmospheric levels

• Initiate emergency response procedures in accordance with the Rescue Plan

• Accurately complete permit close-out and end-of-day handover documentation
   

Who Is This Course For?

This course is ideal for:

• Workers acting as Standby Personnel / Safety Observer for confined space tasks

• Supervisors and permit issuers

• Workers in construction, utilities, councils, industrial maintenance, shutdowns and civil work

• Employers who need to comply with WHS Regulations & AS/NZS 2865 Confined Spaces

How the Training Works

Training Delivery

• Delivered in person by a qualified trainer at one of Maxwell Training’s purpose-built simulators or an approved training facility

• The total course duration includes practical activities and assessments

• Learners will take part in demonstrations, group discussions, and realistic simulations in confined spaces

Practical Activities

• Checking permits and confirming isolations, signage and rescue plans are in place

• Monitoring workers in a confined space via visual checks, signals and verbal communication

• Completing the Confined Space Entry Permit, hazard analysis, and risk control documentation

• Gas testing and atmospheric monitoring using calibrated detectors

• Responding to hazards or unsafe conditions — suspending the permit if required

• Initiating emergency call procedures when a rescue is required

• Completing end-of-shift handover and permit close-out reports

Assessment

• Knowledge assessment (multiple choice and short answer)

• Completion of a Portfolio of Evidence including workplace documents such as a Confined Space Entry Permit, risk assessments and gas detector inspection checklists

• Practical demonstration of selecting and issuing correct permits, monitoring confined space entry and ensuring compliance, gas testing and interpreting results, suspending work or initiating emergency response if conditions change

Entry Requirements

To fully participate and stay safe during practical activities, you must meet the following requirements:

General Requirements

• Proof of identity must be supplied and verified on the day of training

• Minimum age of 14 years

• Students under 18 years must provide parental consent (unless linked to an employer)

• You need a Unique Student Identifier (USI) — apply free at www.usi.gov.au

Language, Literacy, Numeracy & Digital (LLND)

• Read and complete knowledge questions (basic Year 10 level literacy)

• Read and understand permits, gas test results, safety signs and SWMS

• Complete written reports such as permits, handover forms, risk assessments

• Communicate clearly with entrants and supervisors

• Use a digital device (tablet, smartphone, or laptop) for assessments

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain stationed at an entry point for extended periods

• Able to wear PPE such as harness and helmet

• Communicate clearly with entrants and supervisors

• Capable of initiating emergency procedures and assisting rescue teams

Got Any Questions?

If you’d like to know more about this course, entry requirements, or booking options — or if you feel that you may need support in class — our team is here to help!

Call us on 1300 MAXWEL or email [email protected] and we’ll make sure you have all the information you need.