Confined Space Rescue (Refresher)

Confined Space Rescue Training

This one-day refresher course is designed for experienced workers who already hold confined space rescue qualifications and currently perform or support rescue, Standby or emergency response duties in the workplace. The training focuses on refreshing and reassessing the practical and decision-making skills required in real rescue situations. You will revise emergency planning, risk assessment and permit processes, conduct atmospheric testing, and operate breathing apparatus (BA) in simulated hazardous environments. You will also practise casualty recovery using tripods, davit arms and retrieval systems, maintain clear communication under pressure, and follow correct post-incident procedures including debriefing, equipment checks and documentation.

Note: This refresher course is only suitable for experienced people who already work in confined space roles. You must have current confined space rescue qualifications and regularly take part in confined space rescue work or Standby duties in your job.

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
• MSMWHS216 Operate breathing apparatus
• PUASAR025 Undertake confined space rescue

 
Prerequisites

• MSMWHS201 Conduct hazard analysis is a prerequisite unit for MSMPER300 Issue work permits
• Note: This refresher is only for experienced workers who currently perform confined space entry, Standby and rescue duties. To enrol you must:

• Hold current confined space competencies (Statement of Attainment or qualification)
• Have completed the relevant units within the last 3 years
• Be actively involved in confined space work, Standby and rescue roles in your job

 
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What You’ll Refresh & Practice

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

• Review legal responsibilities of rescue personnel and Standby roles
• Reassess confined space hazards using permits, rescue plans and risk controls
• Issue, observe and close permit-to-work documentation correctly
• Test and interpret atmospheric readings using gas detectors and ventilation
• Don, operate and monitor Breathing Apparatus (open or closed circuit)
• Conduct simulated rescues using harnesses, tripods, winches, davit arms and stretchers
• Rescue both conscious and unconscious casualties safely and efficiently
• Communicate with rescue teams, entrants and emergency services
• Complete post-rescue debrief, permits, incident reports and equipment checks

Who Is This Course For?

This refresher course is suited to workers who currently perform or support confined space rescue or Standby operations, including:

• Emergency Response Teams
• Confined Space Rescuers / Standby Crew
• Water utilities, mining, shutdown, council and industrial maintenance workers
• Supervisors or site leaders who need to maintain rescue

 
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How Refresher Training Works

Training Delivery

• Delivered in intensive refresher format by a qualified trainer at one of Maxwell Training’s purpose-built simulators or an approved training facility
• Refresher training is accelerated - learners must provide evidence of confined space Standby and rescue experience and/or prior competency
• The total course duration includes practical activities and assessments
• Learners will take part in demonstrations, group discussions, and realistic rescue simulations in confined spaces

 
Practical Activities

• Gas testing, permit control and rescue planning
• Donning and operating breathing apparatus (BA)
• Setting up tripods, davit arms, winches and retrieval systems
• Casualty recovery and stretcher extraction and mechanical advantage systems
• Simulated emergencies, communications, debrief and equipment recovery
• Post-rescue decontamination and incident reporting

 
Assessment

• Knowledge assessment (multiple choice and short answer)
• Completion of a Portfolio of Evidence including workplace documents such as a Confined Space Entry Permit, rescue plans, risk assessments and gas detector and breathing apparatus inspection checklists, incident report forms
• Practical demonstration of selecting and issuing correct permits, monitoring confined space entry and ensuring compliance, gas testing and interpreting results, inspecting and donning breathing apparatus, suspending work or initiating rescue operations

 
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Entry Requirements

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

Refresher Requirements
This refresher is only for experienced workers who currently perform confined space Standby and rescue duties. To enrol, you must:

• Hold current confined space competencies (Statement of Attainment or qualification)
• Have completed the relevant units within the last 3 years
• Be actively involved in confined space work, Standby and rescue roles in your job

 
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, incident report forms
• 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
• Perform manual handling tasks (lifting stretchers, equipment)
• Communicate clearly with entrants and supervisors
• Working in simulated low-visibility, noisy and stressful rescue scenarios

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.