Steps to access the course for logged-in users

Step 1: To enrol, click “Enrol Now” (the button will change to “Continue Watch”).

Step 2: Click “Continue Watch” to start. 

Step 3: New window will appear—proceed with learning and complete all required videos and assessments. 

Step 4: Once done, your certificate will be available under “My Certificates & Transcript.”

• Internet access - users will need a device with a web browser and internet connection

• System - runs on computers, tablets and mobile devices using Windows 7 and above and MAC OS devices running IOS 11 and above

• Browsers - Edge, Chrome, Firefox and Safari

• Minimum browser size – none

• Audio – requires device speaker or headphones

Who is the course for?

This Authorised Gas Tester Training course is suitable for personnel responsible for conducting atmospheric testing at the worksite.

Is previous experience required?

No previous experience is required

How will the course benefit me?

This course aims to provide the knowledge and techniques for carrying out gas testing.

How will the course benefit my company?

By ensuring that personnel are aware of the situations and circumstances in which a hazardous atmosphere could occur and the steps that should be taken in an emergency.

What standards are referenced in the course?

Health and Safety at Work Act

CoSHH

PFEER

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations

EH40 Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs)

Confined Space Regulations

Is there an assessment?

Once you have completed the course, you will be asked a series of questions to check your knowledge and understanding. These are based on the learning objectives for the course and have a pass mark of 80%.

Section 1: Introduction

Define the structure of the course

Identify the role of the role an Authorised Gas Tester

Identify the consequences of not carrying out the role correctly

Section 2: Hazards Associated with Gases and Vapours

Describe the organisational and statutory requirements in relation to gas testing and the requirements for safe systems of work

Identify examples of the various gases encountered in the Oil and Gas Industry

Define the relative densities of each gas and where the Gas Tester would normally expect to locate them

Discuss how the movement of gases can be affected by plant

configuration, the effect of ‘fin-fan’ coolers, and wind direction and speed

Section 3: Flammable Atmospheres

Describe how flammable atmospheres can be created

Illustrate the formation of gas plumes and the effects of turbulence

Define LEL, the explosive envelope and UEL

Identify the various alarm settings and the relationship between the % LEL and % by volume

Section 4: Fire and Explosions

Explain the Fire Triangle

Identify the need to remove fuel sources to prevent fire and explosions

Illustrate the effects of explosions and overpressure

Describe the effects of pool fires and jet fires

Section 5: Toxic Atmospheres

Describe the human respiratory system

Describe the effects of toxic gases on the human body

Section 6: Oxygen Deficiency and Oxygen Enrichment

Describe the effects of oxygen depletion on the human body

Describe the effects of oxygen enrichment on the human body

Describe the risk of flash fires due to oxygen enrichment

Section 7: Hazards of Confined Spaces

Define what is meant by a confined space

Describe the possible risks that may be encountered during gas testing of confined space

Section 8: Gas Monitors

Describe, and explain the general operation of, a generic four channel gas monitor

Describe the standard checks to be carried out prior to use of the gas monitor

Describe the older technology gas monitors and the restrictions in their use

Section 9: Using Gas for Fire Watcher Duties

Describe the use of the gas detector during hot work operations and the role of the Fire Watcher

Explain the location of the Fire Watcher, the portable Gas Monitor and the actions to take if the alarm is sounded

Describe the sentinel type gas monitor, its required location during hot work, and the alarm response actions

Section 10: Gas Testing for Hot Work

Illustrate the correct use of the gas testing equipment and probe for testing prior to hot work

Describe how consideration should be given to the wind direction and the effect of hot metal and sparks on adjacent areas

Identify the areas and equipment that should be tested

Section 11: Using Gas Testing and Gas Leak

Explain how to plan the test

Describe the technique in using the probe to carry out the test

Illustrate the potential risk to the Gas Tester and the risk mitigation measures that should be considered

Section 12: Gas Testing for Confined Space Prior to Entry

Explain how to plan the gas testing of a confined space

Describe how some confined space configurations will require more than one test area

Describe the chimney effect of tall process columns and the technique in testing this type of equipment

Describe the use of visual inspections prior to testing to give an indication of the possibility of toxic gases or oxygen depletion

Identify the possible risks during gas testing of confined spaces and the risk mitigation methods

Section 13: Gas Testing during Purging Operations

Describe the technique to be used when testing for levels of hydrocarbons during purging operations

Describe the technique to be used when testing for levels of oxygen prior to the reintroduction of hydrocarbons after purging operations