9240 -AGT (Authorized Gas Tester) Course

OPITO Approved Authorised Gas Tester Training AGT (9240)

Course Overview

Objective
The aim and objectives of the Authorised Gas Tester training programme is to ensure that personnel preparing for a gas tester role are equipped with the knowledge to conduct gas tests for oxygen levels, flammable and toxic gases safely.
 
This training programme also equips the delegate with knowledge to conduct gas testing within confined spaces and awareness of associated confined space hazards. Delegates will also learn about relevant legislative requirements, gas measuring and monitoring equipment and documenting gas test results.

Outcome
The delegate’s learning outcomes are specified below:
 
MODULE 1 Authorised Gas Tester
 
To successfully complete this module delegates must be able to demonstrate an understanding of:

1. Confined space criteria 
2. The type of operations being tested for flammable and toxic gases 
3. The hazards of operations within an oxygen-enriched, oxygen-deficient, toxic or flammable environment 
4. Carrying out a suitable and sufficient risk assessments 
5. Understand the safe systems of work, how to work within the safe system of work and the associated responsibilities 
6. The implications of statutory and organisational requirements 
7. Interpreting operational requirements 
8. How to select, use and care for PPE and RPE 
9. Accessing and interpreting operational instructions 
10. The operating principles of atmosphere monitoring and measuring equipment and failure modes
11. The strengths and weaknesses of various types of atmospheric flammable and toxic gas detection equipment 
12. Correct selection of aspirating or non-aspirating detectors to obtaining representative atmosphere sample 
13. Equipment required for testing for hydrocarbons in inert atmospheres 
14. Gas detector pre-start checks 
15. Determining the extent of the test boundaries 
16. Calibrating the instruments used in atmospheric testing 
17. Sources of assistance during the event of damaged or defective equipment 
18. Interpreting normal and abnormal results 
19. Documenting the results and advising relevant personnel

1. Hot work (any operation involving naked flames or producing heat and/or sparks or any operation that has spark potential) 
2. Type of operations being tested for flammable and toxic gases 
3. The principles of hot work gas testing 
4. The hazards and properties of flammable gases 
5. Acceptable levels of flammable gases and the correct amount of oxygen 
6. Carrying out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment 
7. Using safe systems of work and understanding the associated responsibilities
8. The implications of organisational and statutory requirements 
9. Detectors used for the flammable product
10. How to set up the relevant detectors for each gas testing application and confirm functioning correctly 
11. The range and frequency of tests and monitoring and retesting requirements 
12. Where to site portable or transportable equipment that will be used to continuously monitor the atmosphere 

1. The hazards and properties of flammable and toxic gases 
2. The behaviour of different gases 
3. The range and frequency of tests and monitoring and retesting requirements after initial entry 
4. Acceptable levels of flammable gases and the correct amount of oxygen 
5. The implications of WEL for toxic gases and LEL for flammable gases 
6. How to set up the relevant detectors for each gas testing application and confirm functioning correctly 
7. Performing Gas tests in sequential order 
8. How to obtain representative atmosphere sample 
9. Taking various samples to locate varying concentrations of gases and vapors 
10. Importance of sampling confined spaces at a distance 
11. Testing flammable gases in inert atmospheres 
12. Where to site portable or transportable equipment that will be used to continuously monitor the atmosphere     

1. Hot work (any operation involving naked flames or producing heat and/or sparks or any operation that has spark potential) 
2. Confined space criteria 
3. The type of operations being tested for flammable and toxic gases 
4. Roles and responsibilities of the Fire Watch 
5. Roles and responsibilities of the Stand By person 
6. Responsibilities of the Gas Monitor role 
7. How to select, use and care for PPE 
8. How to work within the safe system of work 
9. The hazards and properties of flammable gases 
10. The behaviour of different flammable and toxic gases 
11. The potential arrival of flammable gas or vapour clouds at the hot work site 
12. Impact of environmental changes on working conditions 
13. Importance of checking controls on the equipment are as specified 
14. Importance of regular communication 
15. Sources of assistance and specialist support 
16. Completion of relevant documentation