RIIWHS202E – Enter and work in confined spaces

(Delivered together with MSMWHS217 – Gas test atmospheres)

Gain the essential skills to enter, test and work safely in confined spaces.

This combined course covers two nationally recognised units:

• RIIWHS202E – Enter and work in confined spaces

• MSMWHS217 – Gas test atmospheres

Together, they equip you with the knowledge and practical skills to safely identify, enter, monitor and work in confined or enclosed areas across construction, energy, mining and utilities industries.

Training is delivered by experienced industry trainers at OTJT’s Stapylton yard using realistic confined space simulators, retrieval systems and calibrated gas detection equipment.

What you’ll learn

• How to plan and prepare for confined space entry — review permits, site conditions and required safety equipment.

• How to identify and control hazards such as poor ventilation, engulfment, toxic gases and oxygen deficiency.

• How to conduct gas testing and atmospheric monitoring, using gas detectors to measure oxygen levels, flammable gases and contaminants.

• How to interpret and record gas readings and determine if the space is safe to enter.

• How to enter, work and exit confined spaces safely, maintaining communication with standby personnel.

• How to respond to alarms, unsafe conditions or equipment faults and implement emergency procedures.

• How to clean, maintain and store gas testing and confined space equipment.

• How to complete required documentation, including permits, gas test results and risk assessments.

What you’ll demonstrate

• Safe pre-start inspection and use of confined space and gas testing equipment.

• Accurate atmospheric testing, interpretation and response to readings.

• Correct fitting and use of PPE, harnesses and retrieval systems.

• Continuous communication and hazard awareness throughout entry and exit.

• Understanding of WHS responsibilities, hazard control and emergency procedures.

• Compliance with workplace procedures, site permits and Australian Standards.

Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Statement of Attainment for both:

• RIIWHS202E – Enter and work in confined spaces, and

• MSMWHS217 – Gas test atmospheres.

These qualifications are recognised across Australia and are required for workers entering or monitoring confined spaces, including maintenance, inspection and utility roles.

View RIIWHS202E on training.gov.au
View MSMWHS217 on training.gov.au

• Construction & maintenance workers.
• Shutdown crews in oil, gas, and mining.
• Safety officers, HSE staff, supervisors.
• New starters needing site access tickets.

• Day classes: Every 2 weeks, Mondays 6:30 am–3 pm
• Blended^: Optional pre-course e-learning or Face-to-Face with a trainer
• Private groups: Book your crew for private, tailored classes on our site or yours.

^Blended learning at OTJT means you can knock over your theory online before you arrive, so your time on site is all about getting hands-on and building the skills you need.

Statement of Attainment: Upon achieving competence in these accredited units of competency, you will be issued a physical and digital copy of a Statement of Attainment for your official records, plus a wallet-sized card for use on site.

Please note that USI transcripts are only updated once a year, so keep it somewhere safe. Don’t worry, though, if you do lose it, get in touch and we can issue a new one.

Note: This course issues a competency ticket, not a high-risk work licence. Some sites may still require VOCs.

Confined spaces are some of the most hazardous areas you’ll find on site – tanks, pits, tunnels, shafts, or voids where there’s limited access and the risk of dangerous gases. That’s why a Confined Space ticket (RIIWHS202E) and a Gas Test Atmospheres ticket (MSMWHS217) are often non-negotiable.

In construction, these tickets are required for tradies and labourers entering voids, formwork decks, and service pits. They’re also standard for mining, shutdowns, oil and gas, and heavy industry maintenance, where confined space entry happens daily. Without them, you won’t get site access.

Employers and supervisors rely on these qualifications because they prove you can:

• Safely enter and work inside a confined space.
• Monitor and test the air for hazardous gases.
• Act as a safety observer or permit issuer.
• Respond correctly in an emergency.

Holding both tickets makes you more employable, especially in shutdown crews, maintenance teams, and safety officer roles, where gas testing and confined space monitoring are part of the everyday routine.

Many workers also combine these tickets with Work Safely at Heights or EWP licences, since tasks often overlap. Being multi-skilled means less downtime waiting for someone else, and more chances for you to step up and take the work.

Bottom line: if you’re aiming for work in construction, mining, or shutdowns, confined space and gas testing tickets aren’t just nice to have but are essential. They keep you compliant, keep crews safe, and open the door to higher-paying, in-demand roles across multiple industries.

Confined Space (1/2 Day)

• Theory – hazards, permits, PPE, rescue readiness.
• Practical – confined space entry/exit, using breathing gear, applying permits.

Gas Test Atmospheres (½ Day)

• Using gas detection equipment.
• Monitoring oxygen, flammable & toxic gases.
• Recording results and escalating hazards.

• ID & USI: Provide 100 points ID and a Unique Student Identifier (USI)
• PPE: (steel‑cap boots. High‑vis vest, gloves and hard hat can be provided upon request).
• Age: 18+ (company policy)
• LLN: basic English literacy (LLN & Digital Literacy Skills Check must be completed by new students).

As part of the new Standards for RTOs 2025, all new students must complete a quick LLND (Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital) Skills Check before we can confirm enrolment. 

It’s not a test, and there’s no pass or fail. It simply helps us understand how best to support the learner before training begins. It only takes around 10 minutes to complete and can be done on any device, including a mobile phone.

The table below summarises the level of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ASCF)* (and DigComp) required for this course.

Check out our FAQ’s on this page below for some more info about our learning resources designed to set up all students for success, regardless of their capabilities, or find our Student Support Policy here.

For more information about the ACSF visit the DEWR website: https://www.dewr.gov.au/skills-information-training-providers/australian-core-skills-framework

CSQ

• Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) is an independent, not-for-profit, industry-funded body supporting employers, workers, apprentices, trainees and career seekers in the building and construction industry.
• CSQ funding helps to reduce the financial obstacle to training, making upskilling an affordable option for many more individuals in the construction industry.
• CSQ contributes towards the cost of courses to reduce the cost to participants. CSQ funding is paid directly to the contracted RTO.
• For more information, visit our CSQ Funding Page

Bert Training Fund

• For those who are CFMEU members and have an account with Bert.  
• Members commonly access Bert Training Funding to cover part of the ‘out of pocket’ cost in conjunction with CSQ funding, which covers the rest. The member may also need to make a further contribution.
• When CSQ Funding is not available, then Bert members often access this fund as an alternative to support the cost of their training
• Members can approach the Bert Training Fund manager to request financial support or request OTJ Training to approach them on their behalf.

Should the participant not achieve competence in any of the NAIs, then they will be entitled to no more than one reassessment with no charge. At the RTO’s discretion, any additional reassessments will incur further fees of $250 each, including charges for retraining of $500 if required. Please use this course structure as a guide. Many factors can influence course timings, such as the size of the group, weather conditions or a student’s time to achieve competence in the unit.