Breathing Apparatus

Students who are deemed competent will receive a Statement of Attainment recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework. This certification is nationally recognised. The Statement is issued by Pinnacle Safety and Training (RTO 40496).

National units of competency

• MSMWHS216 Operate Breathing Apparatus
• PUAFIR207 Operate Breathing Apparatus Open Circuit
• PUAFIR210 Prevent Injury

Assessment for this course includes both theoretical and practical components to ensure participants are competent in the safe use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

The theory assessment evaluates knowledge of relevant legislation, health risks associated with hazardous environments, types and limitations of breathing apparatus, and safe work practices.

The practical assessment requires participants to demonstrate their ability to inspect and test breathing apparatus and correctly operate the equipment in a range of simulated scenarios. Participants must also demonstrate correct procedures for removing, closing down, cleaning, and maintaining equipment in accordance with manufacturers' instructions.

This course is designed for individuals who are required to safely operate breathing apparatus in hazardous or emergency environments as part of their workplace duties.

Age requirements

Participants must be at least 18 years of age. Due to course restrictions, enrolments will not be accepted from individuals under 18 years of age, even with parental or guardian consent. Refer to our FAQ for more information.

Language, Literacy and Numeracy skills (LLN)

Participants are required to have at least a Year 10 level of numeracy, literacy and communication skills and be able to read and write in English.

Facial hair

Participants must be clean-shaven. The unit of competency demands that students use equipment according to the manufacturer’s specifications. The manufacturer’s specifications for breathing apparatus state: “The sealing line between head and facepiece must be free of hair and foreign substances which could cause leakages”. Furthermore, AS 1715 requires users to be clean-shaven.

Physical and mental fitness

Participants must be physically and mentally fit to undertake this training. This training is realistic and physically demanding. It is important that all personnel who attend this course are willing and capable of moving about in dark, possibly smoky, confined spaces while wearing a 15kg breathing apparatus.

Pinnacle Safety and Training supplies all required learning materials and safety equipment for this course.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Pinnacle Safety and Training does not offer Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for this course. Due to the duration and cost of this short course, RPL assessment would have limited value to participants.

Credit Transfer

Pinnacle Safety and Training offers Credit Transfers for this training product. A Credit Transfer is granted where the previously attained unit of competency has been achieved. After enrolment, participants are eligible to submit a Credit Transfer application.

All training and assessment requirements are completed within the course duration. Participants are not required to undertake any additional study or assessment outside of the scheduled course time.

This course is ideal for operators working in confined spaces, workers exposed to hazardous gases or vapours, Emergency Response Teams, and emergency service personnel. It is designed for anyone who may need to safely operate a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) in potentially dangerous or low-oxygen environments.

No. Participants must be clean shaven to ensure a proper seal when wearing breathing apparatus. This is a requirement of both the manufacturer’s specifications and AS 1715, which state the sealing surface must be free from hair or substances that could cause leakage.

Yes. Participants must be physically and mentally fit, as the training is realistic and physically demanding. You must be capable of operating in confined, dark, and potentially smoky spaces while wearing a 15kg breathing apparatus.