Authorised Gas Tester (AGT)

Level:

Authorised Gas Tester

Target audience:

This course is suitable for personnel working towards becoming certified as an Authorised Gas Tester.

Course Goal/Description:

This course ensures that those personnel working towards the role of Authorised Gas Tester (AGT) have the underpinning knowledge to conduct gas tests for oxygen levels, flammable and toxic gases safely, and conduct gas testing within confined spaces and in preparation for, and during, hot work. The course also provides learners with knowledge on legislative requirements, gas measuring and monitoring equipment, and gas testing documentation requirements.

Learning Objectives:

This Authorised Gas Tester course comprises 5 modules:

Module 1: Legislative Controls and Safe Systems of Work

Module 2: Gas Testing and Monitoring Equipment

Module 3: Gas Testing for Hot Work

Module 4: Gas Testing in Confined Spaces

Module 5: Gas Monitoring

Learning Outcomes:

Module 1: Legislative Controls and Safe Systems of Work

To successfully complete this module, you must be able to demonstrate your understanding of:

Confined space criteria

The type of operations being tested for flammable and toxic gases

The hazards of operations within an oxygen-enriched, oxygen-deficient, toxic or flammable environment

Carrying out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment

Understand the safe systems of work, how to work within the safe system of work and the associated responsibilities

The implications of statutory and organisational requirements

Interpreting operational requirements

How to select, use and care for PPE and RPE

Accessing and interpreting operational instructions

Module 2: Gas Testing and Monitoring Equipment

To successfully complete this course, you must be able to demonstrate your understanding of:

The operating principles of atmosphere monitoring and measuring equipment and failure modes

The strengths and weaknesses of various types of atmospheric flammable and toxic gas detection equipment

Detectors used for the flammable product

Correct selection of aspirating or non-aspirating detectors to obtaining representative atmosphere sample

Equipment required for testing for hydrocarbons in inert atmospheres

Gas detector pre-start checks

Determining the extent of the test boundaries

Calibrating the instruments used in atmospheric testing

Sources of assistance during the event of damaged or defective equipment

Interpreting normal and abnormal results

Documenting the results and advising relevant personnel

Module 3: Gas Testing for Hot Work

To successfully complete this course, you must be able to demonstrate your understanding of:

Hot work (any operation involving naked flames or producing heat and/or sparks or any operation that has spark potential)

Type of operations being tested for flammable and toxic gases

The principles of hot work gas testing

Acceptable levels of flammable gases and the correct amount of oxygen

Carrying out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment

How to set up the relevant detectors for each gas testing application and confirm functioning correctly

The range and frequency of tests and monitoring and retesting requirements

Where to site portable or transportable equipment that will be used to continuously monitor the atmosphere

Module 4: Gas Testing in Confined Spaces

To successfully complete this course, you must be able to demonstrate your understanding of:

The hazards and properties of flammable and toxic gases

The behaviour of different gases

The range and frequency of tests and monitoring and retesting requirements after initial entry

Acceptable levels of flammable gases and the correct amount of oxygen

The implications of WEL for toxic gases and LEL for flammable gases

How to set up the relevant detectors for each gas testing application and confirm functioning correctly

Performing gas tests in sequential order

How to obtain representative atmosphere samples

Taking various samples to locate varying concentrations of gases and vapours

Importance of sampling confined spaces at a distance

Testing flammable gases in inert atmospheres

Where to site portable or transportable equipment that will be used to continuously monitor the atmosphere

Module 5: Gas Monitoring

To successfully complete this course, you must be able to demonstrate your understanding of:

Roles and responsibilities of the Fire Watch

Roles and responsibilities of the Standby Person

Responsibilities of the Gas Monitor role

The potential arrival of flammable gas or vapour clouds at the hot work site

Impact of environmental changes on working conditions

Importance of checking controls on the equipment are as specified

Importance of regular communication

Sources of assistance and specialist support

Completion of relevant documentation