Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:08 PM AWST
22/07/2026 3:08 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Monitor hazardous atmospheres
Monitor hazardous atmospheres
Unit of competency
National Code
PUAFIR307B
PUAFIR307B
State Code
D2993
D2993
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/05/2010
Field of Education
039905 - Fire Technology
Original Release Date
12/05/2010
Nominal Hours
24
Description
This unit covers competence in monitoring atmospheric conditions to measure contaminants, interpret readings, recommend action to take based on the interpretation, and the effects on humans exposed to hazardous atmospheres.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare and plan for monitoring
- 1.1 Equipment is selected, calibrated and used to take atmospheric readings in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and the organisation's requirements
2. Take precautions to safeguard health
- 2.1 Safety information and procedures are accessed and applied throughout the work
- 2.2 Appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment is selected and used
- 2.3 Recommendations on actions to be taken are made based on atmospheric readings
3. Take atmospheric readings
- 3.1 Readings of contaminants are interpreted, recorded and analysed and/or compared with specifications and exposure limits
- 3.2 Results are communicated in accordance with organisation's procedures
4. Maintain equipment
- 4.1 Monitoring equipment inspections and fault finding are carried out in accordance with manufacturers instructions
- 4.2 Records of tests and results are maintained in accordance with the organisation's procedures
RANGE STATEMENT
The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.
Working environment may be
hazardous, unpredictable, subject to time pressure, chaotic and expose responders to risk, on land or water, by day or night
Safety information and procedures must include
relevant legislation, Australian Standards, codes of practice, manufacturer's instructions and organisational procedures
Procedures may include
safe working
permit entry plan
entry testing procedures
appropriate rescue and first aid plans
risk management
measurement
computer plume modelling
Response situations must include
confined spaces
enclosed and partially enclosed spaces
and may also include
storage tanks, silos, pits, pipes, shafts, ducts, transport vehicles and ships
obstructed entry/exit points
low visibility or lack of illumination
unsound or insecure structures
single and multi agency response
Equipment must include
breathing apparatus, chemical protective clothing and equipment, portable instruments, radiation detectors, sampling tubes and pumps, oxygen level meter, carbon monoxide detector and combustible gas detectors
Workplace atmospheres may
include visible and invisible hazards
include hazardous surfaces
range from safe to unsafe
Incidents may include
all fire, Hazmat or rescue incidents
The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.
Working environment may be
hazardous, unpredictable, subject to time pressure, chaotic and expose responders to risk, on land or water, by day or night
Safety information and procedures must include
relevant legislation, Australian Standards, codes of practice, manufacturer's instructions and organisational procedures
Procedures may include
safe working
permit entry plan
entry testing procedures
appropriate rescue and first aid plans
risk management
measurement
computer plume modelling
Response situations must include
confined spaces
enclosed and partially enclosed spaces
and may also include
storage tanks, silos, pits, pipes, shafts, ducts, transport vehicles and ships
obstructed entry/exit points
low visibility or lack of illumination
unsound or insecure structures
single and multi agency response
Equipment must include
breathing apparatus, chemical protective clothing and equipment, portable instruments, radiation detectors, sampling tubes and pumps, oxygen level meter, carbon monoxide detector and combustible gas detectors
Workplace atmospheres may
include visible and invisible hazards
include hazardous surfaces
range from safe to unsafe
Incidents may include
all fire, Hazmat or rescue incidents
EVIDENCE GUIDE
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
It is essential in this unit that competence be demonstrated in:
applying personal safety principles
interpreting atmospheric conditions using atmospheric monitoring equipment
recommending appropriate action
maintaining monitoring equipment
Consistency in performance
Evidence should be gathered over a range of variables, all using different types of monitoring equipment
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
A demonstration activity using workplaces/atmospheres with detectable but safe levels of contaminants should be used
Specific resources for assessment
For the demonstration of competence in this unit it will be necessary to provide a real life environment and/or simulations based on possible incidents. This should be done with access to a range of personal protective clothing and equipment, range of detection equipment as well as suitable simulation and/or sites.
Underpinning knowledge may be assessed through written assignments, and observation at simulated incidents
Guidance information for assessment
Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
It is essential in this unit that competence be demonstrated in:
applying personal safety principles
interpreting atmospheric conditions using atmospheric monitoring equipment
recommending appropriate action
maintaining monitoring equipment
Consistency in performance
Evidence should be gathered over a range of variables, all using different types of monitoring equipment
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
A demonstration activity using workplaces/atmospheres with detectable but safe levels of contaminants should be used
Specific resources for assessment
For the demonstration of competence in this unit it will be necessary to provide a real life environment and/or simulations based on possible incidents. This should be done with access to a range of personal protective clothing and equipment, range of detection equipment as well as suitable simulation and/or sites.
Underpinning knowledge may be assessed through written assignments, and observation at simulated incidents
Guidance information for assessment
Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1167 | PUAFIR307A | Monitor hazardous atmospheres | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WG117 | PUAFIR316 | Identify, detect and monitor hazardous materials at an incident | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C600 | PUA30601 | Certificate III in Public Safety (Firefighting and Emergency Operations) | Qualification |