This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to ensure a workplace, including hazardous areas, is safe from dangerous gases and/or vapours by using and maintaining a portable gas detection device. Portable gas detection devices are used to detect combustible, flammable and toxic gases and/or vapours in a work area. Portable gas detectors transmit warnings via audible and visible signals, such as alarms and flashing lights, when dangerous levels of gas and/or vapours are detected.Hazardous areas are defined as areas where fire or explosion may occur due to flammable gases, vapours, combustible dusts and/or ignitable fibres are present in the air, in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures.Competency in this unit requires the ability to use measuring instruments such as portable gas detection devices, establish the safety of an area, monitor dangerous gases and/or vapours, follow workplace procedures in maintaining gas detection devices and completing all required documentation. Individuals will typically work, under supervision, as part of a hazardous area maintenance and repair team.Site-specific work permits maybe required to work in the hazardous environment. In addition, other permits may be required, such as confined space and to operate specific pieces of equipment such as elevated work platforms (EWPs) in various jurisdictions.Additional and/or other conditions may apply in some jurisdictions subject to regulations related to electrical work. Practice in the workplace and during training is also subject to work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations.