Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 2:48 PM AWST

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Handle medical gases safely

Handle medical gases safely

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTMS207D
State Code
WD192
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
07/05/2012
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
30/06/2014
Field of Education
061301 - Occupational Health And Safety
Original Release Date
30/06/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
DescriptorThis unit describes the skills and knowledge required to handle medical gas equipment in a safe manner within the health care environment
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for use of medical gas and equipment
  • 1.1 Review work sheets to determine medical gas handling requirements
  • 1.2 Select equipment required for medical gas handling appropriate for the size of cylinder and work tasks
  • 1.3 Organise and set up work areas to ensure safe, effective and efficient handling of medical gas equipment in accordance with workplace requirements and relevant legislation
  • 1.4 Inspect medical gas equipment to ensure cleanliness of all components, including yoke, manifold or regulator
  • 1.5 Identify potential risks and hazards to work and manage according to job requirements, in accordance with workplace requirements, work health and safety (WHS) and other relevant legislation
  • 1.6 Follow workplace procedures for reporting identified risks
  • 1.7 Select emergency and personal protective equipment and fit in accordance with job requirements, manufacturers' specifications, workplace requirements and relevant legislation
  • 1.8 Fit and test bottles and regulators in accordance with workplace policies and procedures and relevant legislation
2. Handle medical gas equipment appropriately and safely
  • 2.1 Handle medical gas cylinders and related equipment with care, and position according to manufacturers' recommendations
  • 2.2 Select appropriate trolley size and type for the movement of cylinders
  • 2.3 Correctly restrain cylinders for transport
  • 2.4 Select appropriate regulators for use with cylinder
  • 2.5 Close valves prior to transport
  • 2.6 Close cylinder valves and release regulator pressure after use
  • 2.7 Monitor gas pipeline and manifold systems in accordance with relevant legislation and workplace requirements
  • 2.8 Replace empty bottles and banks as soon as exhausted and in accordance with workplace policies and procedures
  • 2.9 Open cylinder valves on manifold banks in accordance with manufacturer's and organisation policy, and whether they are manual or automatic
  • 2.10 Ensure only trained and authorised personnel handle medical gas equipment
  • 2.11 Use personal protective equipment and recommended precautions appropriately when handling medical gas equipment
3. Storing medical gas cylinders and equipment appropriately
  • 3.1 Store all cylinders and equipment in appropriate storage locations in accordance with organisation policies and manufacturers recommendations
  • 3.2 Store cylinders away from combustible material
  • 3.3 Use cylinder stock on a rotational system and keep full and empty cylinders separate
  • 3.4 Protect cylinders from cold and heat
  • 3.5 Enclose and secure storage area according to workplace requirements and relevant legislation
  • 3.6 Display appropriate and clearly visible signage outside medical gas storage area
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.


Medical gas equipment may include:
Gas cylinders
Regulators
Manifolds
Gas valves
Gas monitoring and alarm systems
Piping systems
Warning signs
Transport trolleys


Gas types may include:
Medical air
Tool air
Medical oxygen
Nitrous oxide
Carbon dioxide


Potential risks and hazards include, but are not limited to:
Risks and hazards that could lead to injury or illness of employees, contractors, visitors or the public
Damage to plant, vehicles or property
Manual handling
Explosion
Gases and fumes


Emergency and personal protective equipment may include:
Gloves
Eye protection
Appropriate footwear
Fire extinguisher
Emergency Procedures Guide
Material Safety Data Sheet information
Face shield or mask
Hearing protection


Supervisor may be:
Nominated personnel
WHS Representative


Work instructions may be:
Given verbally
Written
In English
In community language
Provided visually on video, instructions sheets


Workplace procedures may include:
Gas storage, transport and handling procedures
Quality activities
Team meetings
Incident notification
Work performance requirements
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions
Reassessment to accommodate changing workplace requirements and in accordance with the policies of the organisation


Method of assessment:
Assessment may include observations, questioning and evidence gathered from the workplace environment
Assessment may require a variety gas equipment that reflect different needs within the work environment
Assessment may be conducted on one occasion but should include normal range of workplace activities
Regular assessment of manual handling implications should be carried out on all tasks, particularly when:
introduced
changed
new personnel are inducted


Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D8332 HLTMS207C Handle medical gases safely Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AVZ67 HLTHSS007 Handle medical gases safely Unit of competency