Authorised Gas Tester (AGT) - OPITO Certified Training

OPITO Authorized Gas Tester Initial Training Programs for Personnel Preparing for Gas Tester Role

The Authorised Gas Tester (AGT) role is critical in testing for and ensuring safe working atmospheres, in particular - permit controlled confined spaces, and prior to and during hot work. The tasks Authorized Gas Testers are required to undertake may vary depending on the workplace operation at the time. The tasks also vary in complexity and responsibility.

Training and competence assessment of formally appointed Authorized gas Testers will comprise both theoretical training and further workplace training and assessment.

The Authorized Gas Tester training program is designed to meet the initial training and knowledge assessment requirements for personnel preparing to work as Authorized Gas Testers. The aim and objectives of the Authorized Gas Tester training program is to ensure that personnel preparing for a gas tester role are equipped with the knowledge to conduct gas tests for oxygen levels, flammable and toxic gases safely.

The training program also equips the delegate with knowledge to conduct gas testing within confined spaces and awareness of associated confined space hazards. Delegates will also learn about relevant legislative requirements, gas measuring and monitoring equipment and documenting gas test results.

• Duration: 16 hours (2 days)
• Validity: 3 years
• Prerequisites: None
• Exam: A pass mark of 80% or higher in order to successfully achieve the Authorized Gas Tester (AGT) Training certificate

Authorised Gas Tester

Relevant Legislative Controls

• Confined space criteria
• The type of operations being tested for flammable and toxic gases
• The potential cumulative hazards of operations within an oxygen-enriched, oxygen-deficient, toxic or flammable environment and habitats
• Carrying out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment before testing activities and Confined Space Entry
• Understanding responsibilities within safe systems of work
• Nominating stand by person to raise the alarm and initiate emergency response
• The implications of statutory requirements with respect to gas testing
• How to interpret operational requirements
• How to select, use and care for PPE for different toxic and flammable gases and other contaminants through risk assessment
• Consideration of appropriate levels of respiratory protective equipment
• How to work within the Safe System of Work

Atmosphere Measuring and Monitoring Equipment

• The strengths and weaknesses of the various types of atmospheric flammable and toxic gas detection equipment
• Determining the extent of the test boundaries
• Calibrating the instruments used in atmospheric testing.
• Sources of assistance in the event of damaged or defective equipment
• How to access and interpret the relevant operational instructions
• The operating principles of atmosphere monitoring and measuring equipment
• Frequently observed failure modes
• How to correctly select between aspirating and non-aspirating detectors to obtain a representative sample of the atmosphere being tested
• Equipment required for testing for hydrocarbons in inert atmospheres
• Gas detector pre-start checks

Interpreting and Documenting the Results

• How to document the results and advise relevant personnel
• How to interpret the results, to include both normal and abnormal

Testing for Flammable Gas in Preparation for Hot Work

Gas Testing for Hot Work

• Hot work (any operation involving naked flames or producing heat and/or sparks or any operation that has spark potential)
• The type of operations being tested for flammable and toxic gases
• The hazards and properties of flammable gases
• Carrying out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment before testing activities
• Understanding responsibilities within safe systems of work
• Nominating fire watcher(s) to raise the alarm and initiate emergency response
• The different types of detectors used for the flammable product
• The range and frequency of tests
• Monitoring and retesting requirements
• The principles of hot work gas testing as applied to the work area
• The acceptable levels of flammable gases
• The correct amount of oxygen
• How to set up the relevant detector for each gas testing application and confirm its correct functioning
• Where to site portable or transportable equipment that will be used to continuously monitor the atmosphere

Confined Space Testing

Gas Testing in Confined Spaces

• The hazards and properties of flammable and toxic gases
• The behavior of different gases
• The range and frequency of tests and monitoring and retesting after the initial entry
• Acceptable levels of flammable and toxic gases and the correct amount of oxygen
• The implications of WEL for toxic gases
• The implications of LEL for flammable gases
• Performing gas tests in sequence
• How to set up the relevant detector for each gas testing application, its potential failure modes and confirming its correct functioning
• How to obtain a representative atmosphere sample from a range of confined spaces
• Taking samples at the top, middle and bottom to locate varying concentrations of gases and vapors
• Sampling confined spaces at a distance inside the opening because air intrusion near the entrance can give a false sense of adequate oxygen present
• Testing flammable gases in inert atmospheres
• Where to site portable or transportable equipment that will be used to continuously monitor the atmosphere

Gas Monitoring for Hot Work Sites

Providing Safety Watch Duties for Hot Work Sites

• Hot work (any operation involving naked flames or producing heat and/or sparks or any operation that has spark potential)
• Confined space criteria
• The type of operations being tested for flammable and toxic gases
• Responsibilities of the Fire Watch
• Responsibilities of the Stand By person
• Responsibilities of the Gas Monitor role
• How to use and care for PPE for different toxic and flammable gases through risk assessment
• How to work within the Safe System of Work
• The hazards and properties of flammable and toxic gases
• The behavior of different gases – to include heavier than air & lighter than air behavior and “neutral buoyancy” effect
• How a flammable gas or vapor clouds could arrive at the hot work site
• Impact of environmental changes on working conditions
• The importance of regular communication
• Sources of assistance and specialist support
• Completion of relevant documentation
• The importance of checking that the controls on the equipment are as specified

Disclaimer: For general information purpose only - please check with OPITO for the latest and accurate information on Training Standards

Last Updated: Apr 9, 2021