Introduction

The OPITO Authorised Gas Tester (AGT) Training course is designed to equip personnel with the necessary knowledge and skills to safely conduct gas testing for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic gases in hazardous environments such as confined spaces and hot work locations. The course ensures compliance with industry best practices and regulatory standards, preparing individuals to work effectively as gas testers.
This training is essential for workers involved in gas monitoring, ensuring a safe work environment, and supporting operations that require atmospheric testing.

Target Audience:

• This course is intended for:
• Workers involved in hot work operations
• Confined space entry personnel
• Gas testers and safety observers
• Permit-to-work issuers
• HSE officers and supervisors
• Fire watch and standby personnel

Course Objectives:

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
Understand the hazards associated with flammable, toxic gases, and oxygen deficiency.
Define hot work and confined space operations that require gas testing.
Identify the roles and responsibilities of a gas tester, fire watcher, and standby personnel.
Demonstrate the correct use, calibration, and maintenance of gas detection equipment.
Interpret gas test results and determine safe working conditions.
Apply gas testing procedures in accordance with OPITO standards.
Respond appropriately to abnormal gas readings and implement emergency actions.

Course Structure:

The training consists of four mandatory units that learners must complete:
Unit OIS-102: Authorised Gas Tester
Understanding relevant legislative controls
Confined space criteria and associated hazards
Risk assessment procedures before testing and confined space entry
Safe systems of work, including permit-to-work and emergency response plans
Selection and use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) selection and use
Safe working practices in hazardous environments

Unit OIS-103: Testing for Flammable Gas in Preparation for Hot Work

Defining hot work and identifying activities that require gas testing
Hazards and properties of flammable gases, including vapour cloud movement
Carrying out gas tests and monitoring during hot work
Selection of appropriate gas detectors for hot work conditions
Acceptable levels of flammable gases and oxygen levels
Placement of gas detectors for continuous monitoring

Unit OIS-104: Confined Space Testing

Hazards and properties of confined space gases (flammable, toxic, oxygen-deficient, and enriched atmospheres)
Gas behavior in confined spaces (heavier-than-air, lighter-than-air, and neutral buoyancy)
Performing gas tests in sequence: Oxygen, Flammable, and Toxic gases
Sampling confined spaces at different levels to ensure accurate testing
Correct use and placement of gas detection equipment
Testing for hydrocarbons in inert atmospheres

Unit OIS-105: Gas Monitoring

Providing safety watch duties during gas testing operations
Responsibilities of the Fire Watch and Standby Person
Monitoring the atmosphere during operations
Understanding PPE selection and use for toxic and flammable gases
Regular communication and reporting abnormal conditions
Completion of gas testing documentation and compliance with regulatory requirements

Delivery Method:

Classroom-based theory sessions
Practical hands-on training with gas detection equipment
Case studies and interactive exercises

Why Choose This Course?

Industry-Recognized Certification: OPITO certification is globally recognized in the oil & gas sector.
Hands-on Training: Participants will use real-world gas detection equipment in simulated environments.
Expert Trainers: Delivered by experienced industry professionals with OPITO accreditation.
Regulatory Compliance: The course aligns with industry best practices for gas testing safety.

Assessment & Certification:

Participants will be assessed through written exams and practical demonstrations of gas testing procedures.
A minimum passing score of 80% is required to obtain certification.
Upon successful completion, candidates will receive an OPITO-approved Authorised Gas Tester Certificate, which is valid for 3 years.