Authorised Gas Tester Training Course - OPITO approved

Section 1: Introduction

• Define the structure of the course
• Identify the role of the Gas Tester
• Identify the consequences of not carrying out the role correctly

Section 2: Hazards Associated with Gases and Vapours

• Describe the organisational and statutory requirements in relation to gas testing and the requirements for safe systems of work
• Identify examples of the various gases encountered in the Oil and Gas Industry
• Define the relative densities of each gas and where the Gas Tester would normally expect to locate them
• Discuss how the movement of gases can be affected by plant configuration, the effect of ‘fin-fan’ coolers, and wind direction and speed

Section 3: Flammable Atmospheres

• Describe how flammable atmospheres can be created
• Illustrate the formation of gas plumes and the effects of turbulence
• Define LEL, the explosive envelope and UEL
• Identify the various alarm settings and the relationship between the % LEL and % by volume

Section 4: Fire and Explosions

• Explain the Fire Triangle
• Identify the need to remove fuel sources to prevent fire and explosions
• Illustrate the effects of explosions and overpressure
• Describe the effects of pool fires and jet fires

Section 5: Toxic Atmospheres

• Describe the human respiratory system
• Describe the effects of toxic gases on the human body

Section 6: Oxygen Deficiency and Oxygen Enrichment

• Describe the effects of oxygen depletion on the human body
• Describe the effects of oxygen enrichment on the human body
• Describe the risk of flash fires due to oxygen enrichment

Section 7: Hazards of Confined Spaces

• Define what is meant by a confined space
• Describe the possible risks that may be encountered during gas testing of confined space

Section 8: Gas Monitors

• Describe, and explain the general operation of, a generic four channel gas monitor
• Describe the standard checks to be carried out prior to use of the gas monitor
• Describe the older technology gas monitors and the restrictions in their use

Section 9: Using Gas for Fire Watcher Duties

• Describe the use of the gas detector during hot work operations and the role of the Fire Watcher
• Explain the location of the Fire Watcher, the portable Gas Monitor and the actions to take if the alarm is sounded
• Describe the sentinel type gas monitor, its required location during hot work, and the alarm response actions

Section 10: Gas Testing for Hot Work

• Illustrate the correct use of the gas testing equipment and probe for testing prior to hot work
• Describe how consideration should be given to the wind direction and the effect of hot metal and sparks on adjacent areas
• Identify the areas and equipment that should be tested

Section 11: Using Gas Testing and Gas Leak

• Explain how to plan the test
• Describe the technique in using the probe to carry out the test

Illustrate the potential risk to the Gas Tester and the risk mitigation measures that should be considered

Section 12: Gas Testing for Confined Space Prior to Entry

• Explain how to plan the gas testing of a confined space
• Describe how some confined space configurations will require more than one test area
• Describe the chimney effect of tall process columns and the technique in testing this type of equipment
• Describe the use of visual inspections prior to testing to give an indication of the possibility of toxic gases or oxygen depletion
• Identify the possible risks during gas testing of confined spaces and the risk mitigation methods

Section 13: Gas Testing during Purging Operations

• Describe the technique to be used when testing for levels of hydrocarbons during purging operations
• Describe the technique to be used when testing for levels of oxygen prior to the reintroduction of hydrocarbons after purging operations

End of course assessment with an 100% pass mark.

• Internet access - users will need a device with a web browser and internet connection

• System - runs on computers, tablets and mobile devices using Windows 7 and above and MAC OS devices running IOS 11 and above

• Browsers - Edge, Chrome, Firefox and Safari

• Minimum browser size – none

• Audio – requires device speaker or headphones