Authorised Gas Tester Training

Section 1: Introduction

• Define the structure of the course
• Identify the role of the role an Authorised 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

Exam in the e-learning course

• 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