Authorised Gas Tester Training LEVEL 1

Authorised Gas Tester Training Course – Level One

This Authorised Gas Tester Training Level 1 course will provide you with the knowledge and understanding to enable you to work safely when performing tests for oxygen, flammable and toxic gases. It includes testing in confined spaces, relevant legislative control, atmosphere measuring and monitoring equipment, gas testing in confined spaces and interpreting and documenting results.

The tasks authorised gas testers are required to undertake may vary depending on the workplace operation at the time. The tasks also vary in complexity and responsibility. Therefore, the AGT role has been split into three levels, they are: AGT Level 1, AGT Level 2 and AGT Level 3.a) AGT Level 1 is required for those involved with performing a test for oxygen, flammable and toxic gases up to and including working in confined spaces.b) AGT Level 2 is required for those involved with testing for flammable gas in preparation for hot work.c) AGT Level 3 is required for those who provide safety watch duties by the ongoing monitoring of a hot work site.

1. Define the criteria for a Confined Space
2. Explain the type of production operation being tested for flammable and toxic gases
3. Identify potential cumulative hazards of operations within an oxygen-deficient, toxic or flammable environment
4. Recognise the need to carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment before testing activities and confined space entry
5. Identify how to use a Safe System of Work
6. Identify the roles and responsibilities of an observer
7. Identify the implications of statutory requirements
8. State who is responsible for making a confined space entry safe
9. Interpret operational requirements – to include policies, procedures, instructions, codes of practice and standards
10. Demonstrate how to select, use and care for PPE for different toxic and flammable gases through risk assessment
11. Consider the appropriate levels of respiratory protective equipment
12. Identify the restrictions and reasons for them within the Permit to Work system
13. Indicate how to access and interpret the relevant operational instructions
14. Define the operating principles of atmosphere monitoring and measuring equipment and frequently observed failure modes
15. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the various types of atmospheric flammable and toxic gas detection equipment
16. Recognise when to select between aspirating and non-aspirating detectors to obtain a representative sample of the atmosphere being tested
17. Identify equipment that is required in an inert atmosphere
18. Recall the pre-start checks for a gas detector
19. Identify when to calibrate atmospheric testing instruments
20. Identify the hazards and properties of flammable and toxic gases including oxygen deficiency and enrichment, nitrogen and specialist materials appropriate to the location
21. Identify the behaviour of different gases – to include heavier than air and lighter than air behaviour and ‘neutral buoyancy’ effect
22. Identify the range and frequency of tests
23. Recall the acceptable levels of flammable and toxic gases and the correct amount of oxygen
24. Understand the implications of WEL for toxic gases and LEL for flammable gases
25. Explain how to set up the relevant detector for each gas testing application, its potential failure modes and confirming its correct functioning
26. Identify how to perform gas tests in sequence
27. Identify how to obtain a representative atmosphere sample from a range of confined spaces
28. Explain how to take samples at the top, middle and bottom to locate varying concentrations of gases and vapours
29. Explain why you must sample confined spaces at a distance from the opening because air intrusion near the entrance can give a false sense of adequate oxygen present
30. Understand the reasons behind testing for flammable gases in inert atmospheres
31. Explain monitoring and retesting after the initial entry
32. Explain where to site ongoing monitoring equipment for vessel entry
33. Explain how to interpret the results, to include both normal and abnormal
34. Explain how to document the results and advise relevant personnel