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Operate Breathing apparatus

Rescue Operations, Work Health & Safety

Learn to safely operate breathing apparatus in hazardous workplaces, covering both MSMWHS216 and PUAFIR207 across industrial and emergency response settings.

Course Overview

This course gives you the skills to operate breathing apparatus in workplaces where respiratory protection is required. You will learn how to inspect and use breathing apparatus, follow donning and doffing procedures, monitor your air supply, maintain communication, and respond to faults or emergency conditions.

This course now includes PUAFIR207 as an additional unit. That unit covers open circuit breathing apparatus, which is commonly used in fire and emergency response settings. Together, these units give you a more complete set of BA skills that apply across a wider range of industries and situations.

Both units cover the same core breathing apparatus skills but sit within different training packages. MSMWHS216 is drawn from the manufacturing and process plant sector, while PUAFIR207 is drawn from the public safety sector. Health Security Education can advise you on which unit or combination is most appropriate for your industry and role.

Key Details

Delivery Location: Training is delivered at Health Security Education’s approved facilities or at client workplaces by arrangement.

Start / Intake Information: Regular intakes are available. Contact Health Security Education for upcoming course dates.

Schedule / Time Commitment: Allow 1 day (up to 6–8 hours), including theory, practical activities and assessment (delivery dependent).

Work Placement: No work placement required

Units of Competency / Course Content

Main Unit: MSMWHS216 – Operate Breathing Apparatus

Additional Unit: PUAFIR207 – Operate Breathing Apparatus Open Circuit


Who This Course Is For


This course is suited to emergency response personnel, industrial responders, workers in hazardous atmospheres, maintenance and shutdown crews, fire and rescue workers, and anyone required by their workplace to wear breathing apparatus in operational or training environments.

Course Details

Course Information

Minimum Age: 18 years old
Prerequisites: No formal prerequisites. Medical fitness for BA use, face fit requirements, and workplace authorisation may apply depending on your operational context.
Language, Literacy and Numeracy: All learners complete an LLN assessment. Support is available where needed.
PPE and Equipment: PPE appropriate to BA training is required. A device with internet access is needed if online learning is included.
Workplace or Site Access: Participants must be physically able to complete practical BA activities. Reasonable adjustments are available where appropriate.
Schedule / Time Commitment: Allow 1 to 2 days depending on delivery and units being completed.

Assessment Methods: Knowledge questions and practical demonstrations relating to inspection, operation, safe use, and monitoring of breathing apparatus in scenario-based activities.
Completion Requirements: All tasks must be completed to a competent standard.
Facilities and Equipment: Breathing apparatus training equipment and scenario resources (as required).
Workplace or Simulated Environment: Assessment occurs in a simulated or workplace environment that reflects real conditions relevant to this unit.
Safety Requirements and PPE: PPE must be worn where required, and all safety procedures must be followed.
Learner Evidence Responsibilities: Learners must demonstrate safe and correct task performance and provide any required evidence of completion as directed by the assessor.

Successful participants receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment for MSMWHS216 – Operate breathing apparatus, issued by Health Security Education (RTO #40907). A valid USI must be provided prior to certification issuance.

Course fees include training, assessment and (where applicable) issuance of certification for participants who successfully meet competency requirements.
Course fees may not include personal PPE, travel, onsite delivery travel costs, replacement certificates, or additional resources unless stated.

Funding and subsidies: Where applicable, funding or subsidies may be available for eligible participants.
Payment terms: Payment is required prior to course commencement unless otherwise arranged.
Refunds and withdrawals: Refunds are managed in accordance with Health Security Education’s Fees and Refunds Policy. Written notice is required to withdraw.

Trainer support is available throughout the course. Language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) support and wellbeing support are available on request. Health Security Education provides a safe, respectful and inclusive learning environment.
Participants must follow trainer instructions and use equipment safely. Reasonable adjustment is available where appropriate.
USI: A valid Unique Student Identifier (USI) is required prior to the issuance of nationally recognised certification.
Policies and processes (including Complaints & Appeals) are available via the Student Handbook.

Credit Transfer: Available for equivalent completed units where a valid and current Statement of Attainment is provided.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): May be available for learners who can provide evidence of current competence.
Pathways: This unit may support entry into further training pathways in health, community services, emergency response, workplace safety, or related outcomes, depending on learner goals and packaging rules.