Atmospheric Testing

This course equips learners with an understanding of atmospheric testing in potentially hazardous environments, conducting atmospheric tests, and interpreting and responding to atmospheric testing results.

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Duration
1/2 day
Topic
Confined Space / Gas Detection
Atmospheric-Testing.webp

At a glance

Course details

Duration: 1/2 day
Unit Standard:

Unit #   Name Level  Credits  
25510 Operate an atmospheric testing device to determine a suitable atmosphere exists to work safely  3 4

Overview

Atmospheric Testing course overview

The atmosphere is one of the most dangerous elements in a confined space—and you can’t see it. Atmospheric testing is one of the most critical tools for understanding whether it’s safe to work or not. This half-day Atmospheric Testing course is designed for those responsible for monitoring and assessing atmospheric conditions in potentially hazardous environments.
 
We don’t rely on theory alone. Our industry-experienced trainers guide learners through the key elements of atmospheric testing using practical, equipment-based activities. Participants learn how to carry out prestart checks, select the appropriate detection equipment for different atmospheric hazards, and conduct testing in line with workplace and legislative requirements. The course also builds a clear understanding of how to interpret test results and respond appropriately to changing conditions.
 
IMPAC’s focus is on building capable people who understand how critical accurate atmospheric testing is to safe confined space work. Participants leave with a clear understanding of how to use testing equipment, interpret results, and take appropriate action when conditions are not safe. Your team steps back onto the site with the confidence to monitor atmospheres effectively and support safe confined space operations.

Curriculum

What you'll cover

This course is designed for:

  • Workers who carry out atmospheric testing or monitoring before work starts in confined spaces or other hazardous environments.
  • Safety officers and site supervisors who need to understand gas testing, equipment checks, and safe decision-making on site.
  • Teams working in construction, mining, petrochemical, and confined space operations where hazardous atmospheres are a known risk.
  • People responsible for interpreting readings, responding to unsafe conditions, and documenting testing in line with workplace requirements.

Our approach

+IMPAC's Atmospheric Testing training approach

This Atmospheric Testing course is delivered as practical, equipment-based learning rather than a theory-only session. Learners work through the kinds of scenarios that matter in real workplaces: checking whether an atmosphere is safe to enter, choosing the right monitor for the hazard, understanding what readings are telling them, and deciding what to do when conditions are outside safe limits.
 
Facilitators use discussion, guided examples, and hands-on practice to build confidence with gas detection equipment and testing routines. That includes prestart checks, using monitoring devices correctly, and interpreting oxygen, flammable gas, and toxic gas readings in a way that supports safe action on site.
 
The focus stays on what people need to do in practice. By the end of the session, learners should be better placed to carry out testing consistently, recognise when results require escalation or corrective action, and record findings in line with workplace and legislative requirements.

Format

Course format and duration

This course is delivered over half a day.

Training is available in person nationwide for in-house delivery, and is offered publicly as part of the two-day Confined Space and Gas Detection course.

Upcoming sessions

Public courses – Book now

There are no public sessions scheduled at this time. Please contact us to arrange in-house training or to be notified when new dates are available.

Want to discuss running Atmospheric Testing at your organisation?

Enquire now

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

This course is suited to workers, safety officers, and site supervisors who need to carry out or understand atmospheric testing in hazardous environments. It is particularly relevant in industries such as construction, mining, petrochemical operations, and confined space work where unsafe atmospheres can develop quickly and accurate monitoring is critical.

Anyone carrying out atmospheric testing or relying on its results needs to be competent for the task. Workers need to understand how to use the equipment correctly, interpret readings, and recognise the limitations of the monitoring process. While legislation does not prescribe a specific training course, training is commonly used to build and demonstrate that competency.

Learners need written and spoken English equivalent to NCEA Level 1 (Year 11) or an IELTS score of 5.5 or higher. This helps ensure learners can follow permit requirements, hazard controls, and emergency procedures during training and assessment. If additional support may be required, please contact our team before enrolment.

This course takes half a day, providing focused atmospheric testing training without requiring a full day away from site.

Yes, this course includes one on-course assessment.

Learners who successfully complete the assessment are awarded NZQA Unit Standard 25510, which covers atmospheric testing using electronic gas detection equipment.

Yes, learners can complete Unit Standard 3058 at an additional cost if required. For in-house training, this unit standard can also be included on request.

IMPAC recommends refresher training at least every two years to maintain practical competence when using atmospheric testing equipment and interpreting readings in the workplace. Some clients, sites, or industry requirements may require more frequent refresher training depending on the risks and work being carried out.

IMPAC recommends refresher training at least every two years to maintain practical competence in safety-critical work. NZQA unit standards remain on a person’s Record of Achievement and do not expire, but many industries and employers expect skills to be kept current through regular refresher training, especially where conditions, hazards, or equipment change.

Yes, this course can be delivered in-house for organisations that want to train their own team. It is also available publicly as part of IMPAC’s Confined Space and Gas Detection course.

Please bring a driver’s licence or another form of photo identification to training.

In-house: $1700 + GST for up to 14 persons.

Continue learning

Further study options

If you’re continuing your learning journey in health and safety, this course can contribute towards IMPAC’s Certificate in Applied Workplace Health and Safety Practices (Level 3), which leads to the New Zealand Certificate in Workplace Health and Safety Practice (Level 3).

This course is a elective module within the programme, allowing you to build on your existing training while working towards a recognised qualification over time.  Browse all Confined Space / Gas Detection training courses.

This programme is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under section 439 of the Education and Training Act 2020, and Impac Services Limited is accredited to provide it under section 441 of the Education and Training Act.

What's next

Next steps

To get started, you can book now.
 
To explore more courses in this area, see the Confined Space / Gas Detection category.
 

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