In Australia’s ever-evolving vocational education and training landscape, RTOs must stay at the forefront of industry demands and compliance requirements. One such high-demand and critical unit is MSMWHS217 Gas Test Atmospheres.
This blog will explore why gas test atmospheres training is growing in popularity, the benefits of offering MSMWHS217, and what RTOs need to know about gas test atmosphere expiry requirements.
Growing Popularity of MSMWHS217 – Gas Test Atmospheres
Included in 10 Qualifications
Currently, MSMWHS217—Gas Test Atmospheres is included in 10 nationally recognised qualifications across Australia:
- MSM20116 – Certificate II in Process Manufacturing
- MSM30116 – Certificate III in Process Manufacturing
- MSM30216 – Certificate III in Surface Preparation and Coating Application
- MSM40116 – Certificate IV in Process Manufacturing
- PMA20116 – Certificate II in Process Plant Operations
- PMA30120 – Certificate III in Process Plant Operations
- PMA40116 – Certificate IV in Process Plant Technology
- RII21120 – Certificate II in Oil & Gas Drilling (Onshore) and Well Servicing
- UEG20122 – Certificate II in Gas Supply Industry Operations
- UEG30122 – Certificate III in Gas Supply Industry Operations
The breadth of qualifications that include this training highlights its value across multiple industries and job roles.
Increased Enrolments
| 2022 Total | 2023 Total | YoY Growth | |
| MSMWHS217 – Gas test atmospheres | 53,730 | 67,165 | 25% |
The 25% year-on-year surge based on the latest NCVER data reflects the growing recognition of gas test atmospheres training as a critical workplace safety requirement.
Reasons Why This Unit is Popular
Workplace Health and Safety Compliance
Compliance with WHS regulations is paramount in Australia. MSMWHS217 – Gas Test Atmospheres covers essential protocols to ensure safe working environments in high-risk areas. Employers seek trained and certified staff, driving up enrolment numbers and industry demand.
High-Risk Work Environments
Industries such as mining, construction, manufacturing, and utilities commonly encounter potentially hazardous gases. Gas test atmosphere training is vital to safeguard workers and maintain safety standards in confined spaces, enclosed areas, storage tanks, silos, pits, pipes, and more.
Expanded Job Opportunities
A current MSMWHS217 qualification can open doors for workers who must operate in confined spaces or issue work permits involving gas testing. This versatility enhances employability, further driving course popularity.
Frequent Refresher Requirements
Because gas test atmosphere expiry typically occurs every two years, learners must return for refresher training to keep their certification current. This cyclical demand ensures a steady stream of enrolments for RTOs offering MSMWHS217.
Opportunities and Benefits for RTOs
Attract a Broad Learner Base
By offering MSMWHS217 – Gas Test Atmospheres, RTOs can tap into a broader market.
MSMWHS217 is a mandatory requirement in many industries, creating consistent enrolment demand from workers who need certification. Key sectors include:
- Mining, Oil & Gas – Required for workers in underground mining, offshore rigs, and refineries.
- Construction & Civil Engineering – Needed for confined space work and tunnelling projects.
- Manufacturing & Chemical Processing – Essential for workers dealing with industrial gases and hazardous materials.
- Utilities & Water Treatment – Used for sewerage, water treatment plants, and underground services.
- Emergency Services & Defence – Firefighters, hazmat teams, and defence personnel often require gas testing skills.
Students who work in or aspire to enter these high-risk industries will actively seek out gas test atmosphere training providers.
Employer Partnerships & Workforce Upskilling
- B2B Training Contracts – Secure long-term partnerships with companies requiring ongoing gas testing certification.
- Government & Industry Funding – Potential eligibility for funded training programs, depending on state funding schemes.
- Apprenticeship & Workforce Development – Aligns with skill development initiatives in construction, mining, and heavy industries.
Strong Revenue & Business Growth Potential
- Corporate & Group Training Packages – Partner with businesses needing bulk training for teams working in high-risk environments.
- Bundling with Other Compliance Courses – Increase enrolments by packaging MSMWHS217 with related units, such as:
o RIIWHS202E – Enter and Work in Confined Spaces
o MSMPER200 – Work in Accordance with an Issued Permit
o HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid (for emergency preparedness) - Gas Test Atmosphere Expiry, Renewals and Repeat Business – The MSMWHS217 Gas Test Atmospheres certification does not have a nationally mandated expiry date, but renewal requirements depend on industry standards, employer policies, and state regulations, and could present some opportunities for repeat business for your RTO.
o Industry & Employer Requirements – Many industries (e.g. mining, oil and gas, confined spaces work) require refresher training every 2-3 years to ensure workers stay competent.
o Site-Specific or Licensing Rules – Some high-risk workplaces may have stricter internal policies requiring more frequent re-training.
Critical Importance of Gas Test Atmosphere Training in High-Risk Environments
MSMWHS217 – Gas Test Atmospheres ensures safety when working with or around hazardous gases. This unit is suitable in various scenarios, including:
- Confined spaces
- Enclosed or partially enclosed spaces
- Hot work areas
- Storage tanks, silos, pits, pipes, shafts, ducts, transport vehicles, and ships
- Testing as part of issuing a work permit
- Monitoring under a work permit
- Open areas where gases may accumulate or pose a risk
- Holding the gas tester by hand or lowering it into a space
Workers trained in gas test atmospheres can confidently identify and control hazardous gas-related risks, significantly reducing the chance of accidents, injuries, or fatalities.
Compliance with WHS Regulations in Australia
Australian WHS regulations emphasise managing and mitigating risks associated with hazardous substances. Gas test atmosphere training ensures workers possess the knowledge and skills to monitor, identify, and respond to dangerous gas levels. By offering MSMWHS217, RTOs empower organisations to meet:
- Statutory requirements to ensure a safe workplace
- Regulations and codes of practice related to working in confined or high-risk environments
- Obligations for ongoing workforce development and upskilling
Providing MSMWHS217 can position your RTO as a vital partner in WHS compliance, catering to industries prioritising safety training.
Adding MSMWHS217 – Gas Test Atmospheres to Your RTO Scope
If you’re looking to add MSMWHS217 – Gas Test Atmospheres to your RTO scope, TotalVET Training Resources offers consulting services to streamline your application process. From ensuring your training materials meet regulatory requirements to developing assessment tools, our expert team can guide you every step of the way.
Conclusion
The continued enrolment increases for MSMWHS217 – Gas Test Atmospheres reflects its critical role in safeguarding Australian workplaces, meeting regulatory requirements, and catering to high-risk industries. For RTOs, offering gas test atmospheres training presents numerous benefits—from an expanded learner base to ongoing refresher course revenue and a strengthened reputation in the market.
Adding MSMWHS217 to your scope positions your RTO as a key contributor to workplace safety and compliance. The essential skills and knowledge provided by gas test atmosphere training not only help workers identify and mitigate hazardous gas risks but also ensures organisations maintain compliance with stringent WHS legislation. With the gas test atmosphere’s expiry cycle driving regular enrolments, now is the perfect time to capitalise on the demand for this invaluable training.
Ready to expand your scope?
For guidance on adding MSMWHS217 – Gas Test Atmospheres to your RTO’s offering, contact TotalVET Training Resources today and discover how our consulting services can help you deliver exceptional gas test atmosphere training to your learners.
