Breathing Apparatus Incident Response

• Understanding respiratory protection standards, including AS/NZS 1715 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment and AS/NZS 1716 Respiratory protective devices
• Conducting pre-use checks, including pressure, seals and components
• Donning breathing apparatus sets, harnesses and full-face masks
• Managing air supply and planning duration during incident response
• Operating breathing apparatus in simulated incident scenarios, including confined spaces and smoke environments
• Concluding operations, including shutdown, maintenance and post-use care

This course is delivered through a blend of:

• Facilitator-led classroom sessions to introduce breathing apparatus operation, incident response procedures and workplace safety requirements.
• Hands-on practical training with breathing apparatus in realistic controlled environments.
• Scenario-based exercises simulating workplace incidents, to apply breathing apparatus skills and decision-making during incident response.
• Performance-based assessments to confirm competence in safely and effectively operating breathing apparatus during incident response.

Breathing Apparatus Incident Response (BAIR) course is designed for learners who work, or are required to work, in environments where breathing apparatus may be needed during workplace emergencies or high-risk tasks across a range of industries including Oil and Gas, Mining, Resources, Maritime, and Emergency Services sectors. This course is suitable for both new entrants to industry and existing workers undertaking their initial breathing apparatus training.
Learners undertaking this course may include personnel required to operate self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) in confined spaces, smoke-affected environments and other atmospheres where airborne hazards may be present, conduct pre-use checks and post-use maintenance, and manage air supply effectively during incident response activities as part of their workplace emergency response role.

Physical Requirements

Breathing apparatus training involves physical demands that require learners to safely wear and operate breathing apparatus in simulated incident response scenarios. Learners are required to actively participate in activities that may include:

• Wear breathing apparatus and full PPE for extended periods during physically demanding activities
• Carry, handle and operate breathing apparatus equipment, including BA sets, harnesses and full-face masks
• Tolerate working in hot, enclosed and low-visibility environments while wearing breathing apparatus
• Move through restricted openings and confined environments, including bending and crawling where required
• Sustain physical activity for the duration of practical sessions

Psychological Requirements

Breathing apparatus training involves wearing a full-face mask and operating in enclosed or low-visibility environments, which may present specific psychological demands. Learners are expected to be able to:

• Tolerate wearing a full-face mask and breathing through a regulated air supply for extended periods
• Manage anxiety, stress or discomfort that may arise from mask wearing, restricted breathing sensation, or working in confined or smoke-affected environments
• Remain calm, focused and task-oriented when responding to simulated incident scenarios while operating breathing apparatus

Behavioural & Safety Requirements

Safe participation in this course relies on consistent adherence to instructions, procedures and safe behaviours. Learners are expected to contribute to a safe learning environment for themselves and others. Learners are required to:

• Use breathing apparatus and emergency equipment in accordance with training and manufacturer requirements
• Communicate effectively with trainers, team members and other learners during practical activities
• Immediately report hazards, equipment faults or concerns
• Participate in all safety briefings, practical demonstrations and debrief sessions

 
Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital

Learners must have basic Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills to understand safety procedures and complete assessments. Learners must be able to access and navigate a digital device to log in and access the course materials. Support for learners is available on request. More information is available on our website.