Course Overview
The Operate Pumps (OP) course gives learners the practical skills to safely prepare, operate and conclude operations of portable and appliance-mounted pumps during emergency response and workplace activities. It covers how to select and prepare pumps, engage primers, deliver and relay water, monitor pump performance, manage foam systems, and conclude pump operations safely in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturer specifications.
Operating pumps safely and effectively is an essential operational capability required across high-risk industries, where workers may be required to operate portable and appliance-mounted pumps during firefighting, emergency response or workplace operations involving water and foam delivery. The 2-day Operate Pumps course delivered at ERGT Australia provides learners with the practical knowledge and hands-on experience required to safely operate pumps in emergency response and workplace environments. Designed for emergency response team members and operational personnel in Mining, Resources, and other high-risk industries, this course focuses on pump types and selection, water supply assessment, pre-start checks and priming, pump operation under varying conditions, pressure and flow monitoring, fault identification and rectification, foam delivery, and safe shutdown and maintenance in accordance with workplace procedures and legislative requirements.
Through a combination of facilitator-led learning and practical pump training in a controlled environment, learners will build the confidence and capability to prepare and operate portable and appliance-mounted pumps, manage pressure and flow, monitor pump performance, deliver foam, and conclude pump operations safely in line with industry best practice. Upon successful completion, learners will be job-ready to operate pumps during emergency response and workplace activities.
Key details
Learning Objectives
- On completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Prepare pump to deliver water
- Operate pump
- Conclude pump operations
Prerequisites
Training Standard Pre-requisites
There are no pre-requisites from the training standard for this course.
What to expect
Learner Support:
- Learner wellbeing for this course is supported through measures that recognise the physical, cognitive, and psychological demands of pump operation training in a simulated work environment. As the course involves practical pump operation, equipment handling, and monitoring of performance under operational conditions across a 2-day program, ERGT implements support strategies that prioritise learner safety, confidence and readiness. This ensures learners can safely participate in all practical components without compromising their wellbeing or safety.
Physical Wellbeing Support:
- Trainers monitor learners during practical activities for signs of fatigue, restricted movement or difficulty handling pump equipment.
- Learners are instructed in correct lifting, handling and positioning techniques for portable pumps and ancillary equipment prior to practical activities.
- Learners are encouraged to disclose any physical concerns (e.g. fatigue, minor injury or restricted movement) so adjustments can be made to participation across both training days.
Psychological & Emotional Wellbeing Support:
- Trainers provide clear pre-activity briefings outlining what to expect during practical pump operations, including expected operational scenarios and safety controls.
- Learners experiencing difficulty sustaining concentration during pump monitoring activities are supported through additional guidance, mentoring or alternative scenario sequencing where appropriate.
- Post-activity debriefs are conducted to reinforce learning, address concerns and build confidence in safe pump operation practices.
Cognitive Support for Safety-Critical Tasks:
- Structured delivery of pump types, principles of hydraulics, water supply principles and pump operating procedures prior to practical application.
- Step-by-step demonstrations of pump operation, including pre-start checks, priming, operation, performance monitoring and post-use procedures.
- Use of visual aids, demonstrations and real equipment to reinforce understanding of safe pump operation practices.
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