Book a course
Can't see a date or location that suits? We can schedule one. Request a session here.
Trusted by Australian industry
303 Google reviews
every year
clients
business
Course details
This nationally recognised Operate Breathing Apparatus course covers the skills and knowledge required to operate and maintain breathing apparatus and equipment in an irrespirable atmosphere, as defined by the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1715:2009 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment.
The unit of competency applies to operators who are required to wear breathing apparatus because they are working in a confined space, with hazardous gases or vapours, in an oxygen-deficient atmosphere, or in other situations that require the use of breathing apparatus.
This course supports safer workplace practices and helps workers meet WHS obligations in high-risk environments where respiratory protection is required.
Course name
Breathing Apparatus
Duration
4 hours face-to-face
Cost
$350 per person
Course code
MSMWHS216 – Operate breathing apparatus
On-site & Group bookings
Available on request
More courses, More often
In all our locations!
Target audience
Operate Breathing Apparatus Training is typically completed by personnel from emergency services, emergency response/standby teams and/or volunteer organisations. It is also completed by work groups in remote work locations who regularly enter and work in confined spaces or other areas with potentially hazardous atmospheric conditions. It’s designed for:
- Personnel from emergency services, emergency response or standby teams, and volunteer organisations
- Workers operating in remote or high-risk locations where atmospheric hazards are present
- Teams that regularly enter confined spaces or areas with reduced oxygen levels
- Staff required to wear breathing apparatus during routine or emergency procedures
- Individuals in roles where respiratory protection is essential for safe task completion
This course is particularly suitable for workers in industries such as mining, civil construction, oil and gas, power generation, and maintenance and shutdown operations who need to demonstrate competency in the use of breathing apparatus to meet WHS and operational requirements.
Outcomes of completing an Operate Breathing Apparatus training course
Participants who successfully complete the course will be awarded a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment for MSMWHS216 – Operate Breathing Apparatus, issued by Link Resources Training Pty Ltd (RTO 45483) under the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Course delivery
Face-to-face assessment for this course is conducted at one of Link Resources’ purpose-built training facilities. Upon arrangement, practical training and assessment can be conducted on-site at the premises of industry clients, provided they have a suitable infrastructure and industry training facilities. Throughout the course, participants will learn:
- Relevant legislation, regulations, codes of practice, and standards
- Pre-use checks, including pre-donning and operational tests
- Donning, operating, and closing down breathing apparatus correctly
- Identifying hazards and applying control measures
- Communication techniques while using a breathing apparatus
- Calculating available working time from the apparatus
- Cleaning, maintenance, and reporting faults or damage
- Understanding irrespirable atmospheres and their effects on the body
- Components and function breathing apparatus
- Following SOPs, safe work practices, and entrapment procedures
- Use of personal lines, tallies, and breathing apparatus control systems
With a strong focus on real-world application, the course develops the technical understanding and practical skills needed to use breathing apparatus in demanding work environments.
Training areas
Face-to-face training and assessment can be conducted at one of Link Resources’ purpose-built training facilities or on-site. Link Resources Training Facilities:
Sunshine Coast →
8 Technology Drive, Warana QLD 4575
Brisbane
18/229 Junction Road, Cannon Hill QLD 4170
Moreton Bay →
Neilson Road, Kurwongbah QLD 4503
Adelaide →
414B Churchill Road, Kilburn SA 5084
Devonport →
14 Loone Ln, Spreyton TAS 7310
Launceston →
55 Oakden Road, Prospect TAS 7250
Melbourne →
24/94 Keys Road, Cheltenham VIC 3192
Gippsland →
48A Standing Drive, Traralgon East VIC 3844

Entry requirements
All candidates must be physically capable of performing physical tasks while wearing a SCBA weighing up to 12kg.
Upon enquiry, students can enter the program by expressing an interest and being sent an information pack that contains a booking notification and course information (Course Brochure). This interest process enables the RTO and client to work together to ensure the course is suitable for them and to identify any additional support needs & make adequate provisions.
No pre-requisites exist for this Unit of Competency.
Payment Options
Please see the Link Resources Payments, Cancellations and Refund Policy below in Student Information for all details on Payments for your course.
Payment can be made via direct bank transfer, EFTPOS, cash or cheque. For billing information, including who to write a cheque to, please email accounts@link-resources.com.au or call (07) 3067 6120.
Pathways
Training & Education Pathways
For those looking to expand their qualifications and capability in hazardous environments, the following units are often recommended:
- RIIWHS202E – Enter and work in confined spaces
- MSMPER205 – Enter confined space
- MSMPER200 – Work in accordance with an issued permit
Employment Pathways
Upon successful completion, students may seek employment in roles where the use of breathing apparatus is required to safely carry out tasks in hazardous or irrespirable environments. This includes positions such as:
- Emergency response personnel
- Confined space entry workers
- Shutdown and maintenance crews
- Mining and resource sector workers
- Oil, gas and petrochemical operators
- Utilities and infrastructure workers
- Fire and rescue teams

Why conduct your breathing apparatus training with Link Resources?
Purpose-built training facilities
Our facilities are designed to replicate high-risk work environments, providing a safe yet realistic setting in which to develop and apply your skills. From confined space setups to emergency response simulations, you’ll be prepared for what the job demands.
Practical training that sets you up for real-world applications
We focus on more than just theory. Led by experienced trainers, our sessions include hands-on scenarios that reflect actual industry challenges, helping you build confidence and capability in using breathing apparatus on-site.
Nationally recognised units
This course meets all regulatory and compliance requirements and is recognised across Australia. It’s a valuable addition to your qualifications, whether you’re maintaining current competencies or expanding into new roles.
Trusted by industry leaders
Link Resources is trusted by leading organisations across the mining, construction, energy, and emergency services sectors. Our reputation for delivering high-quality, outcomes-focused training makes us a provider of choice for professionals across Australia.
Need something different? Call us on 07 5491 2144
Our locations
Link Resources has purpose-built training facilities all across Australia to meet your specific training requirements.
Sunshine Coast
8 Technology Drive, Warana QLD 4575
Brisbane
18/229 Junction Road, Cannon Hill QLD 4170
Moreton Bay
Neilson Road, Kurwongbah QLD 4503
Adelaide
414B Churchill Road, Kilburn SA 5084
Devonport
14 Loone Ln, Spreyton TAS 7310
Launceston
55 Oakden Road, Prospect TAS 7250
Melbourne
24/94 Keys Road, Cheltenham VIC 3192
Gippsland
48A Standing Drive, Traralgon East VIC 3844
Frequently asked questions
You’ll train with industry-standard air breathing apparatus that meets Australian and international safety standards. The course provides a practical understanding of how this equipment is selected, used, and maintained in real-world conditions.
Yes. While you won’t be exposed to actual toxic gases during training, the course simulates scenarios where toxic gases are present. You’ll learn how to identify atmospheric hazards, use breathing apparatus to reduce risk, and safely operate in these conditions.
You will be assessed during this course. You’ll complete a mix of written questions and practical tasks, including using the breathing apparatus, performing pre-use checks, and responding to simulated emergencies.
This course and all related training and assessment services are delivered by Link Resources Training Pty Ltd (RTO Provider Number 45483).
Student Handbook Payments, Cancellations & Refund Policy Complaints or Appeals Policy
Level up with trusted breathing apparatus training
Link Resources delivers hands-on, industry-ready training to help you stay safe and compliant in hazardous environments.