PUASAR022 & RIIWHS204E – Participate in a Rescue Operation & Work Safely at Heights

PUASAR022 – Participate in a Rescue Operation
RIIWHS204E – Work Safely at Heights

An individual undertaking this course will need to demonstrate the following to be eligible for entry:

• PUASAR022 has a pre-requisite requirement of HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid (only if undertaking training related to the fire sector*).
• Psychological and physical capability to be able to meet the demands of the practical demonstrations for this course, such as the undertaking of the requirements to work safely at heights wearing appropriate PPE and using appropriate fall protection equipment. Participants will need sufficient physical ability to lift equipment infrequently from ground to overhead and access heights above 2m.
• Psychological** and physical capability to be able to meet the demands of the practical demonstrations for this course, such as the undertaking of the requirements to safely enter, work in and exit a confined space wearing appropriate PPE. This may involve climbing up, down, through or under structures or confined spaces, being temporarily suspended, wearing harnesses and other relevant PPE, dragging and lifting in confined and restricted environments in dark, low light or smoke-filled areas.
• Capable of working under supervision in a team while being physically able to complete individual tasks relating to a rescue, autonomously, in a range of simulated and real locations
• Protective slip resistant footwear/safety shoes and comfortable/practical clothing must be provided by the student and worn during the practical sessions and assessment.
• Language, literacy and numeracy requirements – students must be able to read and correctly interpret required documentation relevant to working at height, speak clearly and unambiguously in English, explain, describe and verify sometimes complex needs and issues and understand the risk assessment requirements. Writing is required to the level of completing workplace forms and producing any required reports. Numeracy is required to the level of being able to correctly calculate total fall distances for example.

*The fire sector is those sections of government departments, statutory authorities or organisations that have a responsibility under jurisdictional arrangements for the delivery of firefighting and fire management services.

**Safe Work Australia notes “Working in a confined space may impose physiological and psychological demands over and above those encountered in a normal working environment. Consideration should be given to a worker’s:

• physical ability
• ability to work in a restrictive space (for example claustrophobia)
• ability to wear the PPE required to do the work (for example respirators).” 

SWA Code of Practice – Confined Spaces

Course durations can vary for multiple reasons, so the durations below are the minimum possible amount.

• Refresher: Face-to-face contact time of at least 8 hours
• Face-to-face: Face-to-face contact time of at least 14 hours
• Online with face-to-face assessment: Face-to-face contact time of at least 7 hours 30 mins

Performance Tasks – The student must simulate the following:

• Install equipment on a brittle surface with several skylights
  
• Complete work on a flat surface with uneven ground conditions
  
• Participate in a vertical rescue
• Participate in a confined space rescue

Documentation – The student must complete the following documentation:

• Equipment fault log
• Rescue equipment form
• Risk assessment and incident report form

Theory assessment:

• A written assessment consisting of short-answer and multiple-choice questions.

This course is essential for both new and experienced personnel working at heights, particularly in the resources, infrastructure, emergency services, and volunteer sectors. Real-world applications of this training are seen in industries like construction, mining, and emergency response, where working at heights and conducting rescue operations are routine. Participants will be exposed to various high-risk height situations, learning to implement safe working procedures in compliance with regulations and legislation.

In practical terms, students will develop the ability to identify risks and apply control measures, interpret risk assessment documents, and understand the strengths and limitations of fall protection equipment. This knowledge is vital for tasks such as maintaining infrastructure, responding to emergencies in industrial or rural environments, and working in bush and extreme conditions.

The course includes hands-on training, with participants completing two work-at-heights scenarios involving the installation, inspection, and proper use of fall protection systems. They will also carry out two rescue operations, equipping them with the skills needed for safe and effective rescue in real-world emergency situations.

• $560 per person per day
• Group bookings can be arranged

For more information or to make a booking for this course please contact us.