Course Set - PUASAR022 & RIIWHS204E (Participate in a rescue operation and Work safely at heights)


This course is designed for new and experienced personnel required to work safely at heights at an operational level and participate in rescue operations typically in the resources and infrastructure industries. It also applies to individuals who are involved in emergency services, volunteer organisations and/or associated industries.

The course will expose students to a broad range of height risk situations and to implement safe working procedures according to the regulations and legislative requirements governing working safely at heights. Students will learn to identify risks and implement appropriate control measures as well as interpret and apply risk assessment documentation, technical and safety information as well as understand the strengths and limitations of the fall protection equipment available for working safely at heights.

This course also involves the skills and knowledge required to participate in rescue operations as a member of a rescue team; it underpins specialist rescue operations. This includes a wide range of rescue and environmental situations which may incorporate industrial, rural, bush and extreme environmental conditions. 

Students will perform two work safely at heights scenarios using various safety systems. This includes installing equipment checking and correctly fitting, adjusting and anchoring fall protection systems and associated equipment.  Students will also perform two rescue operations scenarios.

Units Delivered

The following units will be included in your certificate:

Course Delivery

This course can be delivered/assessed in the workplace or at facility organised by the training provider.

Course Durations

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

An individual undertaking this course with Allens Training Pty Ltd will need to demonstrate the following to be eligible for entry:

  • An official form of photo identification (e.g., driver’s licence, passport, or student ID). 
  • 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, including a moderate to high level of physical fitness and mobility. Participants must be willing and able to move about at height, including ascending and descending ropes on high structures. To ensure safety and demonstrate the required competency, participants must be physically capable of: 
    • Climbing and working on elevated structures using their own strength
    • Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and using fall protection systems
    • Lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 15 kg from ground level to overhead
    • Accessing and operating safely at heights greater than 3 metres
    • Working in tight or awkward spaces
    • Working in challenging conditions such as low light, confined spaces, uneven ground, heights, noise, or physically demanding environments.
    • Maintaining sustained physical positions (e.g., kneeling, crouching, or lying prone) during simulated rescue scenarios
  • Must provide and wear appropriate clothing for practical activities, including protective footwear (e.g. safety boots) and comfortable, practical attire suitable for physical tasks
  • To successfully complete this course, students will need to demonstrate the following language, literacy, numeracy and digital (LLND) skills during training and assessment:
    • Learning: Follow safety instructions, identify hazards, understand risk assessments, and apply what I’ve learned to work safely at heights and support rescue operations, including asking for clarification when needed.
    • Reading: Read and understand workplace procedures, emergency instructions, signage, maps, and safety information related to working at heights and rescue operations.
    • Writing: Complete forms and write short notes or reports to clearly record what happened, including incidents, hazards, or actions taken during work tasks or rescue activities.
    • Oral communication: Communicate clearly and listen carefully when receiving or giving instructions, especially in team-based, noisy, or time-sensitive situations.
    • Numeracy: Use numbers to support safe work and rescue tasks, including measuring distances, time, fall clearance, and understanding equipment ratings and sequences of steps.
    • Digital Literacy: Able to use a mobile phone or basic device to read messages, follow online instructions, complete online forms or access learning resources

*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.

 

Online study options: The online learning program can be found in the student portal. Students must have access to a computer, smart phone, tablet or other electronic device with access to the internet to complete the online studies and practical assessment.

Individuals undertaking this course will be expected to complete both written and practical assessment tasks.

The units have the following recommended renewal periods:
Unit Period
PUASAR022 - Participate in a rescue operation Not applicable
RIIWHS204E - Work safely at heights Not applicable

Please note that enrolment to this course is made with Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909. Please refer to the student handbook located on the RTO website allenstraining.com.au (https://allenstraining.com.au/students/student-handbook) for all details relating to rights and responsibilities including complaints and appeals.

Performance Tasks - The student must simulate the following:

  • Working safely at heights – brittle surface
  • Work safely at height and perform a vertical rescue – flat surface
  • Perform a vertical rescue (structure or tower)

Documentation – The student must complete the following documentation:

  • Equipment Fault Log
  • Risk Assessment
  • Rescue Equipment form
  • Incident Report form

Theory assessment – A written assessment consisting of short-answer and multiple-choice questions. The student must successfully complete all assessment questions.


Students are required to complete a self evaluation against the following core skills as part of the enrolment process. This will allow your trainer to understand any additional support that may be required during the course delivery and assessment.
Learning I can follow safety instructions, identify hazards, understand risk assessments, and apply what I’ve learned to work safely at heights and support rescue operations, including asking for clarification when needed.
Reading I can read and understand workplace procedures, emergency instructions, signage, maps, and safety information related to working at heights and rescue operations.
Writing I can complete forms and write short notes or reports to clearly record what happened, including incidents, hazards, or actions taken during work tasks or rescue activities.
Oral Communication I can communicate clearly and listen carefully when receiving or giving instructions, especially in team-based, noisy, or time-sensitive situations.
Numeracy I can use numbers to support safe work and rescue tasks, including measuring distances, time, fall clearance, and understanding equipment ratings and sequences of steps.
This course is delivered and assessed on behalf of Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909