Courses

This 2-day nationally recognised course is designed for persons who operate drain-cleaning equipment. 

The MSMSS00019 Operate a Drain Cleaning System Skill Set delivers specialised training for workers aiming to gain an understanding of industrial drain cleaning operations. The program covers elements such as worksite management, adherence to safe work practices, compliance with relevant industry standards, and the application of emergency and rescue procedures.

Safety is emphasised as the foundation of this training, ensuring participants acquire the knowledge and skills to effectively manage and supervise drain cleaning operations. The course prepares operators to identify and mitigate risks, safeguard themselves, protect surrounding properties, and prioritise public safety. This skill set demonstrates the competencies required to operate a drain cleaning system safely, efficiently and independently, while fostering a strong culture of workplace safety and operational excellence.

Additionally, the course aligns with the requirements of AS 4233.1:2013 High-Pressure Water Jetting Systems – Safe Operation and Maintenance and the Safe Work Australia Guide for Managing Risks from High-Pressure Water Jetting, ensuring adherence to nationally recognised safety standards.

Units of competency under the skill set are:

• MSMWHS110 Follow emergency response procedures          
• MSMWJ305 Operate a drain cleaning system   
• MSMWHS200 Work safely
• MSMPER200 Work in accordance with an issued permit        

Unique Student Identifier

Students must also possess a valid USI.

All learners undertaking nationally accredited training must possess a valid Unique Student Identifier (USI). The USI is an individual education number that allows learners to access their training records and results at any time. If learners do not possess a valid USI while undertaking accredited training they will be unable to receive a Statement of Attainment.

Find out more about USI

Course Delivery

This course is delivered over 16 hours (generally two consecutive eight-hour days) face to face in a classroom setting. This course requires a theoretical assessment and a practical assessment be completed on site while supervised by the MPAQ trainer.

Each participant will be responsible for the following PPE requirements: long pants, long sleeve shirt, and steel cap boots.

MPAQ will provide industrial gloves, and eye, face, and head protection PPE.

Course outcomes:

On successful completion of this course learners will be able to:

• Prepare and set up a drain cleaning unit safely.
• Identify hazards in drain cleaning environments and implement controls.
• Identify and select correct nozzles and tools for various applications in both sewer, stormwater and pipe applications.
• Identify nozzle behaviours.
• Best practice techniques used for drain cleaning and combination units.
• Plan and safely carry out drain cleaning works.
• Diagnose faults and troubleshoot issues with units.
• Understand basic concepts of pipe flows in sewer, stormwater and pipework.
• Maintenance of units and drain cleaning equipment.
• Incident reporting and investigation

Course Recognition 

On successful completion of this course, learners will be issued with a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment.

Note that refresher training or verification of competency must be completed within two years of completion of this course. (Reference: Standards Australia AS/NZS 4233.1-2013)

MPAQ has introduced a co-contribution fee to ensure participants have a shared investment in their training to help with improving engagement and completion rates. This a fee that is required to be paid by the participant or employer.

MPAQ Co-contribution is as follows:

• MPAQ Member: $100.00
• Non-Member: $250.00

Course Subsidies

Construction Skills Queensland Skill Sets Program is an initiative of Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ). CSQ is an independent, not-for-profit, industry-funded body supporting employers, workers, apprentices, trainees and career seekers in the building and construction industry. CSQ provides funding to reduce the financial obstacle to training, making upskilling an affordable option for many more individuals in the construction industry.

VIEW eLIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 

The CSQ Skill Sets Program is listed as the funding program. Funding reduces the cost of training and is subject to availability and eligibility. Participants must be enrolled, commenced and completed at least one unit of competency by the last enrolment date of 31 July 2027. Funding is subject to availability and eligibility criteria. 

Call the Training Services Team on 07 3273 0800 for more information.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to submit original work and maintain academic integrity at all times. Plagiarism, cheating, or submitting work that is not your own is not permitted.

This includes:

• Copying another person’s work
• Sharing answers or allowing others to copy your work
• Using AI or online tools to generate assessment responses
• Submitting fabricated, altered, or misleading evidence
• Claiming authorship of work that is not your own

Using another person’s language, ideas, or expressions without proper acknowledgement is considered plagiarism.

AI tools are not a substitute for your own knowledge, thinking, and originality. Information generated by AI may also be inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date. Submitting AI-generated content as your own work without permission or acknowledgement is considered a breach of academic integrity.

Students are responsible for following the assessment requirements and conditions for each task and for participating in learning and assessment activities ethically.

MPAQ takes academic integrity and plagiarism seriously. When submitting an assessment, students must sign a declaration confirming that the work is their own. Assessments submitted without a signed acknowledgement on the cover sheet will not be marked.

If a breach of academic integrity or plagiarism is identified, the student may be contacted to provide further information. Confirmed breaches may result in reassessment, suspension, or cancellation of enrolment. Where enrolment is cancelled, re-enrolment may be required, and associated fees may apply.

To enrol, please click the link at the top of this page or click here to download and complete an enrolment form.

Enrolees must have verifiable USI, citizenship/permanent resident evidence if applicable, Visa holders must submit a letter from their employer and have basic numeracy, literacy, English language skills and physical capability.

Students can enrol in a course by downloading and completing an enrolment form. Questions should be directed to the MPAQ Training Services team on 07 3273 0800.

Completed enrolment forms should be sent to training@mpaq.com.au