Working in Confined Spaces – Training Requirements in the Workplace

Every year, workers are killed or seriously injured in a wide range of occupations and industries as the result of working in confined spaces. Deaths and injuries are not just limited to the workers themselves either but also to those who have tried to rescue them. For this reason, it is crucial to provide the right working in confined space training to staff working in this type of environment.

worker standing outside a confined space environment

The safety legislation which covers working in confined spaces can be found in the Confined Spaces Regulations of 1997.


What Does Confined Space Training Involve?

Confined space training does not have to be conducted at an in person course. It can be done online or remotely.

A training course will give your staff an overview of the different legislation which covers working in confined spaces.

The course will also cover the risks of working in tight spaces, how to work safely, and give examples of confined space emergencies and rescue scenarios. To get confined space certification, a multiple choice exam needs to be completed and passed.


Confined Spaces Online Training Course
  • This course can be completed online in just 3 hours.
  • Download your certificate instantly.
  • Covers all required legislation & practises.
  • Course valid for 2 years.
  • Multiple choice assessment – sit as many times as needed to pass.

£20+ VAT

Bulk discounts available for multiple team members.


Confined Space Awareness

Interested in learning more? We’ve compiled a guide which provides a basic overview of some of the information a confined space awareness course will provide you with.

Whilst it’s no replacement for a CPD accredited course, it will help understand the requirements for dealing with risks involved in confined spaces in the workplace.


What is a Confined Space?

Confined spaces, is generally used to describe spaces where there is a risk of serious injury or death due to dangerous conditions such as a lack of oxygen or from Hazardous Substances.

However, it’s difficult to categorise confined spaces at work completely. For example, some locations can become a confined space when work or modifications are being carried out.

Here is a list of some of the more common confined spaces which safety legislation will cover and which would be discussed in a confined space training course:-

  • Storage tanks
  • Enclosed drains and sewers
  • Silos
  • Ductwork
  • Vats
  • Reaction vessels
  • Chambers which are open-topped

If staff are working in these types of environment, they will need confined space training to make sure they are aware of the risks.


Common Hazards Working in Confined Spaces

There are many hazards with work that is carried out in confined spaces, meaning proper training is very important.

A lack of oxygen or adequete ventilation which creates danger of asphyxiation is one of the most obvious. Poisonous gas or other noxious fumes can also build up in underground work. Confined spaces also have increased Risks of Fire and explosion.

Flooding or drowining hazards are also commonly encountered. All of these risks must be properly identified and managed to create a safe working environment. Confined space training will help identify and manage these risks in the workpalce.


Employers Responsibilities

Employers need to make sure that all equipment and safety processes are working properly and in accordance with the law to prevent a workplace accident.

There are also other day to day issues regarding health and safety which need addressing to prevent damage to the health of workers. High Working Temperatures (or excessively cold temperatures) can cause physical and mental stress.

Employers also need to make sure that the staff are wearing safety protection. This can include protective clothing and equipment, such as breathing apparatus The length of time a worker can continually work within the confined space must also be managed properly.


Assessing Risks of Working in Confined Spaces

When it comes to working in confined spaces, the workplace must make provision to identify any hazards in enclosed working spaces.

The risks posed by them need to be assessed, and procedures put in place to keep workers safe. The assessment will begin by looking at:-

  • What the work entails.
  • The environment in which it is carried out.
  • The materials and tools that are to be used.
  • The competency and suitability of those employed to carry out the work.
  • Emergency rescue or evacuation procedures.

If the results of the Risk Assessment identify any possibility of serious injury or stress from working in the confined space then the Confined Spaces Regulations apply.


Working in Confined Spaces Legislation – Ensuring Compliance

The Confined Spaces Regulations cover a broad range of industries. It’s important to consider how the legislation might apply to a location which has been deemed to be a confined space as part of a risk asessment.

Where possible, working in confined spaces should be avoided. An assessment should be made to see if entering the space is needed. That isn’t always possible, so the next step is to create a safe system of working which all people who are entering the confined space must adhere to. Everybody must be trained to ensure they know what their responsibilities are, what tasks they need to carry ou,t and how to carry them out safely.


Supervision to Manage Risk

A supervisor should be put into place to oversee and manage the entire operation. Their responsibilities include:

  • Ensuring workers are suitable for the role. This not only means that they have the necessary skills and training but also includes whether they’re medically fit. Factors such as their physical build, propensity to suffer from claustrophobia and general fitness levels should also be looked at.
  • Making sure that the entrance is large enough for all workers and equipment to pass through safely.
  • Making sure that the confined space has enough air flow.
  • Testing and monitoring air quality.
  • Making available specialist tools and lighting and or breathing gear, if needed.

Emergency Procedures in Enclosed Spaces

Any company in which work is going to be carried out within a confined space must have drawn up an emergency rescue and evacuation procedure and carry out training drills.

Communication systems also need to be set up so that communication can be carried out between those working in the confined space and those outside of it as well as how communication between the company and the emergency services is going to work. Time will also be a considerable factor when it comes to evacuating an area or initiating a rescue.

There is so much more contained within the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 than can be covered here. It is important to have appropriate training and certification where work in confined spaces is necessary. Your life and that of others could depend on it.


Confined Space Training Course FAQs

If you need to get your confined space ticket to increase your employability, or need to conduct appropriate training for your staff, our FAQs will answer any further questions you might have.

Confined space training course price?

Pricing will vary, however confined space training courses are available online for as little as £20+vat. They can be sat very quickly, and no need to travel can make an online certification a cost and time effective option.

How often is confined space refresher training required?

A confined space training certificate will last for two years. After this, a refresher course is recommended to ensure up to date safety knowledge and compliance. If you are looking for a new job, refreshing your ticket can be a good way to improve employability.

2 thoughts on “Working in Confined Spaces – Training Requirements in the Workplace

  1. Buck says:

    Working practices at my place of work is entering what the company deem a confined space with risk of CO2, they issue a permit to work but there is no emergency rescue plan apart from the emergency services is this acceptable, there is only one entry and it’s entering a kiln with grain

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