Confined Space Awareness

Confined Space by legal definition means any place, including any chamber, tank, vat, silo, pit, trench, pipe, sewer, flue, well or other similar space in which, by virtue of its enclosed nature, there arises a reasonably foreseeable specified risk.

Using the above definition it would be assumed that all confined spaces are immediately recognisable.  There are occasions when the type nature of work, the type of equipment in use etc may in effect create a Confined Space.

Having defined or identified a Confined Space the law requires that no one enter a confined space unless it is absolutely necessary.   If an entry into and subsequent exit from a confined space are necessary then they should only be done In accordance with a safe system of work and before an entry can be made there must be in place suitable and sufficient emergency rescue procedures.

The provision of suitable and sufficient arrangements for emergency rescue does not mean sole reliance on the emergency services.

The legal requirements cover all risks of space (Low, Medium and High) and all responsibilities for persons required to work in them.  This would include Confined Space entrants, attendants, supervisors, rescue teams or others.  All of these require training to meet their role and needs.

Confined Space Awareness training helps define the level of risk involved, the potential equipment required, the training needs and the operational and emergency procedures required for each type of space.

Course Designed For

Confined Space Awareness Course is designed for persons who:

• Wish to learn more about confined spaces
• Identify possible confined spaces
• Are responsible for procuring equipment
• Are responsible for procuring Confined Space training

The completion of this course does not confer any competence or ability to enter confined spaces.

Course Pre-requisites

No prerequisites are required

Course Content

The course primarily consists of:

• Awareness of the accidents and fatalities occurring in Confined Spaces
• Awareness of Confined Space legislation and Approved Codes of Practice.
• Awareness of associated legislation and approved codes
• Recognition and identification of  a confined spaces
• Awareness of the hazards associated with confined spaces
• Define safe systems of work
• Define Confined Space risk levels – Low, Medium, High
• Awareness of suitable equipment for use in Confined Spaces
• Awareness of Health & Hygiene aspects of the confined space environment
• Recognition of the need for Emergency Rescue Procedures.

Course Qualification

HSCT Certificate of Attendance detailing the contents covered.