Confined Spaces 

Section 3   Operational Appointments 

3.5   

CO ORDINATING AUTHORISED PERSONS

3.5.1  

Where more than one Authorised Person (Confined Spaces) has been 

appointed for a site, location or geographical area, one of the Authorised 

Persons is to be appointed in writing by the Authorising Engineer to 

undertake the duties of Co ordinating Authorised Person. 

3.5.2  

Where only one Authorised Person is appointed, the Authorised Person is 

to be appointed as and undertake the duties of the Co ordinating 

Authorised Person. 

3.6  

AUTHORISED 

PERSONS

3.6.1  

Authorised Persons are to be site based employees of the Maintenance 

Management Organisation (or MOD employees seconded to the 

Maintenance Management Organisation). Under no circumstances will 

Authorised Persons be permitted to be sub contractors carrying out any 

sub contract works.  

3.6.2  

In urgent circumstances or for training purposes and with the written 

approval of the Co ordinating Authorising Engineer, an Authorising 

Engineer may assume the duties of an Authorised Person within the area 

of appointment as Authorising Engineer. 

Authorised Persons Suitability Criteria 

3.6.3  

To be eligible for appointment, prospective Authorised Persons are to: 

n 

have suitable formal qualifications and appropriate engineering 

training.  Examples of satisfying this requirement are a candidate 

having completed successfully: 

n 

Board of Trade Certificate of Competence or 

n 

an ONC or equivalent, in an appropriate subject and meet the 

minimum requirements for registration as an Engineering 

Technician as defined by the Engineering Council 

n 

be over 23 years of age 

n 

have a minimum of three years' relevant experience which can be: 

n 

previous experience as an Authorised Person (Confined Spaces) 

n 

previous experience in controlling safe systems of work with 

another organisation or 

n 

previous experience in confined space working 

n 

have completed successfully an MOD approved Authorised Person 

(Confined Spaces) training course within the last 3 years 

n 

have an adequate knowledge of: 

n 

these Safety Rules and Procedures and any agreed local 

variations 

16

April 2005