Confined Spaces 

Section 8   Training

8.2.5  

Training records are to be used by Authorising Engineers in the 

assessment of prospective Authorised Persons. 

8.3   

CONFINED SPACES WORK TEAM

8.3.1  

Confined space workers are required to have successfully undertaken 

suitable training and meet the following criteria: 

n 

hold a current Confined Spaces Training Course certificate 

acceptable to the Authorised Person.  Refresher training will be 

required at maximum three year intervals.  The frequency of refresher 

training will depend on how long it has been since the type of work 

was last done, or if there have been changes to methods of work, 

safety procedures or equipment 

n 

have attended Emergency First Aid training to comply with statutory 

requirements and, if determined by the risk assessment, be trained as 

a First Aider in the use of resuscitation equipment, or undergone 

special hazard training.  Emergency First Aid training should be 

repeated at least every three years 

n 

have sufficient experience of the work to be undertaken as 

determined by the Authorised Person. 

8.3.2  

Any employer of a Confined Space Worker is to provide such information, 

instruction, training and supervision to staff, as is necessary, to comply 

with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act and the Confined Spaces 

Regulations. Supervisors and workers are to be given suitable training in 

safe working practices. 

8.3.3  

All confined space working courses should be provided by a 

Professional Training Organisation and meet the requirements of the 

Approved Code of Practice, Regulations and Guidance for Safe Work in 

Confined Spaces published by HSE.  Specific training will depend on an 

individuals previous experience and the type of work they will be doing.  

The courses are likely to need to cover: 

n 

an awareness of the Confined Space Regulations and, in particular, 

the need to avoid entry to a confined space, unless it is not  

reasonably practicable to do so, in accordance with regulation 4(1) 

n 

an understanding of the work to be undertaken, the hazards, and the 

necessary precautions 

n 

understanding of safe systems of work, with particular reference to 

`permits to work' 

n 

how emergencies arise, the need to follow prepared emergency 

arrangements, and the dangers of not doing so 

n 

use of atmospheric testing equipment, and the action to take 

depending on the readings 

n 

use of breathing apparatus and escape sets (self rescuers), their 

maintenance, cleaning and storage 

n 

use of other items of PPE 

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April 2005