Confined Spaces 

Section 8   Training

n 

instruction in the communication methods to be used whilst in the 

confined space. 

8.3.4  

Training must include practical use of safety features and equipment, the 

identification of defects and involve demonstrations and practical 

exercises. 

8.3.5  

Guidance on Confined Space Training Course requirements for personnel 

involved with confined space working including members of the work 

team outside the confined space is given below.  The content and duration 

of confined spaces courses will vary depending on the training provider.  

The requirements provide a base line for determining the suitability of a 

training course for a particular task. 

8.3.6 

For low risk confined space working, formal site specific training in 

safe working procedures and confined space awareness may be sufficient.  

The training requirements should be based on the risk assessment.  

See Common Elements and Requirements. 

TASKS 

INITIAL  

REFRESHER 

Person in Charge controlled access Low 

1 day awareness course for responsible 

1 day refresher course 

Risk confined spaces 

persons 

Personnel required to enter simple 

2 day  vertical shaft/manhole entry 

1 day refresher course  

manholes, pump wells or similar 

course 

confined spaces 

Personnel required to enter and traverse 

3 day safe working in confined spaces 

2 day refresher course 

sewers/ducts etc. including multi landing 

course 

manholes 

Personnel required to work in BA 

Breathing apparatus wearers course in 

Breathing apparatus wearers course 

conjunction with a confined space 

course  

Personnel required to execute a rescue 

4 day safe working in confined spaces 

2 day refresher course 

from a  confined space 

course 

plus regular training exercises 

plus additional practical training 

exercises 

Authorised Person (Confined Spaces) 

MOD approved AP(CS) training course   

MOD approved AP(CS) refresher course 

mandatory 

  mandatory 

8.4   

CONFINED SPACES  "VISITORS"

8.4.1  

Persons who do not normally undertake confined space work but may need 

to enter to undertake a specific task, e.g. an engineering inspection, may 

not need to have attended a formal training course subject to the results of 

the risk assessment. 

8.4.2  

Such persons must be under the direct control of the Person in Charge and 

have been given sufficient on site instruction and information relating to 

safe working and emergency procedures. 

8.4.3  

The Authorised Person must be satisfied that the inclusion of the person 

does not present an increase in risk to the team entering the space. 

April 2005 

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