Confined Space Training
Courses
Confined spaces are a very common hazard throughout the industry. Personnel entering these spaces are required by law to be adequately trained, according to the level of risk. Common hazards encountered include dangerous gases and toxic substances as well as lack of oxygen. A great number of personnel are killed and injured on an annual basis as a result of these spaces. Awareness and practical training is essential.
Our courses comply with all current regulations and the requirements of the National Occupational Standards. Those who complete assessments successfully can choose to receive City & Guilds 6160 certification where available, or our ITS certificate if preferred which is in alignment with this.
FAQ
It can be any space of an enclosed nature where there is a risk of death or serious injury from hazardous substances or dangerous conditions (eg lack of oxygen). sewers. unventilated or poorly ventilated rooms.
Spaces that are enclosed have limited entrances and exits, inadequate ventilation, and are not designed to be occupied regularly. As a result of the lack of ventilation in enclosed spaces, toxic gases are generated and stored within these areas, which are either produced from chemicals within or leaks from surrounding pipelines. Due to the restricted air movement, any flammable atmosphere cannot disperse.
At ITS we require all participants to sign a self declaration form before taking part in any of our training courses.
Confined spaces are places which is substantially enclosed (though not always entirely), and where serious injury can occur from hazardous substances or conditions within the space or nearby (e.g. lack of oxygen).
We offer a number of training course at our main facility in Portadown.
We also offer a mobile training unit which is available across the entire island of Ireland
Under domestic law (the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974) employers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their employees and others. This responsibility is reinforced by regulations.
The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997
Apply where the assessment identifies risks of serious injury from working in these spaces.
These regulations contain the following key duties:
- avoid entry if possible
- if entry to a space is unavoidable, follow a safe system of work
- put in place adequate emergency arrangements before the work start
spaces such as manholes, crawl spaces, and tanks – are not designed for continuous occupancy and are difficult to exit in the event of an emergency. People working in confined spaces face life-threatening hazards including toxic substances, electrocutions, explosions, and asphyxiation.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Require employers and self-employed people to carry out a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks for all work activities for the purpose of deciding what measures are necessary for safety. For work in confined spaces this means identifying the hazards present, assessing the risks and determining what precautions to take.
Yes – we can provide on-site and bespoke training at our main location in Portadown Co.Armagh.
Or we can provide a mobile unit to come to you anywhere in Ireland
Working in a enclosed space is dangerous because of the risks from noxious fumes, reduced oxygen levels, or a risk of fire. Other dangers may include flooding/drowning or asphyxiation from some other source such as dust, grain or other contaminant.
Source: https://www.hse.gov.uk/toolbox/confined.htm
This is why we advise you and your staff are prepared for such hazzards.
Do…
- be aware of the risks that may occur
- make sure the person doing the work is capable and trained in both the work and the use of any emergency equipment
Don’t…
- work in these spaces unless it’s essential to do so
- ignore the risks – just because the space is safe one day doesn’t mean it will always be
- let others enter the space until you are sure it’s safe to do so
Lack of oxygen is a leading cause of death among workers entering confined spaces. Low oxygen levels cannot be detected by sight or smell. You must test the air for this hazardous condition.
