A confined space is a place that is substantially enclosed, where there is a risk of serious injury from hazardous substances or dangerous conditions such as lack of oxygen. Examples include tanks, silos, sewers, and ducts. (HSE Confined Spaces Regulations 1997).

The main hazards include lack of oxygen, harmful gases, fire or explosions, flooding or drowning, entrapment, and difficulty in communication or rescue.

• Low Risk: Shallow entries with continuous natural ventilation, such as meter pits.

• Medium Risk: Deeper entries where a person may need to use escape breathing apparatus, e.g., sewers or tanks with variable conditions.

• High Risk: Where full breathing apparatus and advanced rescue arrangements are required.

It involves identifying hazards, assessing who may be at risk, evaluating the likelihood and severity of incidents, implementing controls, and planning safe systems of work.

The employer or site controller must issue a permit-to-work for confined space entry. This ensures all risks are assessed, controls are in place, and the work is authorised.

Employers must have effective, planned rescue arrangements in place before entry. Relying on the emergency services alone is not sufficient — a trained, equipped rescue team is usually required.

A confined space attendant (often called a hole watch) monitors workers inside, maintains communication, and raises the alarm in an emergency. A standby person may also support rescue or operate safety equipment depending on training.

Yes, candidates working in medium risk confined spaces should be trained in the use of escape breathing apparatus (EBA). For high risk spaces, full working breathing apparatus (SCBA) is required.

Refresher training is usually recommended every 3 years, or sooner if the worker’s role changes, new hazards are introduced, or competence is in doubt.

Emergency procedures must be planned in advance, practiced regularly, and cover communication, evacuation, and rescue. Employers must ensure suitable equipment and trained personnel are available.

Common PPE includes helmet with light, protective clothing, gloves, safety boots, harness with lifeline, and gas detection equipment. Respiratory protection may also be required depending on risk.

Yes, if hazards are permanently eliminated (e.g., tank purged, isolated, and ventilated), the space may no longer be classed as a confined space. However, a risk assessment must confirm this.

A multi-gas detector is typically required to monitor oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic gases such as carbon monoxide or hydrogen sulphide.

City & Guilds courses are nationally recognised vocational qualifications, often required by industry. IIRSM courses are accredited by a leading risk management body and focus on practical application and workplace risk control.

The Confined Space Coach is an AI chatbot designed by INFRATEC Training. It provides instant answers to confined space training, safety, and regulatory questions, based on City & Guilds standards, IIRSM frameworks, and HSE guidance.