Confined spaces in construction high risk
Standard details
Duration
Minimum 3 days of 6 learning hours.
Purpose/scope
The purpose of this standard is about safe entry into confined spaces with non-standard, hazardous entries which, in consequence, makes rescue difficult. Entry may involve complex entry procedures with work-specific controls and rescue arrangements.
It will entail the use of self-contained open circuit breathing apparatus, specialist detection equipment, resuscitation equipment, and will require the presence of personnel who have designated responsibilities for dealing with emergencies.
The scope of this standard covers:
- confined spaces: definition
- specified risks, risk assessment and training
- safe systems of work, permits to work
- roles and responsibilities (e.g. top man/bottom man duties)
- atmospheric hazards and gases
- principles and use of gas detectors
- inspection and use of escape sets and working breathing apparatus
- pre use checks, correct donning & adjustment of harness
- inspection and applications of tripods, winches and fall arrest equipment
- emergency procedures
- practical exercises and assessments
Occupational relevance
Training delivered against this standard would be relevant to the following occupational group(s):
- operative and craft
- supervision
Candidate pre-requisites
Candidates need to have previous experience of working in confined spaces and attended low/medium risk training. Candidates need to be over 18, in good health and physically fit.
Instruction/supervision
As a minimum, course instructors must be able to demonstrate that, in relation to this standard, they have:
- a train the trainer or instructional techniques course certificate
- successfully completed training to this standard
- at least 2 years relevant industrial experience
- a verifiable CV.
Delivery
Delivery may be in an on or off the job environment and will include opportunities to practice using specialist personal protective equipment (PPE) in confined spaces, though it is recommended that this training facility should not be subject to ‘live’ unknown risks, but simulated, mitigating risk of harm.
All materials and equipment must be of a suitable quality and quantity for candidates to achieve learning outcomes, and must comply with relevant legislation.
The class size and candidate/instructor ratio must allow training to be delivered in a safe manner and enable candidates to achieve the learning outcomes, recommended maximum 1:12 for theory and 1:6 for practical.
The following delivery methods may not be used in the delivery of this standard:
- e-learning
This standard is considered to contain 51% or more practical learning.
This standard is considered to be set at an intermediate level.
Assessment
For the successful completion of training, candidates must complete an end of course practical assessment or knowledge test that measures the learning outcomes and has a pass or fail criteria.
Quality assurance
Quality assurance against this standard will require initial approval of the training organisation and their content mapped to the standard.
CITB will also conduct an approval intervention, either desk-based or centre visit, to ensure the training organisation can meet the requirements of the training standard.
Approved training organisations (ATOs) will be required to present information on records of training and assessment upon request to CITB for desk based analysis. They will also be visited annually by the CITB quality assurance team.
Renewal/refresher
Recommended refresher: Health & Safety Executive (HSE), other relevant codes of practice or industry card scheme criteria recommend that the candidate completes a refresher of his/her training, (i.e. to ensure their knowledge and/or skills are up to date) every 3 years.
Approval date
TBC
Review cycle
Either on request or in 3 years from approval date.
Learning outcomes
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The candidate will be able to: |
Additional guidance to support learning outcome: |
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define a “confined space” |
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interpret and interrogate a formal risk assessment |
to include
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describe what “safe systems of work” should be implemented in different confined space scenarios. |
to include:
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describe specific roles and responsibilities |
including top man/bottom man |
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prepare to work safely in high risk confined spaces |
including assessing and/or carrying out risk assessment, determining safe system of work, choosing appropriate equipment |
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enter and exit high risk confined spaces safely |
practice and practical assessment in order to enter, work and safely exit |
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use specialist PPE including
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to include
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explain appropriate behaviour when working in high risk confined spaces |
examples of inappropriate behaviour may help to highlight appropriate behaviour |
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apply appropriate industry specific knowledge for working in high risk confined spaces |
Additional information about this standard
Guides from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
- Confined spaces: a brief guide to working safely (PDF download)
- A technical guide to the selection and use of fall prevention and arrest equipment
- Safe work in confined spaces (PDF download)
- Managing health and safety in construction (PDF download)
- Principal contractors: roles and responsibilities
- Designers: roles and responsibilities
Guides from CITB
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