Confined spaces in construction low risk
Standard details
Duration
Minimum 1 day of 6 learning hours.
Purpose/scope
The purpose of this standard is to provide operatives with an understanding of the requirements of and practice in working in low and medium risk confined space environments.
The scope of this standard covers:
- confined spaces: definition
- risk assessment and training
- safe systems of work
- marking, fencing and permits to work and access control
- specialist personal protective equipment (PPE) including practice in the use of masks, harnesses, hoists, gas detectors, escape breathing apparatus and an overview of working breathing apparatus
- emergency procedures
- practice sessions
- dangers and responses
Occupational relevance
Training delivered against this standard would be relevant to the following occupational group(s):
- operative and craft
- supervision.
Candidate pre-requisites
There are no candidate pre-requisites as part of this standard.
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 as a fitter
- a verifiable CV.
Delivery
Delivery may be in an on or off the job environment and will include opportunities to practice using specialist 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 per cent or more theoretical 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
To be confirmed
Review cycle
Either on request or in 3 years from approval date.
Learning outcomes
| The candidate will be able to: | Additional guidance to support learning outcome |
|---|---|
|
define a “confined space” |
to include confined space classifications and examples |
|
interpret and interrogate a formal risk assessment |
to include
|
|
describe what “safe systems of work” should be implemented in different confined space scenarios. |
to include rescue requirements and dealing with emergency situations; manning levels and communications |
|
explain the roles of marking, fencing, permits to work and access control |
managing confined spaces, to include documentation, safety zones |
|
enter and exit a low risk confined space |
practice and practical assessment |
|
explain the use of specialist PPE in medium and high risk confined spaces, including masks, harnesses, hoists, gas detectors, breathing apparatus |
to include checking of equipment; ‘donning and doffing’ procedures; face seals and face fit testing advice; ‘top person’ record charts and entrance to base assessments; dangers of ‘working at height’; equipment care |
|
identify the onset of danger and respond appropriately |
real-time assessment of risk and responses; possible scenarios |
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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