OPITO Certified Confined Space Awareness Training for Personnel Who Require Theoretical Understanding and Awareness
Across the Energy Sector Confined Space Entry is a frequent operation which always carries with it an inherent risk. Competent training and assessment in Confined Space Awareness will allow personnel to gain the valuable knowledge and understanding in order to reduce this risk at the workplace.
Any space of an enclosed nature where there is a risk of death or serious injury from hazardous substances or dangerous conditions within the space or nearby. A space that is large enough and so configured that a person can bodily enter and perform assigned work and has limited or restricted means for entry or exit and is not designed for continuous human occupancy.
Upon completion of the course the learner will have an awareness of the generic hazards and associated risks encountered when undertaking Confined Space Tasks and the generic safety regimes and safety management systems in place to control and mitigate risks associated with hazards.
The Confined Space Awareness training program is designed for personnel across the energy sector who require a theoretical understanding and awareness of Confined Spaces, associated hazards and guidance.
- Duration: 7 hours (1 day)
- Validity: 3 years
- Prerequisites: None
Confined Space Awareness
OPITO Confined Space Awareness Training
Applicable regional legislation and guidelines
- HSE Safe work in confined Spaces: Confined Spaces Regulations 1997
- Confined spaces A brief guide to working safely – Where regionally specific legislation and guideline exist, these should be referenced.
Confined Space definitions and Recognition
- Any space of an enclosed nature where there is a risk of death or serious injury from hazardous substances or dangerous conditions within the space or nearby.
- A space that is large enough and so configured that a person can bodily enter and perform assigned work and has limited or restricted means for entry or exit and is not designed for continuous human occupancy.
- Examples of confined spaces
Hazards associated with confined spaces
- Abnormal O2 levels
- Presence of gas, fumes of vapour
- Presence of liquids
- Fire and explosion
- Hazardous residues
- Dust in high concentrations
- Excessive heat
- Ingress of water of free-flowing solids
- Exacerbation of hazards in a confined space
Hazards arising from work conducted in confined spaces
- Ignition sources from plant
- Dust, gas, fume or vapour production
- Electric shock from plant operation
- Creation of a confined space due to work carried out
- Restricted access or egress
- O2 deficiency
- Noise Confined Space Awareness
- Loss of structural integrity
Roles and Responsibilities for confined space entry including restrictions
- Duty holders
- Training and experience
- Supervision
- Workers / Entrants
- Attendants / Top Man
Atmospheric testing in confined spaces
- Testing for hazardous gases and O2
- Testing for flammable, toxic and/or explosive atmospheres
- When to test incl:
- Prior to entry
- Following ventilation or purging
- Continuous monitoring
- Monitoring and testing equipment
- Competent testers
Safe Systems of work for confined spaces
- Main elements
- Conduct of Risk Assessment
PPE and RPE and equipment used in confined spaces
- Working duration SCBA, escape sets and airlines (pressurized cascade air supply system)
- Various types and uses
- Associated hazards
Communication methods when working in confined spaces
- An adequate communication system must be in place and should enable communication
Emergency procedures and rescue plans and require equipment
- Regulatory requirements
- Risk and task-based emergency arrangements in place
- Raising the alarm and rescue
- Emergency Equipment, In line with requirements of the emergency response plan.
Toolbox talk and Dynamic Risk Assessment prior to confined space entry
- Toolbox talk structure and associated documentation
- Definition of a dynamic risk assessment
- Required steps when conducting a dynamic risk assessment
- Conducting and recording of TBT and a dynamic risk assessment
Disclaimer: For general information purpose only - please check with OPITO for the latest and accurate information on Training Standards
Last Updated: May 25, 2021