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Confined Space Training

About Confined Spaces

A confined space is defined as any space whether it be a cellar, pit, vessel, bund, tank container or any other space which creates an environment that is dangerous by virtue of the substantially enclosed nature of the space. The danger may be due to one or more of the following:

  • a lack of oxygen in the chamber which may lead to suffocation;
  • an excess of oxygen which could lead to increased risk of fire or explosion;
  • toxic atmosphere which contains harmful fumes, gasses or vapors in the chamber;
  • flammable or explosive atmospheres in the chamber which could be due to flammable liquids of gasses or due to combustible dust particles in the air;
  • excessively high temperatures which could increase the risk of heat stroke;
  • free flowing solids or increasing liquids which could lead to drowning, asphyxiation, burns or other injuries.

Every employer or self-employed person is responsible for managing the health and safety of persons working in, or entering, an area that can be defined as a confined space and lists the responsibilities which include:

  • provision of information, instruction and training to anyone entering confined spaces;
  • provision of a means of raising the alarm in the event of an emergency;
  • availability of safety equipment near to the confined space;
  • provision of training to anyone involved in rescue procedures etc.

For more information on the definition of confined spaces see the Health and Safety Authority pages which deal with Confined Spaces and the HSE guide to working safely in confined spaces (PDF).

Clive Kelly Safety offers Confined Spaces training throughout Ireland. The course covers General Confined Space Regulations, Types of Hazards, Risk Assessment, Safe Systems and Procedures, Personal Protection Equipment and Detection Equipment, Rescue Procedures.

Course Duration

This is a 1 day safety awareness course course and can cater for up to a maximum 6 candidates. The course is held at the clients premises and is not a public course.

Course Description

The course is suitable for Managers, Supervisors and Operators who may need to supervise entry with Permits for entry into a Confined Space.. The course helps candidates to develop an awareness of the potential (often invisible) hazards that exist in confined spaces and the precautions needed to reduce the risk of serious injuries. The course ensures that employers meet the requirements of training employees before they enter a confined space and develops an awareness of the legal regulations associated with working in confined spaces.

Course Location

The course is offered at the clients premises on-site or at a suitable venue close to your location (venue to arranged by the client). Please contact Clive Kelly Safety if for a quotation or for more information on our training course.

Confined Space Training summary

Course Objectives

  • Provide an insight into what constitutes a confined space and the hazards associated with working in a confined spaces;
  • Develop an understanding of systems and procedures that should be put in place when working in a confined space;
  • Make sure that candidates know what to do in the case of an emergency;
  • Develop an awareness of the regulations associated with working in confined spaces;

Course Content

  • Introduction – definition of confined spaces, types of hazards, case studies;
  • Regulations – SHAWW 2005,  Employer and Employee responsibilities;
  • Hazardous atmospheres – Gasses, fumes, vapours, oxygen;
  • Equipment – gas monitors, lighting, access equipment, alarms;
  • Safe systems of work – supervision, competent staff, risk assessments, controls, emergency plans, equipment, permit to work and method statement;
  • Hygiene – Infectious Diseases, Weils Disease, Hepatitis;

The course includes:

  • Practical exercises based on your companies safe systems at work;
  • A theory and a practical assessment.