Introduction to Confined Spaces Training

The Confined Spaces Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 (“Confined Spaces Regulations”) were made under the Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 (“the HSW Order”) and come into operation on I June 1999. The Regulations apply in all premises and work situations in Northern Ireland subject to the HSW Order.

Under the confined space regulations 1999 NI it places a duty on the employer to ensure that only competent persons carry out the works within the confined space. It also dictates that Training standards must be appropriate to the task, and to the individual’s roles and responsibilities, so that work can be carried out safely.

Within the L101 Confined Space Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) issued by the HSENI it doesn’t detail the standard in which the training should be completed to.

Highway Safety & Construction Training complete various confined space training program which are accredited and non-accredited schemes approved by CITB for grand aid.

What Training is Adequate For My Job?

Dependent on your industry and contractual agreements there are two main different types of confined spaces training programs, accredited and non-accredited. Highway Safety & Construction Training deliver both accredited and non-accredited schemes which meet the requirements of the L101 Confined Spaces ACOP, Confined Space Regulations 1999 NI and NOS requirements.

Accredited Schemes

There are two main awarding organisations for accrediting confined space qualifications CABWI & City & Guilds. Highway Safety & Construction Training are currently accredited by both for our confined space qualifications. These two Awarding Bodies accredit training providers to deliver training & assessment to the National Occupational Standards (NOS) developed by the Energy & Utility Skills. People may say these qualifications differ but they do not they are the same. CABWI & City & Guilds audit & monitor this training & assessment process ensuring that the training is carried out by competent persons and that the training organisation has adequate resources and equipment for delivery.

The Qualifications are structured into confined space risk categorisations taken from the Water Uk OGN Classification of Confined Space entries. The qualifications are further sub categorised as Water & Non-Water qualifications to suit Engineering or Water organisations

Non-accredited Schemes

Highway Safety & Construction Training’s non-accredited confined space training courses meet the requirements of the L101 Confined Spaces ACOP & NOS standards. These schemes meet the legislative requirements as detailed in the Confined Spaces Regulations 1999 NI. Our non-accredited schemes are delivered to the highest of standards and internally quality assured as per our ISO 9001:2015 procedure. These qualifications are accepted by many organisations within the water & engineering sectors. Remember always ask the client what they want or accept.

If you are unsure of what training you require don’t be afraid to contact us.