Introduction

Employers have a duty to ensure that they provide such information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of their employees.

For Confined Space working there are potentially a number of different levels of supervision required, such as:

  • The “Supervisor” or person who risk assesses the Space, issues the procedure and writes the permit to enter. May never have to enter the space and may not control the completion of any permit.  May open, complete and close entry permits but will be responsible for auditing for compliance with all confined space entries, procedures and permits.
  • The “Supervisor” or person in charge of the entry. This may be the Top Man who may be given responsibility to open, complete and close Entry Permits and who will be given the responsibility to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken prior to entry and to check safety at each stage of the task. This person must:
    • maintain constant communications with entrants
    • never enter the confined space
    • never leave the entry point unless relieved by another competent person.
  • The “Supervisor” or person who supervises the entrants and who directs work within the space.

The duties associated with a supervisors responsibilities are:

  • To establish effective communications between supervisor and confined space attendant.
  • To assure adequate protection is provided to the entrants by verifying adequate lockout/tagout and that all hazards are securely isolated.
  • To support the attendant’s authority in controlling access to a confined space.
  • To verify that all personnel have exited prior to closing the space.
  • To assure that all personnel involved are aware of the hazards associated with the space.
  • To assure that rescue services are available prior to entry.
  • To monitor entrants during the job and during entry & exit to help insure their safety.
  • To maintain constant communications between attendant and entrants
  • To monitor atmospheric conditions in the space prior to and during entry.
  • To control access to the confined space.
  • To summon emergency assistance as needed.
  • To assess hazards in and around the space, and take action on the same.
  • To keep records of confined space work, such as air test results, personnel entry/exit, etc.

To ensure all entrants know who the responsible person in the confined space is.

Relevant Statutory Provisions

  • The Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978
  • The Management of Health and Safety at Work (NI) Regs 2000
  • The Confined Spaces Regulations (NI) 1999
  • The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) NI Regs
  • The Provision and Use of Work Equipment NI Regs 1999
  • The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (NI) 1999
  • The Personal Protective Equipment at Work (NI) Regs 1993
  • The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
  • The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health NI Regs 2003
  • The Electricity at Work Regulations (NI) 1991
  • The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regs (NI) 1997

Course Designed For

The Confined Space Supervisor Course is designed for all persons who may or may wish to be responsible for all or some of the following:

  • Confined Space Risk Assessments. Design, review and revise.
  • Confined Space Permit to Work. Design, completion, and auditing.
  • Method Statements. Design, review and revision.
  • Inspection & Testing.  Design, assessment and auditing.
  • Health Issues. Need for surveillance, etc
  • Confined Space emergencies and rescue.

Course Pre-requisites

Learners must be medically fit to attend this course. Confirmation of a valid medical certificate may be required prior to course commencement

Valid and current Confined Space Entrant Certificate.

Candidates are required to hold the relevant operative qualifications in which they will be supervising. This will ensure that they will have sufficient knowledge and understanding to the specific risk classifications ie;

  • Low Risk
  • Medium Risk
  • High Risk

Course Content

The course primarily consists of

  • Confined Space and other relevant legislation.
  • Confined Space Risk Assessment
  • Confined Space Permits to Work
  • Confine Space Method Statements
  • Confined Space Toolbox Talks
  • Confined Space Communications
  • Confined Space Equipment testing and inspection
  • Confined Space Emergency contact and rescue procedures.
  • Confined Space accident investigations

CITB Grant is available for levy paying companies here

Course Qualification

Learners will obtain certification from HSCT

Registration card can be issued upon request

Refresher Training

3 Years until refresher is required as per HSE guidance (Full course)

Course Venue

HSCT facilities

Other approved venue

Course Duration

1 Day

Course Size

12 Candidates per instructor

6 Candidates per assessor

Course Assessment 

  • Written Questionnaire
  • Practical Assessment