Confined Spaces

We offer a suite of Confined Space training courses at our North West Training Centre including practical assessment in a National Category 4 Confined Space (NC4) as defined by Water UK.

Low-risk confined space training (CABWI or City & Guilds) is aimed at personnel working in environments with easy entry/exit. good ventilation. and minimal risks, such as shallow inspection chambers, meter pits, and staircase enclosures. It is designed for those requiring legal compliance, covering gas detection. safe entry, exit and emergency procedure. This training is completed iin 1-day.

Medium Risk Confined Space Training prepares workers to safely enter environments where hazards may be present but are controlled through safe systems of work. Training for entrant only focuses on hazard identification, risk assessments, safe entry and exit procedures, gas monitoring, communication methods, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency procedures. Training for entrant with entry controller responsibilities includes these elements plus supervising the entry point, managing permit-to-work systems, monitoring conditions outside the space, maintaining communication with entrants, controlling site access, and coordinating emergency arrangements. These qualifications are commonly delivered through awarding bodies such as City & Guilds and CABWI. The main difference is that City & Guilds offers a broad range of regulated vocational qualifications across many industries, while CABWI (Certification and Assessment Board for the Water Industry) specialises in qualifications specifically developed for the water and utilities sector.

High Risk Confined Space Training is designed for work in environments where significant atmospheric hazards exist and breathing apparatus is required, making it more advanced than medium risk training. The course includes the use, inspection, and maintenance of breathing apparatus, gas detection and atmospheric monitoring, advanced risk assessments, safe systems of work, team roles and communication, emergency planning, and practical rescue techniques. Like medium risk training, high risk confined space qualifications are available through both City & Guilds and CABWI, with CABWI courses typically aligned more closely to water and utility industry standards, while City & Guilds qualifications are widely recognised across multiple sectors.