Accredited confined space training courses for operatives, supervisors, managers and contractors. The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 require employers to avoid entry where reasonably practicable and, where entry cannot be avoided, to ensure a safe system of work and suitable emergency arrangements are in place — making competent training essential before anyone enters a confined space.

Courses cover confined space awareness, safe entry procedures, atmospheric testing, breathing apparatus, emergency rescue, gas monitoring and respiratory protective equipment, including City & Guilds low, medium and high risk qualifications and face fit testing. Classroom, online and on-site delivery options are available.

Jump to a course

Low Risk (6160-01) Medium Risk (6160-09) High Risk (6160-03) Working in Confined Spaces Awareness Entry (1 Day) Entry (2 Day) Face Fit Testing

City & Guilds confined space qualifications

City & Guilds 6160-01

Low Risk Confined Spaces

Operative level

Training for operatives working in low-risk confined spaces such as shallow chambers and valve pits with minimal atmospheric risk and straightforward access.

City & Guilds 6160-09

Medium Risk Confined Spaces

Operative level

Medium-risk confined space training covering atmospheric testing, entry procedures and the use of escape breathing apparatus.

City & Guilds 6160-03

High Risk Confined Spaces

Advanced — breathing apparatus

Advanced confined space training for high-risk environments requiring full breathing apparatus and emergency rescue procedures.

Awareness and entry training

Awareness — e-learning

Working in Confined Spaces

Awareness level

Awareness-level online training for individuals who need an understanding of confined space hazards and the risks involved.

Awareness

Confined Space Awareness

Supervisor & manager level

Awareness training for supervisors and managers responsible for planning and overseeing confined space activities.

Practical

Confined Space Entry (1 Day)

Entry level — 1 day

Practical confined space entry training covering safe entry procedures, atmospheric testing and the use of PPE.

Advanced

Confined Space Entry (2 Day)

Entry level — 2 day

Advanced confined space training including full breathing apparatus, rescue procedures and emergency response.

RPE

Respiratory Protective Equipment & Face Fit Testing

RPE — face fit testing

Training focused on selecting, fitting and maintaining respiratory protective equipment for hazardous and confined environments.

Who should attend

Confined space operatives
Entry & standby teams
Supervisors & managers
Utilities & water workers
Drainage & sewer teams
Construction & tunnelling
Maintenance & plant staff
Rescue teams
Health & safety officers
Contractors & duty holders

Why confined space training matters

Legal obligation

The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 require a safe system of work and suitable emergency arrangements before entry. Accredited training helps employers demonstrate the competence the regulations require.

Reduce serious risk

Confined spaces can kill quickly through oxygen deficiency, toxic gases and explosive atmospheres. Training helps workers recognise these life-threatening hazards before they enter.

Safe entry and permits

Training covers permit-to-work systems, atmospheric testing and safe entry procedures, so work is authorised, planned and communicated before anyone goes in.

Emergency preparedness

Rescue arrangements are critical. Training covers rescue planning, communication systems and emergency response so teams are ready before entry takes place.

Respiratory protection

Where dangerous atmospheres exist, suitable breathing apparatus and correctly fit-tested RPE can be life-saving. Training covers selection, use and maintenance.

Demonstrate due diligence

Documented, accredited training provides evidence of compliance during HSE inspections, insurance assessments and following any incident — reducing liability exposure.

Frequently asked questions

A confined space is an enclosed or partially enclosed area that is not designed for continuous occupancy and where there is a foreseeable risk of serious injury from hazardous conditions. Examples include tanks, silos, sewers, tunnels, chambers, pits, ducts, utility vaults and enclosed plant. The risk comes not only from the space itself but from dangerous atmospheres such as oxygen deficiency, toxic gases or explosive vapours.
The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 require employers to avoid entry to confined spaces where reasonably practicable; where entry cannot be avoided, work must follow a safe system of work and suitable emergency arrangements must be in place before entry begins. While no single course is named in law, anyone working in or supervising confined space work must be competent, and accredited training is the recognised way to demonstrate that competence.
Low risk (City & Guilds 6160-01) covers spaces with minimal atmospheric risk and straightforward access, such as shallow chambers and valve pits. Medium risk (6160-09) adds atmospheric testing, entry procedures and the use of escape breathing apparatus. High risk (6160-03) covers complex spaces requiring full breathing apparatus and emergency rescue procedures. The right level depends on the spaces you enter and the hazards involved.
It depends on your role and the spaces you work in. Awareness courses suit those needing a general understanding, and supervisors planning confined space work. Operatives entering confined spaces should take the appropriate low, medium or high risk course, or confined space entry training, matched to the hazards present. Anyone using respiratory protective equipment should also complete face fit testing. If you are unsure, our team can help match a course to your work.
A permit-to-work is a formal, documented system that ensures confined space entry is authorised, planned and communicated before work begins. It records the hazards, the controls in place, atmospheric test results, who is entering, and the emergency arrangements. Permit systems are a key part of working safely in higher-risk confined spaces and are covered in entry-level and risk-rated training.
Respiratory protective equipment only protects the wearer if it fits correctly and forms an effective seal. Face fit testing confirms that a specific mask suits an individual’s face, and is a legal expectation where tight-fitting RPE is relied upon. It is particularly important in confined spaces, where dangerous atmospheres mean respiratory protection can be life-critical.

Related guidance

Confined spaces guidance Risk assessment Hazardous substances (COSHH) Personal protective equipment Working at height training Construction safety courses All health & safety courses