Background to the course

Quarries and associated plants have confined spaces, some of which are more recognisable than others.  The entry of persons should be a last resort, but is often essential and the only means to clean, maintain and repair vessels, bunkers, hoppers and other common plant.   Legislation requires that work in confined spaces is carried out in a controlled and closely supervised manner by trained and competent persons.  The responsibility to provide safe arrangements to manage confined spaces risks rests with employers and quarry operators, who will normally discharge this responsibility through managers and supervisors.

This course will provide those managers and supervisors with the basic knowledge and skills required to identify confined spaces on their sites and to secure compliance with the specific requirements of the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 and the more general requirements of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. 

Who Should Attend?

Managers, supervisors and key permit to work/safe systems of work staff, or anyone who needs an appreciation of the management of the safe entry into confined spaces.

Course Objectives

To provide course members with the knowledge and skills to enable them to supervise the   entire process of working in confined spaces and to be able to select the correct personnel and equipment for the work.

Course Content

The main topics are:

• Definition of a confined space
• Identification and classification of confined spaces
• The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997
• Hazards associated with confined spaces in the extractive and mineral processing sector
• Gas detection, heat and  humidity and workplace precautions
• Equipment for  working in confined spaces
• Risk assessment and risk control measures
• Safe systems of work and permit to work
• Selection of personnel

Course Structure and Delivery Methods

An assessed one-day interactive course with short tutorial inputs, group discussion, case studies and exercises. Practical demonstrations and written knowledge tests, leading to the EPIC Certificate of Achievement for those successful in the assessments.

Contact details

For further details telephone EPIC on 01727 869008, or email your enquiry to info@epicltd.co.uk