🕳️ Confined Space Training (Low & Medium Risk): Protecting Workers in Hidden Hazards

Confined spaces are found across almost every industry — from construction and utilities to manufacturing, drainage, agriculture and maintenance work. They don’t have to be tiny or underground to be dangerous. Any space with limited access, poor ventilation or the potential for harmful atmospheres can present serious risks.

That’s why Confined Spaces Training is essential. Whether the environment is low or medium risk, workers need the knowledge and confidence to enter, work and exit safely while staying compliant with legislation.

Why Confined Space Training Matters

1. Confined spaces carry hidden dangers

Some hazards aren’t obvious until you’re already inside. Confined spaces can include:

• Tanks, chambers and manholes

• Basements, culverts or ducts

• Sumps, silos or pits

• Utility access points

• Void spaces you might not immediately recognise as high-risk

Even low-risk spaces can quickly turn dangerous. Training teaches workers how to recognise hazards before they step inside.

2. Legal compliance is mandatory

The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 require employers to avoid entry where possible — and if entry is necessary, to ensure workers are properly trained and competent.

Training helps you comply with:

• Confined Spaces Regulations

• PUWER

• Health and Safety at Work Act

• Site-specific safe systems of work

Failing to train staff can lead to severe legal and financial consequences.

3. Preventing accidents and fatalities

Tragically, confined space incidents often become multiple-fatality events because untrained workers rush in to help colleagues. Training ensures workers understand:

• Atmospheric risks (gases, fumes, oxygen levels)

• Engulfment, flooding or mechanical hazards

• Safe entry and exit procedures

• When not to enter a space

• How to raise the alarm safely

Knowledge saves lives.

4. Building confidence in challenging environments

Working in a confined space can be stressful or intimidating. Training gives workers the reassurance of knowing:

• They understand the risks

• The space is properly assessed

• The correct equipment is in place

• They can communicate clearly with the team outside

Confident workers make safer decisions.

Low vs Medium Risk — What’s the Difference?

Low Risk Confined Spaces

These are typically areas where:

• There is adequate natural ventilation

• No hazardous atmosphere is expected

• The worker can walk in and out easily

• The space is unlikely to change during the task

Training focuses on hazard awareness, safe entry, emergency arrangements and general safety precautions.

Medium Risk Confined Spaces

These spaces require more control measures, including:

• Escape breathing apparatus

• Continuous atmosphere monitoring

• Specific communication systems

• A top-man or standby person

Training prepares workers for:

• Higher-risk atmospheres

• The use of escape sets

• Working to a permit-to-work system

• Emergency procedures and evacuation techniques

What Confined Space Training Covers

At Kentra Training, our low and medium risk courses combine theory with hands-on practice. Training typically includes:

• Legal responsibilities and safe systems of work

• Identifying confined spaces and assessing risks

• Atmospheric testing and monitoring

• Entry procedures & permits

• Using gas monitors and escape sets

• Communication with standby personnel

• Safe working techniques inside the space

• Emergency arrangements and evacuation

Learners leave confident, competent and fully aware of the controls needed to stay safe.

We also deliver an Awareness course, for managers and supervisors, to highlight the hazards and dangers associated with confined spaces.

Who Should Attend?

This training is ideal for:

• Construction workers

• Utilities and drainage teams

• Maintenance engineers

• Agriculture and food processing staff

• Manufacturing and industrial workers

• Anyone entering or supervising confined spaces

Refresher training helps keep knowledge sharp and ensures ongoing compliance.

NPORS Certification or In-House Options

Kentra Training delivers NPORS-accredited Confined space training, nationally recognised by employers across construction and industry. We also offer in-house certification if you’re looking for a site-specific qualification.

Confined Space Awareness – Kentra Training ID Card

Confined Space Low Risk – Kentra Training ID Card or NPORS N702A

Confined Space Medium Risk – Kentra Training ID Card or NPORS N702B

All successful candidates receive a training card upon completion.

Conclusion

Confined spaces present real, sometimes life-threatening risks — even in situations that appear low-risk at first glance. Confined Space Training (Low & Medium Risk) gives workers the awareness, skills and confidence they need to stay safe, respond correctly to hazards and comply with the law.

At Kentra Training, we’ve delivered high-quality safety training for over 25 years. Our confined spaces courses help your team work smarter, safer and more confidently in challenging environments.

👉 Protect your team where it matters most — invest in confined spaces training that saves lives.

📅 Book Your Training Today

Don’t leave confined space safety to chance. Ensure your team has the skills to navigate tight spaces properly and legally.

Contact us today to book your next course or find out more.

📞 Call us: 01606 832 556
📧 Email: office@kentratraining.co.uk 
🌐 Book online: Get in Touch

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Thank you for reading our blog about Confined Space Training, for more details on the individual courses, just follow the links above. 

Our awarding body is National Plant Operators Registration Scheme – NPORS.com