Confined Space Training Certificate Risk Assessment & Permit to Work 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the role of the 'attendant' (also called standby person) in a confined space operation?
- To remain outside, maintain communication with entrants, monitor conditions, and initiate rescue if needed (Correct answer)
- To enter the space periodically to check on the entrants
- To operate gas detection equipment inside the space
- To complete the permit to work paperwork after the work is done
Correct answer: To remain outside, maintain communication with entrants, monitor conditions, and initiate rescue if needed
The attendant must remain outside the confined space at all times, maintain continuous communication with entrants, monitor atmospheric conditions, keep a record of who is inside, and initiate the emergency rescue procedure if entrants are in difficulty — without entering the space themselves.
Question 2: Under the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, when is a permit to work system specifically required?
- Where the risk assessment identifies a confined space with significant risk that cannot be eliminated (Correct answer)
- For all confined space entries regardless of risk level
- Only when working in sewers or underground spaces
- Only when more than three people will be entering the space
Correct answer: Where the risk assessment identifies a confined space with significant risk that cannot be eliminated
The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 require a permit to work system where the risk assessment identifies a confined space entry that poses significant risk. The permit documents the safe system of work. Low-risk entries in well-understood spaces with effective controls may not require a formal PTW but must still have a documented safe system.
Question 3: What is the purpose of the 'hot work' section of a confined space permit to work?
- To document additional controls for welding, grinding, or cutting that create ignition and fire risks (Correct answer)
- To record the temperature of the confined space atmosphere
- To specify the clothing requirements for warm environments
- To log the duration of heating equipment use
Correct answer: To document additional controls for welding, grinding, or cutting that create ignition and fire risks
A hot work section addresses the additional hazards of welding, cutting, or grinding inside a confined space: ignition of residual vapours, depletion of oxygen by combustion, generation of toxic fumes, and fire risk. Additional controls such as fire watch, fire extinguisher, and enhanced atmospheric testing are specified.
Question 4: How should the risk assessment for a confined space be reviewed?
- Regularly and whenever there is reason to suspect it is no longer valid, such as a change in process or incident (Correct answer)
- Only once at the initial assessment unless an accident occurs
- Every five years as a legal minimum
- Only when requested by the HSE
Correct answer: Regularly and whenever there is reason to suspect it is no longer valid, such as a change in process or incident
Risk assessments must be reviewed regularly and whenever there is reason to believe they may no longer be valid — for example, after a change in work process, a near miss or accident, a change in the confined space structure, or introduction of new equipment. There is no fixed legal interval but regular review is required.
Question 5: What does 'purging' a confined space mean, and when is it used?
- Displacing hazardous gases with fresh air or an inert gas before entry (Correct answer)
- Testing the atmosphere with a gas detector
- Issuing a permit to work document
- Physically cleaning the interior surfaces
Correct answer: Displacing hazardous gases with fresh air or an inert gas before entry
Purging involves displacing hazardous gases from a confined space by pumping in fresh air or an inert gas. Purging with fresh air reduces flammable and toxic gas concentrations. Purging with inert gas (e.g., nitrogen) prevents ignition risk but creates an oxygen-deficient atmosphere, so entrants need breathing apparatus.
Question 6: What is the significance of a 'negative pressure' or 'vacuum' in a confined space before entry?
- It can draw in hazardous gases from surrounding soil or adjacent systems when the access point is opened (Correct answer)
- It indicates the space is safe from flammable gas
- It confirms the space has been effectively purged
- It means the space is oxygen enriched
Correct answer: It can draw in hazardous gases from surrounding soil or adjacent systems when the access point is opened
A negative pressure (sub-atmospheric pressure) in a confined space means that when the entry point is opened, air rushes in. However, it also means that hazardous gases from surrounding soil, adjacent systems, or residues may have been drawn in during the period of negative pressure. Gas testing after opening is essential.
Confined Space Training Certificate Risk Assessment & Permit to Work 2
What is the role of the 'attendant' (also called standby person) in a confined space operation?