Confined Space Training Certificate Risk Assessment & Permit to Work 2

Question 1

What is the role of the 'attendant' (also called standby person) in a confined space operation?

Accepted Answer

To remain outside, maintain communication with entrants, monitor conditions, and initiate rescue if needed

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Where the risk assessment identifies a confined space with significant risk that cannot be eliminated

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

To document additional controls for welding, grinding, or cutting that create ignition and fire risks

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Regularly and whenever there is reason to suspect it is no longer valid, such as a change in process or incident

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Displacing hazardous gases with fresh air or an inert gas before entry

Answer

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.

Confined Space Practice Test

Confined Space Practice Test

Confined Space Training Certificate Risk Assessment & Permit to Work 2