Confined Space Training Certificate Risk Assessment & Permit to Work 3

Question 1

What information should a confined space risk assessment specifically identify about the space?

Accepted Answer

All likely hazards, who might be harmed, existing controls, and required additional control measures

Answer

A confined space risk assessment must identify all likely hazards (atmospheric, physical, biological, thermal), who might be harmed (entrants, attendants, passers-by), existing controls and their adequacy, and the additional control measures needed. It must be suitable, sufficient, and documented.

Question 2

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, who must carry out a risk assessment?

Accepted Answer

The employer, or a competent person appointed by the employer

Answer

The employer has the legal duty to carry out risk assessments under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. In practice, a competent person appointed by the employer conducts the assessment on their behalf. The employer retains legal responsibility.

Question 3

What does a 'dynamic risk assessment' mean in confined space work?

Accepted Answer

An ongoing assessment of conditions throughout the work, adjusting controls if conditions change

Answer

A dynamic risk assessment is the continuous process of reassessing conditions during the work itself. Workers and attendants must monitor changing conditions (gas levels, weather, adjacent operations) and be empowered to stop work and evacuate if conditions deteriorate unexpectedly.

Question 4

What is the purpose of 'lock-out tag-out' (LOTO) in confined space isolation procedures?

Accepted Answer

To physically lock energy isolation devices in the safe position and tag them so they cannot be re-energised without authorisation

Answer

Lock-out tag-out ensures that once an energy source (electrical switch, valve, mechanical coupling) is isolated for confined space entry, it is physically locked in the isolated position. A tag identifies who applied the lock and why. No one can restore power until the lock is removed by the authorised person.

Question 5

What action should a risk assessment require before using mechanical ventilation in a confined space?

Accepted Answer

Confirm the ventilation inlet is placed in clean air, not recirculating contaminated air, and the air is directed throughout the space

Answer

Mechanical ventilation must draw from a clean air source — placing the inlet in contaminated air will pump hazardous gases into the space. The air supply must be directed throughout the space (not just near the entry point) and ventilation must be continuous during occupation.

Confined Space Practice Test

Confined Space Practice Test

Confined Space Training Certificate Risk Assessment & Permit to Work 3