Confined Space Training Certificate Risk Assessment & Permit to Work 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 state about avoiding confined space entry?
- Entry should be avoided unless it is not reasonably practicable to do the work from outside (Correct answer)
- Entry is always prohibited without a full risk assessment
- Entry is only permitted with a permit to work in all circumstances
- Employers must consult the HSE before any confined space entry
Correct answer: Entry should be avoided unless it is not reasonably practicable to do the work from outside
Regulation 4 of the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 establishes a hierarchy: first, avoid entry if reasonably practicable by doing the work from outside. If entry is unavoidable, a safe system of work must be established. Entry should be the last resort, not the first option.
Question 2: Which regulation requires employers to carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for confined space work?
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (Correct answer)
- Confined Spaces Regulations 1997
- PUWER 1998
- COSHH Regulations 2002
Correct answer: Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for all work activities, including confined space entry. The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 then specify the safe system of work requirements.
Question 3: A permit to work for confined space entry should include which of the following information?
- Location, nature of work, hazards identified, precautions, equipment required, duration, and emergency procedures (Correct answer)
- Only the names of the people entering
- Gas test results only with a signature
- A general description of the work without specific hazard details
Correct answer: Location, nature of work, hazards identified, precautions, equipment required, duration, and emergency procedures
A permit to work is a formal document that records: the exact location and nature of the work, identified hazards, control measures and precautions taken, equipment required, duration of the permit, gas test results, names of entrants and attendant, and emergency/rescue procedures.
Question 4: Who is responsible for signing off a confined space permit to work?
- A competent, authorised person who has assessed the space and is satisfied that conditions are safe (Correct answer)
- The most senior person on site regardless of competence
- Any trained worker over the age of 18
- The Health and Safety Executive inspector
Correct answer: A competent, authorised person who has assessed the space and is satisfied that conditions are safe
Only a competent, authorised person — someone with the knowledge, experience, and authority to assess the space, understand the hazards, and verify that all precautions are in place — should issue a permit to work. Authorisation procedures should be documented in the company's safety management system.
Question 5: What action must be taken when a confined space permit to work expires?
- The permit must be cancelled, the space evacuated, and conditions reassessed before a new permit is issued (Correct answer)
- Workers can continue if no hazards have been detected during the permit period
- The permit is automatically renewed for the same duration
- The attendant can verbally extend the permit without further assessment
Correct answer: The permit must be cancelled, the space evacuated, and conditions reassessed before a new permit is issued
When a permit to work expires, all personnel must leave the confined space. The space must be reassessed, atmospheric conditions re-tested, and a new permit issued before work can resume. Conditions can change during a work period and the reassessment ensures continued safety.
Question 6: What is meant by 'isolation' in the context of confined space permit to work procedures?
- Physically disconnecting all energy sources and inlets to prevent hazardous substances entering the space (Correct answer)
- Placing warning signs around the entry point
- Removing all workers from adjacent areas
- Switching off electrical equipment in the vicinity
Correct answer: Physically disconnecting all energy sources and inlets to prevent hazardous substances entering the space
Isolation means physically disconnecting all energy sources (electrical, mechanical, hydraulic) and isolating all pipe connections to the confined space using blanking plates, spades, or double block-and-bleed valves. This prevents inadvertent introduction of hazardous substances or unexpected start-up of equipment.
Confined Space Training Certificate Risk Assessment & Permit to Work 1
What does the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 state about avoiding confined space entry?