How Often Must I Update My Confined Space Register?
Confined spaces in an industrial or commercial environment are areas that have restricted entry and exit points, and which are not intended to be occupied continuously. However, it may be necessary to enter these spaces for the purposes of inspection and maintenance, and there are regulations in place to determine how this can be done safely.
Workers in confined spaces are sometimes exposed to dangerous situations, such as low levels of oxygen, toxic fumes and the possibility of being engulfed by liquids or materials such as grain or cement. In order to eliminate or minimise these dangers, a combination of risk assessments, working procedures, entry permits and training is imposed.
The Confined Space Register, Permits and Working Tickets
In order to be able to demonstrate compliance with regulations and that people working in confined spaces have been kept safe, the updating of a confined space register must be updated at least every 3 years. This document records:
- The location of a confined space together with the permit number assigned to it for each entry, the date the permit was issued and the expiry date, and details of the work undertaken.
- Confirmation that all planned safety precautions are in place.
- The name, date and signature of the supervisor.
Entry to a confined space is controlled by an entry permit that is issued only to authorised workers. This permit will identify those workers and the confined space they can enter, and will record when they enter and leave the space. Only competent workers will be issued with a permit and, to prove their competency, they must have a confined space working ticket that confirms they have successfully completed training on course RIIWHS202E ‘Entry and work in confined spaces’.
This course covers:
- Planning and preparation for work to be carried out by assessing potential hazards, having the correct safety equipment and being aware of emergency procedures.
- The type of work to be done.
- How to enter and leave a space safely and efficiently.
- The need to maintain communication at all times with the person outside the space who is observing operations and alert to dangers.
- How to leave the space in a usable condition for the next person by cleaning properly.
The Importance of Updating Skills and Knowledge
The RIIWHS202E ticket demonstrates competency by its owner to work in a confined space. However, there is no standard that sets a time limit on the ticket, it does not expire. Nevertheless, many employers will demand that training is updated periodically, typically every two years but sometimes more frequently.
Updating the confined spaces working ticket is important because:
- Regulations regarding confined spaces change periodically and it is best to be aware of the latest standards.
- New technology is being developed that includes improved monitoring and detection equipment and these need to be used effectively.
- Procedures and best practice are updated due to experience gained from recent incidents, including near misses.
- Lessons learned during training tend to be forgotten over time and so a refresher course will help to reinforce the messages.
It’s important that all workers in confined spaces have the required theoretical knowledge and practical skills to carry out assigned tasks efficiently and safely. And compliance with these requirements will be demonstrated by having up-to-date records at all times. We supply and install equipment and can also undertake a confined space risk assessment for you, so you can be sure all your workers are safe and compliant.
