Confined Space Entry

Essential Safety Training for High-Risk Work Environments

Working in confined spaces presents significantly higher risks than most other workplace environments. The enclosed nature of such spaces amplifies hazards, increasing the potential for serious or even fatal accidents. This course is designed to equip learners with the knowledge, skills and confidence to work safely and effectively in confined spaces.  Delivered as a one-day, practical training experience, this programme empowers individuals and teams to identify risks, apply appropriate safety systems and respond efficiently to emergencies. It is tailored to meet the unique needs of each organisation, with a strong focus on real-world applicability. 

Delivery Mode

  • Customised
    In-Company
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Course Code
HS005

What's covered?

This highly focused one-day course covers all aspects of working safely in confined spaces, combining legislative context with practical application.

Topics include:

  • Identification and classification of confined spaces
  • Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Confined Spaces) Regulations, 2001
  • Typical confined space hazards
  • Hierarchy of control and prevention strategies
  • Risk assessment methodology
  • Developing and following a safe system of work
  • Permit-to-work systems
  • Emergency and rescue procedures

Content can be tailored to suit specific organisational environments and risk profiles.

Who should participate?

This course is ideal for individuals involved in the planning, supervision, or execution of work in confined spaces. It is particularly beneficial for: 

  • Supervisors and managers responsible for confined space entry 
  • Safety officers and representatives 
  • Risk assessors and permit-to-work supervisors 
  • Individuals engaged in emergency response or rescue 
  • Operatives who regularly perform tasks in confined spaces 

What will I learn?

On successful completion of this course, learners will be able to: 

  • Identify and describe confined space environments and their associated risks 
  • Interpret and apply relevant health and safety legislation 
  • Conduct effective confined space risk assessments 
  • Implement safe systems of work and permit-to-work procedures 
  • Plan and participate in emergency and rescue scenarios 
  • Promote a culture of safety awareness within their organisation 

This course supports practical competence and safety leadership in high-risk work environments. 

Who are the tutors?

Finbarr Stapleton

Finbarr Stapleton, Antaris, has a B.Sc. in Industrial Chemistry and a Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety and is a member of IOSH. He has over thirty years experience, initially as Laboratory Manager in an Analytical Laboratory, a number of years experience as an EHS Manager in the Food Industry and subsequently in technical consultancy.

He has successfully implemented OHSAS 18001/45001, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 in a large number of industries. He has extensive experience of quality management and environmental and health and safety management systems, energy management, waste management as well as environmental and health and safety legislation. He is a qualified Auditor of ISO 9001, OHSAS 18001/ISO 45001, ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 management systems. Finbarr has also extensive experience of energy management systems such as ISO 50001. He has carried out a number of projects on behalf of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
He regularly carries out audits and risk assessments for client companies. He has also qualified as a dangerous goods safety adviser.

Finbarr has assisted a number of companies in making successful applications to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) for an IPPC (Integrated Pollution Prevention & Control) licence and has also carried out Environmental Impact Assessments for a number of companies.

Finbarr also holds an NUI Certificate in Training and Continuing Education. He is the lead tutor for the Nebosh International Certificate and Diploma courses.


Nick Smyth

Nick Smyth graduated from the University of Limerick in 1981 with a BSc in Manufacturing Technology having taken the Materials Engineering specialisation. He has worked as a Technical, Q.A./Materials Engineering and E.H.S. professional for 24 years, which included management roles in Intel Ireland, Johnson and Johnson, DeBeers Industrial Diamond, SPS International, Abbott Ireland and Fulflex International. He holds qualifications in Quality Assurance/Management, Lead Auditing, Safety Health and Welfare at Work, Occupational Hygiene and Environmental Management.

Nick also holds an NUI Certificate in Training and Continuing Education, and a CAE certificate in Accessible Environments and the Disability Discrimination Act.
He joined Antaris in June of 2005 and provides consultancy and SQT training services in his areas of experience and expertise.


Peter Fleming

Peter Fleming is an accomplished EHSQ professional with credible technical insight coupled with best-in-class interpersonal and communication skills. In the last 14 years, he has specialized in the areas of HAZOP, risk assessment, process safety, fire safety and industrial loss prevention. Peter Has worked with over 300 organizations in Europe, China, Middle East, America, Central America primarily focusing on HAZOP studies and Risk Assessment.

Currently, he has been coordinating a number of HAZOP and SIL studies in Jubail and Saudi Arabia. He has also worked as a safety expert responsible for assessing the safety of Ma’aden operations and processes and preparing a safety risk register for Ma’aden Phosphate Company. His work encompassed beneficiation, ammonia, 3 sulfuric acid, 3 phosphoric acid and 4 diammonium phosphate plants. He has also completed a number of HAZOP studies in Saudi Arabia and Qatar for a number of clients.


What are the entry requirements?

Organisations hosting the training must provide access to the following for the practical component: 

  • Safety harness and tripod 
  • A suitable confined space (e.g. tank, silo, or manhole) 

These elements are essential to complete the practical demonstration segment of the course. 

English Language Competency 
A good standard of written and spoken English is important to engage effectively with this programme. While formal certification (e.g. IELTS) is not required, learners whose first language is not English should have a self-assessed proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5–6.0 or CEFR level B2. This level of competence will support learners in understanding course materials, contributing to discussions and completing assessments where applicable. 

How do we train and support you?

SQT's training approach is centred on real-world application and learner engagement. This course incorporates practical demonstrations, scenario-based exercises and active participation. 

Learners are supported through: 

  • Pre-training consultation to align with organisational context 
  • Comprehensive course notes, regularly updated to reflect the latest standards and best practices 
  • Real-time support from expert tutors 

Class sizes are generally limited to 15 to support personalised learning and individual support. 

How can you progress?

This course provides a strong foundation in confined space safety. Learners can may also consider: 

  • Health & Safety Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment 
  • Health & Safety Legislation 
  • Overview of Safety, Health & Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 
  • ISO 45001:2018 Training 

Continued training builds both competence and career development in safety-critical roles. 

Peter Fleming

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Peter Fleming

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