City & Guilds Level 2 Award in Working in Low Risk Confined Spaces

The Level 2 Award in Working in Low-Risk Confined Spaces (City & Guilds 6160-01) is a nationally recognised safety qualification for personnel who enter or work in confined spaces classified as “low risk.” It aligns with national occupational standards and applies to both water and non-water environments, including sewer treatment processes and drainage systems where confined space hazards are present. This qualification is suitable for individuals who work in environments with confined spaces that pose low-risk hazards. It is relevant for professionals in industries such as utilities, construction, maintenance, and sewage treatment who require confined space training for their roles.

What can I expect from the Working in Low Risk Confined Spaces course?

Participants can expect a blend of classroom instruction and practical exercises during the training. The course curriculum covers essential confined space safety topics and hands-on skills. Key learning objectives and topics include:

• Preparation and Planning: How to prepare to work safely in low-risk confined spaces, including risk assessment, equipment checks, permit-to-work systems, and establishing effective communication plans
• Safe Entry and Exit Procedures: How to enter and exit confined spaces safely using proper techniques. This involves following established entry protocols, maintaining a safe zone around an entry point, using access equipment like ladders safely, and ensuring the area is continually monitored while occupied
• Use of Equipment and Tools: Proper use of confined space equipment and tools in accordance with manufacturers’ specifications and safety guidelines
• Working Safely and Following Protocols: Understanding and adhering to standard operating procedures and working protocols for low-risk confined spaces
• Emergency Situations and Preparedness: How to deal with emergencies should they arise inside a confined space.
• Principles of Confined Space Safety: A foundation in the principles of confined space work and hazard awareness. This includes understanding what defines a “low-risk” confined space, recognizing potential hazards (such as oxygen depletion or flooding) and control measures, and awareness of relevant health and safety legislation or codes of practice.

Throughout the course, candidates engage in both theoretical learning and practical simulations. They might, for example, practice an actual confined space entry in a training chamber under instructor supervision. Interactive discussions, real-world examples, and guided exercises are used to reinforce learning, ensuring that by completion participants are confident in applying the taught procedures on the job.

No specific academic qualifications are required to take this course. Prior experience in confined spaces is not mandatory; the course is designed to start with basic principles and build up the candidate’s competence. However, a willingness to learn and an understanding of basic workplace safety will help the participant get the most out of the training. Learners must however:

• Be fit to undertake the training, as confirmed by their employer. 
• Bring appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including a hard hat, protective gloves, overalls, high-visibility clothing, and safety footwear. 
• Have a clear understanding of the English language. The course materials, instructions, and exams are conducted in English and this is important to ensure the candidate can independently follow safety commands and communicate in emergencies 

The course assessment is conducted through a combination of practical evaluation and written examination to ensure that candidates have fully grasped the skills and knowledge required:

• Practical Assessment: Learners must perform a supervised confined space entry and exit exercise in a realistic low-risk scenario, which is directly observed by the assessor
• Written/Theory Assessment: In addition to the practical, there is a written exam (often structured as a multiple-choice test or short-answer questions) covering the underpinning knowledge from the course

Both components, practical and written, must be passed to achieve the qualification. The assessment is carried out in accordance with City & Guilds standards, meaning it is moderated and quality-assured to maintain consistency.

Successful candidates receive the City & Guilds Level 2 Award in Working in Low-Risk Confined Spaces (6160-01), demonstrating compliance with industry safety standards.