City & Guilds Level 2 Award in Entrant and Entry Controller for Confined Spaces (Medium Risk)

The Level 2 Award in Entrant and Entry Controller for Confined Spaces (Medium Risk) (City & Guilds 6160-09) is a nationally recognised qualification designed to ensure safe working in medium-risk confined spaces. It provides comprehensive training for individuals to perform two critical roles: the entrant (person entering the confined space) and the entry controller (often called the “top person” who monitors and controls the entry). The course’s purpose is to equip learners with the knowledge of hazards, legal requirements, and best practices needed to plan, enter, and oversee work in confined spaces safely. This qualification is aligned with industry standards and the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for confined space operations, ensuring that training meets current legislation (such as the Confined Spaces Regulations) and sector best practices.

This course is intended for anyone who works in or around medium-risk confined spaces and those who supervise such entries. It is ideal for employees in industries like water and utilities, construction, manufacturing, petrochemicals, and other sectors where confined space entries are part of the job. In general, the qualification is suited for operatives and supervisors responsible for medium risk confined space tasks – for example, utility maintenance crews, drainage or sewer workers, and safety watch personnel – who require formal training and certification to perform their duties safely and in compliance with the law.  

What can I expect from the City & Guilds Level 2 Award in Entrant and Entry Controller for Confined Spaces (Medium Risk) course?

This is typically a two-day course that combines classroom instruction with practical exercises. Learners can expect a thorough introduction to confined space safety principles and hands-on practice. Key learning objectives and topics include:

• Confined Space Hazards & Legislation: Understanding what constitutes a confined space, the typical hazards (such as toxic gases, oxygen deficiency, flooding, etc.), and an overview of relevant health and safety law (including the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 and associated Approved Codes of Practice).
• Roles and Responsibilities: Detailed coverage of the duties of an entrant and an entry controller (top person). This includes how to coordinate a team entry, conduct pre-entry briefings, and maintain safety oversight. Participants learn the responsibilities of each role in managing safe entry, monitoring conditions, and keeping communication with the team inside the space.
• Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work: Learning how to assess risks for confined space jobs and implement control measures. This covers preparing method statements and permits-to-work specific to confined spaces. Trainees will learn to interpret work plans and permits, perform on-site dynamic risk assessments, and ensure all necessary safety precautions are in place before entry.
• Use of Equipment and PPE: Training in the correct selection, inspection, and use of personal protective equipment and safety gear for medium-risk entries. This includes gas detectors (atmospheric monitoring), ventilation equipment, tripods and winch/recovery systems, full body harnesses, and escape breathing apparatus (escape sets). Participants practice how to wear and use this equipment properly, and understand equipment limitations (for example, the safe working load of lifelines and harness gear).
• Entering and Exiting Confined Spaces: Practicing standard entry and exit procedures under medium-risk conditions. This involves safely entering a confined space (which may involve vertical entry using a tripod or lateral entry through a manhole), maintaining continuous attachment to safety lines when required, and following protocols for work within the space. Trainees will simulate checking and monitoring atmospheric conditions, use checklists, and follow communication procedures while inside. They will also learn to recognise when conditions become unsafe and how to exit promptly.
• Maintaining Communications and Control: How to effectively communicate between the entrant(s) inside the space and the entry controller outside. This includes use of radios or other communication tools, logging entrants in and out, and controlling access so no unauthorised entry occurs. The course emphasises the entry controller’s role in continuously monitoring the situation, recording information (like gas readings and entry times), and ensuring the team’s safety throughout the operation.
• Emergency Procedures and Preparedness: Preparation for emergency situations, such as an ill or injured worker or an unsafe atmospheric change. Participants learn what emergency equipment and plans should be in place (e.g. rescue harness, retrieval systems, stand-by rescue teams) and the actions to take if an incident occurs. This includes raising the alarm, initiating emergency rescue procedures (evacuation and non-entry rescue techniques), and handing over to dedicated rescue teams. Learners will practice simulated emergency drills to reinforce proper responses under pressure.

Throughout the course, learners engage in practical scenarios that replicate a medium-risk confined space environment. They will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge by controlling an entry (acting as the safety attendant) and by entering a confined space under supervision, using the equipment and protocols taught. By the end of the training, participants will have a solid understanding of how to work safely in medium-risk confined spaces and manage entries in accordance with industry standards and company procedures.

Learners must be medically fit for confined space work, as confirmed by their employer. Personal protective equipment (PPE), including a hard hat, gloves, high-visibility clothing, overalls, and safety footwear, is required. Delegates using breathing apparatus must be clean-shaven; those on medium-risk courses can request a hooded escape set if needed.

The Level 2 Entrant and Entry Controller course is assessed via a combination of practical evaluation and written theory test. This ensures that learners have both the hands-on skills and the underpinning knowledge required for safe confined space operations. The assessment methods are as follows:

• Practical Assessment: Each candidate must demonstrate their competence in a realistic confined space scenario. During the course, instructors will observe and evaluate the participant’s ability to carry out confined space entry and control duties safely. 
• Written Theory Test: In addition to the practical, there is a written examination to test the theoretical knowledge gained. This is usually a short-answer question paper. The test covers the key knowledge areas – for instance, understanding of hazards, definitions of confined space classifications, duties under the law, equipment checks, and emergency procedures.

Both parts of the assessment must be passed to achieve the qualification. The course is graded on a pass/fail basis (there are no percentage grades or merit levels, learners either meets the competency requirements or not).

Successful candidates receive the City & Guilds Level 2 Award in Entrant and Entry Controller for Confined Spaces (Medium Risk) 6160-09, certifying their competence in confined space operations at a medium-risk level.