bluefingers - your Works Director is so wrong that it's off the scale. This looks as if it could very nasty indeed. If you wish to contact me directly I shall put you in touch with a guy who'se in the same line of work as you and had 2 fatalaties 10 years ago - he has become a good friend since the event [I only got involved after the fatalaties!]. He will probably give you chapter & verse of the very stressful trials [in every sense of the word] & ongoing HSE perusal following that event. Frank Hallett

Bluefingers, Frank is spot on the money with this one. But to be all legal about it, sadly, the Confined Spaces Regulations themselves do not specify a training requirement and it is left to the ACOP and guidance to specify training in respect of Regulation 5 - Emergency Arrangement, which provides: "Those likely to be involved in any emergency rescue should be trained for that purpose. The training needs for each individual will vary according to their designated role. It is important that refresher training is organised and available on a regular basis..." In addition, I am sure our colleagues in the HSE would successfully argue that the provisions of Reg 13(2) of the MHSWR (capibilities and training) would apply to work in a confined space. Regards. DJ

Your Director is 110% wrong. How did he get his job? Also a general requirement under HASWA to provide training to employees I don't usually go for calling the HSE, however in this high risk situation, if all else fails - then quietly request a visit?

I would also consider having trained and competent employees to be an essential part of your 'safe system of work' that you mention. Being able to show that they are trained and competent (or not) should be picked up via your audit system

Bluefingers Having just responded to your other post on air monitoring you are obviously in a difficult position. Agree with JJ that a system of work is not suitable until you can demonstrate competence. I work in the tunneling industry. Rather than try to reply in a post please PM and I would be happy to discuss. regards Sweep

Oh for an edit button!!! Has free should be GAS FREE And I meant that the exemption to the regs doesn't apply!! Phil

Bluefingers, If your WD is still questioning further training on confined spaces. As a last resort get the guy from c/b safety service, see what happend to him when he was using a cutting torch in a C/space. He just might change his mind when he sees how much it cost the company for the accident and the blokes injuries. He certainly changed our minds on the shop floor about health & safety as a whole. He wouldnt like that on his safety record ?