Hi,
In terms of competence and training of the individual who thinks he does not require it, see, Safe Work in Confined Spaces ACoP pages 25:
Competence for confined spaces working
“Workers must have adequate training and experience in the particular work involved to be competent to work safely in a confined space. Training standards must be appropriate to the task, and to the individual’s roles and responsibilities, so that work can be carried out safely.”
“Must” is an absolute duty under law. Also if they are saying they do not require it I would question their competence. I have my confined space ticket renewed every three years. This is despite working in confined space for over ten years and delivering my own training on confined space entry/rescue.
In terms of a young person refer to the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations. However, in relation to confined space see also, Safe Work in Confined Spaces ACoP pages 48 and 49:
An employer shall not employ a young person unless he has, in relation to risks to the health and safety of young persons, made or reviewed an assessment.
In making or reviewing the assessment, an employer who employs or is to employ a young person shall take particular account of —
(a) the inexperience, lack of awareness of risks and immaturity of young persons;
(b) the fitting-out and layout of the workplace and the workstation;
(c) the nature, degree and duration of exposure to physical, biological and chemical agents;
(d) the form, range, and use of work equipment and the way in which it is handled;
(e) the organisation of processes and activities;
(f) the extent of the health and safety training provided or to be provided to young persons; and
(g) risks from agents, processes and work listed in the Annex to Council Directive 94/33/EC on the protection of young people at work.
Any group of his employees identified by the risk assessment as being especially at risk………
I hope this helps?