Posted By Mike grey A collegue of mine has been informed that he should attend a training course to allow him to be the authorised person in relation to confined space s within our Trust. He works for the Estates department and would have control over contractors and employees carrying out work in confined spaces. He has been given details of a course in York which lasts for 5 days and as he lives in Bristol he is keen to find a course supplier a bit closer to home. Are there any Confined Spaces "experts" out there who can recommend a course a bit closer to Bristol and with the necessary course content to provide him with the competency required?

Posted By Pete Walker You can also contact your local fire authority as they usually have a training section that does provide external training on such subjects.

Posted By john r sharp Mike There is a company named "Citrus Training" who undertake confined spaces training at regular times during the year. I'll email you direct when I have checked the address and phone number with a colleague from the last comapny that I worked for. Regards John

Posted By Andrew R Mike Having worked with confined spaces for the last 7 years and done various courses with different providers, i would strongly recomend Mines Rescue Service http://www.minesrescue.com/ they are based about 1 hour from Bristol.

Posted By Stuart Nagle The term 'Authorised Person' denotes that that person will be qualified and highly experienced in the field for which they are 'authorised', in this case, confined spaces. Ther are specific courses for persons seeking 'authorised person' status in various specialist disciplines such as, electrical (lv and hv), mechanical, boilers and pressure systems, piped medical gases, masts and towers (work at height to you but really elevated!!), and of course...confined spaces. The Ministry of Defence has specific requirements for the appointment of 'authorised persons' which should give you some idea of the level of qualification and experience necessary to undertake such a role, whether it is on the NHS estates or the defence estates, many of the 'confined spaces' problems that can be encountered are present on both. Generally an 'authorised person' will be expected to have a minimum qualification of Engineering Technician or equivilent, be over 21 years and be able to demonstrate demonstrable knowledge and experience in respect of the confined spaces specialism, and have a very good knowledge of both the confined space systems for which they will be responsible, the legislative requirements (i.e. confined spaces regs and others) and be able to control and manage work in confined spaces aand with enough time to be able to competently fulfil this role, which should not be taken lightly. There are a number of training providers who provide specific 'authorised Person' training for confined spaces, some being; WTi and ESS Shorco. If you require further information I can provide details of specific appointment processes, qualification requirements, details of specific SSW that AP's are likely to control and other information... Click on my name in blue above to email me... Hope this is of use... Stuart