Level 2 Award in Confined Space Safety

This qualification is divided into 10 comprehensive units to promote safe working practices in confined spaces:

1. Introduction to Confined Space Safety
   Understanding what constitutes a confined space, potential hazards, and the importance of safety controls.

2. Legislation and Responsibilities
   Learning about laws, regulations, and responsibilities of employers and employees working in confined spaces.

3. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
   Identifying physical, chemical, and environmental risks and conducting effective risk assessments.

4. Atmospheric Testing and Monitoring
   Using detection equipment to monitor oxygen levels and identify hazardous gases before and during entry.

5. Safe Entry and Permit-to-Work Systems
   Understanding entry procedures, authorization requirements, and the use of confined space permits.

6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Breathing Apparatus
   Selecting, inspecting, and using PPE and respiratory equipment correctly to ensure worker protection.

7. Communication and Supervision in Confined Spaces
   Establishing effective communication channels and supervision roles during confined space work.

8. Emergency Procedures and Rescue Operations
   Developing and practicing emergency plans, including rescue techniques and first aid response.

9. Ventilation and Environmental Controls
   Managing confined space environments by controlling temperature, ventilation, and atmospheric contaminants.

10. Practical Confined Space Assessment
    Applying learned skills in a simulated or real confined space to demonstrate safe working practices.

• Provides essential knowledge for safe work in confined or hazardous environments

• Enhances ability to identify and control confined space hazards effectively

• Builds confidence in using PPE, breathing apparatus, and detection devices

• Promotes teamwork, communication, and emergency preparedness

• Recognized qualification for improving employability and compliance with safety standards

• Workers required to enter and work in confined spaces

• Safety officers and supervisors overseeing confined space operations

• Maintenance and inspection personnel in industrial environments

• Contractors and engineers involved in plant or utility maintenance

• Anyone responsible for confined space safety compliance and management

• Assessment Type: Theory-based assessment and practical demonstration

• Evaluation Method: Multiple-choice questions and supervised practical test

• Mode of Assessment: Classroom or workplace-based evaluation

• Passing Criteria: Minimum 60% in written and practical components

• Certification: Level 2 Award in Confined Space Safety issued upon successful completion of all units

To deliver this Qualification, HiQual UK Approved ATPs must demonstrate the capability to deliver, assess, and internally quality assure qualifications in line with recognised regulatory principles and the expectations of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Approved centres must operate effective systems to ensure the validity, reliability, fairness, consistency, and security of assessment.

1. Centre Recognition and Legal Compliance

Centres must be formally recognised by HiQual UK prior to the delivery or assessment of any qualification. To maintain recognition, centres must: Be a legally constituted organisation operating in compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. Demonstrate effective governance, management oversight, and clear lines of accountability. Comply with all HiQual UK policies, procedures, and conditions of centre recognition. Notify HiQual UK promptly of any material changes that may affect delivery, assessment, or internal quality assurance arrangements.

2. Resources, Facilities, and Learning Environment

Centres must ensure that sufficient and appropriate resources are in place to support learning and assessment. This includes: Learning environments appropriate to the mode of delivery, including classrooms and, where applicable, specialist or practical facilities. Access to learning and assessment resources that enable learners to meet qualification outcomes. Secure systems for managing learner data, assessment records, and certification claims. Arrangements that support equality of access and reasonable adjustments for learners where required.

3. Staff Competence and Occupational Expertise

Centres must ensure that all staff involved in delivery, assessment, and internal quality assurance are competent and suitably qualified. Centres must: Appoint tutors with appropriate subject knowledge, teaching competence, and relevant occupational or professional experience. Ensure assessors are trained and competent in applying HiQual UK assessment requirements and standards. Appoint a qualified Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) responsible for monitoring assessment practice and decisions. Maintain records of staff qualifications, experience, training, and continuing professional development (CPD).

4. Assessment Practice and Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Centres must operate robust internal quality assurance systems to ensure assessment integrity. Centres must: Ensure assessment is valid, fit for purpose, and conducted in line with HiQual UK requirements. Implement effective IQA procedures to monitor assessor performance and confirm the consistency of assessment decisions. Maintain accurate, complete, and auditable records of learner registration, assessment evidence, and outcomes. Carry out regular internal reviews and standardisation activities to support continuous improvement.

5. Integrity, Risk Management, and Malpractice

Centres must take appropriate measures to protect the integrity of assessment. Centres must: Maintain policies and procedures for the prevention, identification, and management of malpractice and maladministration. Ensure secure handling, storage, and retention of assessment materials and learner evidence. Report any suspected or confirmed malpractice to HiQual UK in accordance with published procedures.

6. Health, Safety, Safeguarding, and Learner Protection

Centres must provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Centres must: Comply with applicable health and safety and safeguarding legislation. Conduct risk assessments for learning activities, particularly where practical or technical work is involved. Maintain procedures to safeguard learner welfare and wellbeing.

7. Learner Information, Support, and Fair Treatment

Centres must ensure learners are informed, supported, and treated fairly. Centres must: Provide clear and accurate information on programme requirements, assessment methods, and certification. Ensure learners receive timely and constructive feedback on assessment outcomes. Operate transparent complaints and appeals procedures aligned with HiQual UK requirements. Manage learner information securely in compliance with data protection legislation.