A confined space is any tight spot where it’s hard to move around or get out quickly – and where the conditions can turn dangerous without much warning. It could be a manhole, a tank, a crawl space, or even a basement with poor air.
It’s not just about small spaces. What makes it risky is the stuff you can’t always see – like bad air, toxic gases, low oxygen, or the chance of water or materials flooding in. If something goes wrong, getting help isn’t always easy.
On a UK site, this kind of work falls under the Confined Spaces Regulations from 1997. That means if the job has to be done in a confined area, there’s a checklist: risk assessment, right gear, trained people, and a plan in case something goes sideways.
Sometimes that means a gas monitor, a harness, or a second person waiting nearby. Sometimes it means just knowing when to say: “This space isn’t safe – not without backup.”
Plant operators and groundworkers often come close to these areas, even if they don’t go in. Spotting danger signs and knowing the basics can help avoid real problems.
At Construction and Plant Training Services, we cover confined space awareness as part of our CPCS and NPORS training. We show how to work safely around these spots, what to look out for, and how to stay out of trouble.
It’s not just about going in – it’s about knowing when not to.
