ECITB Global has launched a new suite of confined space training courses aimed at improving safety for engineering construction industry (ECI) workers operating in high-risk environments worldwide
The international skills body first introduced the four new courses in Qatar earlier this year, replacing the previous low- and medium-risk confined space programmes. The updated training has since become part of the mandatory ECITB courses required by Ashghal, Qatar's Public Works Authority, for engineering construction projects in the country.
Since their introduction, more than 5,000 learners in Qatar have completed one of the four courses. Following this strong uptake, ECITB Global has expanded the programme, making the full suite available to its network of licensed international training providers.
Three of the courses can each be completed in a single day, lasting between four and six hours, while the fourth is a comprehensive, hands-on rescue course designed for teams responsible for recovering casualties from confined spaces.
"Given the strong uptake in Qatar, we are delighted to be able to extend the opportunity to deliver these four new courses across our wider provider network.Confined space training is vitally important in the ECI given the high-hazard environments many workers operate in across sectors like oil & gas, renewables and process industries. The training standards these new courses are developed against are trusted by industry in covering the appreciation, principles and requirements of working safely in low, medium or high-risk confined spaces," said Tristan Kemp, ECITB Head of Commercial
"We anticipate a bulk of people will go through the Entrant course, which is equivalent to the old low risk course. Each of the courses comprises assessed knowledge and practical elements."
"Providers will need to have facilities and their equipment approved before they can start delivering these ‘courses in a box’, which include all slides, tutor notes, test papers and supporting materials."
Confined space training standards
ECITB Global is the international division of the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), the industry-led skills body for engineering construction in Great Britain and sponsored by the UK Government's Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The four confined space courses have been developed in line with ECITB training standards, which are created in collaboration with subject matter experts from engineering construction employers, professional organisations and training providers. These standards define the knowledge and practical skills required to carry out engineering construction activities safely, including confined space work.
The courses cover key topics such as confined space hazards, control and safety measures, permit requirements, safe working precautions, personal protective equipment (PPE), confined space entry equipment, and worker roles and responsibilities.