Work in confined spaces or areas suspected of pollution, Forgest Training

Work in confined spaces or areas suspected of pollution

Mandatory entry-level course for workers and employers operating in confined spaces or areas suspected of pollution. Covers specific risks, entry procedures, use of PPE and emergency rescue techniques through theory and practical tests.

Duration

16 hours

Delivery mode

Blended (classroom + e-learning)

Target audience

Workers and employers operating in areas suspected of pollution or confined spaces (tanks, vessels, wells, silos, ducts).

Regulatory reference: Presidential Decree 177/2011; Legislative Decree 81/2008, Article 66 and Annex IV

Programme

Regulatory framework and responsibilities (2 hours)

Presidential Decree 177/2011: scope, definitions and qualification requirements for companies
Legislative Decree 81/2008, Article 66 and Annex IV: obligations of the employer, the supervisor and the worker
Work permit: structure, completion and management
Criminal and civil liability in the event of accidents in confined spaces

Risk assessment in confined spaces (3 hours)

Definition of a confined space and of an area suspected of pollution
Types of space: tanks, vessels, wells, silos, ducts, septic tanks
Risks from oxygen deficiency: anoxia, physiological effects, alert thresholds
Risks from explosive and flammable atmospheres: gases, vapours, dusts
Risks from toxic or irritant chemical agents: detection, exposure limit values
Biological and physical risks (temperature, restricted spaces, noise)
Atmospheric detection instruments: gas detectors, multi-gas monitors, use and calibration

PPE and safe entry procedures (4 hours)

Respiratory protective devices: breathing apparatus, masks suitable for hazardous atmospheres
Personal protective equipment: coveralls, gloves, footwear, fall arrest systems
Harnesses and rescue systems: tripods, winches, retractable devices
Operating procedures for entry: pre-ventilation, purging, pre-entry measurement
Continuous communication between the operator inside and the attendant outside
Safety signage and cordoning off of the area

Emergency and rescue procedures (3 hours)

Emergency planning: rescue plan and responsibilities of the attendant
Non-entry rescue procedures: recovery from outside with lifting systems
Specific first aid: anoxia, poisoning, injuries from restricted spaces
Alerting specialist emergency services (Fire Brigade, 118)
Post-incident procedures: making the area safe, managing the area, notification

Practical tests with PPE and rescue (4 hours)

Correct donning and doffing of PPE in operating sequence
Use of atmospheric detection instruments in simulated scenarios
Simulated controlled entry into a training confined space
Communication drills between operator and attendant in reduced visibility
Non-entry rescue exercises with tripod and winch
Individual practical assessment on a complete entry and rescue procedure

Objectives

To train workers and employers to operate safely in confined spaces or areas suspected of pollution, developing the ability to assess risks, plan entry with the correct preventive measures, use suitable PPE and manage rescue emergencies, in full compliance with Presidential Decree 177/2011 and Legislative Decree 81/2008.

Frequently asked questions

Who is required to attend the confined spaces course?

Presidential Decree 177/2011 requires specific training for all workers operating in areas suspected of pollution or confined spaces (tanks, vessels, wells, ducts, silos), including employers who are physically present. Companies must also demonstrate that 30% of their personnel is specialised.

How often must the training be renewed?

There is no fixed legal deadline for renewal, but Presidential Decree 177/2011 recommends a periodic refresher. Forgest recommends renewal every 3-5 years, or whenever there are significant regulatory changes.

How long is the entry-level confined spaces course?

The entry-level course lasts 16 hours in blended mode (theory and mandatory practical tests with PPE and rescue techniques).

Which certificate is awarded?

Participants obtain the training certificate under Presidential Decree 177/2011 and Article 66 of Legislative Decree 81/2008, which is required in order to work lawfully in confined spaces.