Confined spaces present unique hazards that require specialised training. At R3 Safety and Rescue, we offer a comprehensive range of Rescue 3 accredited courses designed to equip teams with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively manage these challenges. Whether your team operates in low-risk or high-risk environments, we have courses tailored to meet your specific needs.
Below is an overview of the different levels of confined space training we provide, helping you choose the course best suited for your team or organisation.
1. Safe Working in Confined Spaces (Low and Medium Risk, Horizontal) (SWCSH)
Ideal for teams working in horizontal confined spaces with low to medium atmospheric risk. Formerly Safe Working in Confined Spaces 1 (SWCS1).
The SWCSH course provides foundational training for individuals who need to work in horizontal-entry confined spaces with a low to medium level of atmospheric risk. In this course, participants will cover the essential risks and hazards associated with confined spaces, along with important knowledge on legislation, gas monitoring, ventilation, and emergency procedures.
Core content includes:
- Proper use of gas meters
- Safe entry and exit procedures for horizontal confined spaces
- Use of Emergency Escape Sets (EEBA)
Thus, this course is perfect for teams operating in low to medium-risk confined spaces that require horizontal access.
2. Safe Working in Confined Spaces (Low and Medium Risk, Horizontal and Vertical) (SWCSHV)
For teams that need both horizontal and vertical entry skills in confined spaces with low/medium atmospheric risk. Formerly Safe Working in Confined Spaces 2 (SWCS2).
Building on the knowledge gained in SWCSH, the SWCSHV course introduces participants to vertical entry techniques. Here, participants will also learn the safe use of tripods, fall arrest blocks, and winches, along with continued training on gas monitoring, entry control, and ventilation in confined spaces.
Key topics covered include:
- Safe use of gas meters
- Entry and exit procedures for both horizontal and vertical confined spaces
- Use of Emergency Escape Sets (EEBA)
Therefore, this course is suited for teams performing both horizontal and vertical confined space entries in low to medium-risk environments.
3. Confined Space Entry and Rescue (Low and Medium Risk) (CSERLM)
For teams performing rescues in confined spaces with low to medium atmospheric risk. Formerly Confined Space Entry and Rescue 1 (CSER1).
The CSERLM course offers essential training for teams tasked with performing co-worker rescues from confined spaces that present a low to medium level of atmospheric risk. During this course, participants will learn practical rescue techniques, including the use of confined space stretchers for both horizontal and vertical rescues.
Key training areas include:
- Confined space rescue planning and management
- Stretcher packing for both horizontal and vertical rescues
- Ventilation techniques during rescue operations
As a result, this course is ideal for teams managing confined space incidents where the atmospheric risk is present but manageable without advanced respiratory protection.
4. Confined Space Entry and Rescue (Low, Medium and High Risk) (CSERLMH)
For teams performing rescues in confined spaces with high atmospheric risk using Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). Formerly Confined Space Entry and Rescue 2 (CSER2).
The CSERLMH course builds upon the foundation provided by CSERLM by introducing the use of SCBA for entering and rescuing from confined spaces with high atmospheric risk. Furthermore, participants will learn how to manage hazardous atmospheres and ensure safe entry and rescue using SCBA.
Core content includes:
- Proper use of SCBA in confined space rescues
- Control procedures for SCBA entry
- Rescue techniques while using SCBA
This course is essential for teams operating in high-risk environments where SCBA is necessary for safe rescues.
5. Confined Space Operations for HART (CSOHART)
Specialist training for HART paramedics working in high-risk confined spaces.
The CSOHART course is specifically designed for Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART) paramedics who enter confined spaces as part of their emergency response duties. In addition, this course is aligned with UK National Ambulance Resilience Unit (NARU) standards and focuses on confined space rescue using Extended Duration Breathing Apparatus (EDBA).
Key training areas include:
- Use of multi-gas diffuse and pumped meters
- Respiratory protective equipment, including SavOx and EDBA
- Clinical and operational considerations in confined space rescue scenarios
This course is critical for HART paramedics requiring specialist training in confined space operations.
6. Confined Space Rescue Operator (CSRO)
For emergency services and standby rescue teams tasked with confined space rescues.
The CSRO course provides essential training for teams responsible for confined space rescues. Participants will learn both standard industrial entry and exit techniques, as well as advanced rope-based rescue methods. In addition, the use of SCBA and EEBA is covered to ensure teams are prepared for rescues in high-risk environments.
Key topics include:
- Use of 4-gas diffuse and pumped meters
- Incident pre-planning and assessment
- Rope-based raising and lowering systems
- Casualty care and packaging
This course is particularly suited for emergency services and industrial standby teams responding to complex confined space rescues.
7. Confined Space Rescue Technician (CSRT)
Advanced training for technical rescue teams performing high-risk rescues in confined spaces.
The CSRT course builds on the skills introduced in CSRO, advancing participants’ expertise in technical confined space rescues. Participants will also learn how to use Supplied Air Respirators (SAR) in situations where confined space access is restricted and SCBA may not be suitable. Additionally, advanced rope-based rescue systems will be covered.
Key areas include:
- Use of Detector Tubes and Photoionisation Detectors (PID)
- Personal ascending and descending techniques
- Vertical and horizontal stretcher transitions
- Off-set rope systems for complex rescues
This course is designed for experienced rescue teams handling high-risk, technical rescues in confined spaces.
Which Course Should You Choose?
When selecting the right confined space training course for your team, it is important to consider the specific risks and challenges your organisation faces. For example:
- SWCSH & SWCSHV: These courses are ideal for teams that need to safely operate in confined spaces with low to medium atmospheric risk, covering horizontal and / or vertical entry techniques.
- CSERLM & CSERLMH: These courses are designed for teams responsible for confined space rescues, with CSER2 focusing on high-risk environments requiring SCBA.
- CSOHART: Tailored specifically for HART paramedics involved in confined space rescues as part of their emergency medical response.
- CSRO & CSRT: Best suited for teams engaged in high-risk confined space rescues, with CSRT covering advanced technical rescue techniques.
At R3 Safety and Rescue, we ensure that our confined space courses offer practical, hands-on experience to fully prepare your team. To learn more about how we can support your organisation’s training needs, contact us today.
