Under the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, what must an employer do BEFORE considering entry into a confined space?

Regulation 4(1) of the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 requires that no person at work shall enter a confined space to carry out work for any purpose unless it is not reasonably practicable to achieve that purpose without such entry. The hierarchy is: first avoid entry, then if entry is unavoidable, establish a safe system of work and have emergency arrangements in place.

Provide breathing apparatus to all workers

Avoid entry to the confined space so far as is reasonably practicable

Ensure at least three rescue personnel are on standby

Notify the HSE of the planned entry 48 hours in advance

What is the primary purpose of a confined space entry permit?

A confined space entry permit (permit to work) is a formal documented procedure that ensures all elements of the safe system of work have been addressed before entry is authorised. It covers hazard identification, atmospheric testing results, isolation and lock-off confirmation, PPE/RPE requirements, emergency arrangements, communication methods, and time limitations. It does not replace a risk assessment — it works alongside one.

To record the names of workers for payroll and timekeeping purposes

To transfer all legal liability for the work onto the individual entrant

To provide a formal check that all elements of a safe system of work are in place before entry

To replace the need for a separate risk assessment of the confined space

Who is the 'competent person' responsible for issuing a confined space entry permit?

A competent person for issuing a confined space entry permit must have sufficient training, knowledge, and experience to understand the specific hazards of the confined space, the precautions needed, and the emergency arrangements required. Competence is not determined solely by seniority or job title but by demonstrable knowledge and understanding of confined space working.

Whoever happens to be the most senior person present on the site that day

Any worker who has been issued with the correct personal protective equipment

An external HSE inspector who must attend to authorise each individual entry

A person with sufficient training, knowledge, and experience to understand the hazards and necessary precautions

Free mock exam

Safe Entry & Working Procedures — Confined Spaces Practice

Free topic-focused mock exam: 15 random questions from a pool of 40 on Safe Entry & Working Procedures, drawn from the wider Confined Spaces bank. 20-minute timer, 70% to pass, worked explanation on every question. Use this when you've taken the full mock once and want to drill the topics you got wrong.

Questions: 15
Time limit: 20
Pass mark: 70%
Bank size: 40

Free · no sign-up · timer can be ignored · retake as many times as you want

Sample questions

01Under the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, what must an employer do BEFORE considering entry into a confined space?
- A.Notify the HSE of the planned entry 48 hours in advance
- B.Avoid entry to the confined space so far as is reasonably practicable
- C.Ensure at least three rescue personnel are on standby
- D.Provide breathing apparatus to all workers
Why: Regulation 4(1) of the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 requires that no person at work shall enter a confined space to carry out work for any purpose unless it is not reasonably practicable to achieve that purpose without such entry. The hierarchy is: first avoid entry, then if entry is unavoidable, establish a safe system of work and have emergency arrangements in place.
02What is the primary purpose of a confined space entry permit?
- A.To record the names of workers for payroll and timekeeping purposes
- B.To replace the need for a separate risk assessment of the confined space
- C.To transfer all legal liability for the work onto the individual entrant
- D.To provide a formal check that all elements of a safe system of work are in place before entry
Why: A confined space entry permit (permit to work) is a formal documented procedure that ensures all elements of the safe system of work have been addressed before entry is authorised. It covers hazard identification, atmospheric testing results, isolation and lock-off confirmation, PPE/RPE requirements, emergency arrangements, communication methods, and time limitations. It does not replace a risk assessment — it works alongside one.
03Who is the 'competent person' responsible for issuing a confined space entry permit?
- A.Any worker who has been issued with the correct personal protective equipment
- B.An external HSE inspector who must attend to authorise each individual entry
- C.Whoever happens to be the most senior person present on the site that day
- D.A person with sufficient training, knowledge, and experience to understand the hazards and necessary precautions
Why: A competent person for issuing a confined space entry permit must have sufficient training, knowledge, and experience to understand the specific hazards of the confined space, the precautions needed, and the emergency arrangements required. Competence is not determined solely by seniority or job title but by demonstrable knowledge and understanding of confined space working.

FAQ

Is the Safe Entry & Working Procedures mock exam free?

Yes — 100% free, no sign-up needed. Questions are pulled at random from a substantial bank, with a worked explanation on every question after you submit.

Can I retake the mock exam?

Yes. Every attempt picks a different random selection and reshuffles the options, so each retake gives you genuinely new questions. No limit on retakes.

Does this count towards the real qualification?

No — this is independent practice material. To gain the actual qualification you need to sit the official assessment through an approved provider.