Working in a high risk confined space relies on more than the competence of the people entering it. Every operation also depends on someone coordinating the work, controlling entry and ensuring the correct procedures are followed from start to finish.
The City & Guilds Control Entry and Arrangements for High Risk Confined Spaces (6160-04) course from Rescue2 is designed for those responsible for managing confined space operations rather than carrying out the work itself. It provides the practical knowledge needed to oversee teams, maintain safe systems of work and respond effectively should an emergency arise.
This accredited confined space training course is suitable for organisations operating in water, utilities, petrochemical, construction and other industries where high risk confined space work forms part of daily operations.

Why Entry Control Matters
Before anyone enters a high risk confined space, a series of important decisions must already have been made.
Suitable control measures need to be in place, equipment must be checked, communication methods established and emergency procedures prepared. Throughout the work, someone must remain responsible for ensuring these arrangements continue to be followed.
The entry controller plays a key role in maintaining these standards. They monitor the operation, oversee entry and exit, communicate with personnel and ensure work is carried out in accordance with the agreed procedures.
Without effective supervision, even well trained confined space operatives can be exposed to unnecessary risk.
What Is the City & Guilds 6160-04 Course?
The Control Entry and Arrangements for High Risk Confined Spaces (6160-04) course is a three day, City & Guilds accredited programme delivered by Rescue2.
Successful delegates receive certification that remains valid for three years.
Training is available at Rescue2’s specialist training facility in Poling, West Sussex, or can be delivered on client sites across the UK where appropriate.
The course has been developed for organisations operating in both the water and non water industries, including sectors such as utilities, petrochemical, construction and infrastructure.
Who Should Attend?
This course is intended for people who are responsible for overseeing confined space operations rather than carrying out the physical work inside the confined space.
It is suitable for:
- Supervisors responsible for high risk confined space activities
- Entry controllers managing confined space access
- Personnel overseeing confined space teams
- Individuals working within the water, utilities, construction and hazardous industries
- Employers requiring City & Guilds accredited confined space training for supervisory staff
For organisations managing multiple confined space operations, ensuring supervisors have appropriate training helps create consistency across different sites and teams.
What Will Delegates Learn?
Throughout the course, delegates develop both the practical understanding and theoretical knowledge needed to safely control confined space activities.
Learning outcomes include how to:
- Implement procedures for teams working in high risk confined spaces
- Control safe entry and exit from confined spaces
- Manage emergency situations
- Understand relevant health, safety and environmental legislation
- Apply standard protocols for high risk confined space work
- Understand the duties and responsibilities of an entry controller
- Carry out equipment checks and testing requirements
Rather than concentrating on the physical techniques of confined space entry, the course focuses on managing the operation safely from beginning to end.
Supporting Safe Systems of Work
Every confined space operation should be carried out under a safe system of work that reflects the risks involved.
Those controlling entry are responsible for ensuring procedures are followed consistently throughout the task. This includes confirming that the correct personnel are authorised to enter, ensuring communication arrangements remain effective and monitoring the operation until all workers have exited safely.
Good supervision also means recognising when conditions change and taking appropriate action before those changes develop into incidents.
This level of responsibility requires more than experience alone. It requires structured training that reflects current legislation and recognised industry practice.
Emergency Preparedness
An important part of confined space training is understanding what happens if an emergency occurs.
Entry controllers need to understand how emergency arrangements fit into the wider confined space operation and how to initiate the correct response if required.
The course helps delegates understand the procedures surrounding emergency situations while reinforcing the importance of maintaining effective communication and following established protocols throughout the task.
Being prepared before work begins is a fundamental part of managing confined space risks.
Why Accredited Training Matters
Confined space work often takes place in environments where hazards can change quickly.
Choosing accredited training helps ensure supervisors receive instruction that aligns with recognised industry standards while providing employers with confidence that personnel have developed the knowledge expected for their role.
As a City & Guilds accredited provider, Rescue2 delivers training that combines practical exercises with current legislation and accepted working practices, giving delegates the confidence to manage high risk confined space operations effectively.
Delivering Training Across Multiple Industries
Although confined space hazards vary between industries, the principles of safe supervision remain consistent.
This course is suitable for organisations working in sectors including:
- Water
- Utilities
- Petrochemical
- Construction
- Industrial maintenance
- Infrastructure
Whether overseeing planned maintenance, shutdown projects or routine inspections, entry controllers must be able to coordinate people, procedures and safety arrangements throughout the operation.
Training That Supports Safer Operations
Managing confined space work requires more than technical knowledge. It requires the ability to coordinate people, verify procedures and maintain safe working practices throughout every stage of the operation.
Rescue2 delivers the City & Guilds Control Entry and Arrangements for High Risk Confined Spaces (6160-04) course as part of its wider confined space services. Alongside accredited training, Rescue2 works with organisations to assess confined space activities, classify work environments, develop practical safety arrangements and provide specialist rescue capability where required.
By combining consultation, training and operational support, Rescue2 helps organisations build competence before work begins and maintain high safety standards when confined space operations are underway.
Get in touch to discuss your training needs or view the course here.
Rescue2 Ltd, The Old Stables, Decoy Lane, Arundel Road, Poling, West Sussex BN18 9QA
01903 871105
info@rescue2.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the City & Guilds 6160-04 confined space training course?
The City & Guilds Control Entry and Arrangements for High Risk Confined Spaces (6160-04) course is an accredited training programme designed for people responsible for managing high risk confined space operations. It focuses on controlling entry, maintaining safe systems of work and overseeing confined space activities safely.
Who should complete high risk confined space entry controller training?
The course is suitable for supervisors, entry controllers and personnel responsible for overseeing high risk confined space operations. It is designed for those managing confined space activities rather than carrying out the physical work inside the confined space.
What does an entry controller do in confined space operations?
An entry controller is responsible for coordinating confined space activities, controlling access and exit, monitoring procedures and ensuring agreed safety arrangements are followed throughout the operation. They play an important role in maintaining safe working practices and responding appropriately if conditions change.
How long is the City & Guilds 6160-04 course?
The Control Entry and Arrangements for High Risk Confined Spaces (6160-04) course is delivered over three days. Successful delegates receive City & Guilds certification, which remains valid for three years.
What will delegates learn during the 6160-04 confined space course?
Delegates learn how to implement procedures for high risk confined space work, control entry and exit, manage emergency situations, understand relevant legislation, carry out equipment checks and fulfil the responsibilities of an entry controller.
Why is accredited confined space training important?
Accredited training helps ensure that those responsible for managing confined space operations receive structured instruction aligned with recognised industry standards. It provides employers with confidence that supervisors have the knowledge required to manage high risk confined space activities safely.








