Confined space work requires careful planning, effective communication and strong supervision throughout the operation. While operatives need the competence to carry out tasks safely, supervisors play an important role in ensuring procedures are followed, risks remain controlled, and teams are working in accordance with the agreed safe system of work.
The City & Guilds Supervising Teams Undertaking Work in Confined Spaces (6160-05) course from Rescue2 is designed for supervisors and team leaders responsible for managing confined space activities. The course provides the practical and procedural knowledge needed to monitor teams, control operations and support safe working practices in high risk environments.
Delivered over two days, this accredited confined space course is suitable for organisations across both water and non water sectors, including construction, utilities, petrochemical, power and engineering industries.
The Role of a Confined Space Supervisor
Supervising confined space work involves more than overseeing a task from a distance. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that teams understand the requirements of the work, follow established procedures and maintain appropriate safety standards throughout the operation.
A supervisor must understand the risks associated with the confined space, the controls that have been put in place and the responsibilities of everyone involved in the activity.
Effective supervision helps identify when circumstances change and ensures appropriate action can be taken before safety is compromised.
What Is the City & Guilds 6160-05 Course?
The City & Guilds Supervising Teams Undertaking Work in Confined Spaces (6160-05) is an accredited two day training programme designed to develop the competence required to supervise confined space entry and rescue work.
The course focuses on the responsibilities of supervisors and team leaders, providing delegates with the knowledge needed to plan, monitor and control confined space operations.
Successful delegates receive City & Guilds certification, which remains valid for three years.
Training can be completed at Rescue2’s specialist facility in Poling, West Sussex, or delivered at client sites across the UK where appropriate.
Who Is the Course Suitable For?
This confined space course is designed for individuals responsible for supervising teams working in confined spaces.
It is suitable for:
- Supervisors and team leaders managing confined space operations
- Personnel responsible for monitoring confined space activities
- Individuals progressing towards technical or managerial safety roles
- Those who need a recognised supervisory qualification for confined space work
The course supports organisations by helping ensure those overseeing confined space activities have the knowledge required for their responsibilities.
Entry Requirements for Supervisors
To supervise confined space activities, delegates must already hold appropriate entry level qualifications relevant to the type of work being supervised.
For medium or low risk confined spaces, delegates must hold the City & Guilds Level 2 Award in Entrant and Entry Controller for Confined Spaces (Medium Risk) (6160-09).
For high risk confined spaces, delegates must hold the City & Guilds Level 2 Award in Working in High Risk Confined Spaces (6160-03).
These requirements ensure supervisors have an appropriate understanding of confined space entry before progressing into a supervisory role.
What Will Delegates Learn?
The course provides delegates with the knowledge and understanding needed to supervise confined space teams safely and effectively.
Learning outcomes include how to:
- Implement procedures for teams working in high risk confined spaces
- Monitor teams to ensure safe working procedures are followed
- Control safe entry and exit from confined spaces
- Understand emergency procedures and control emergency situations
- Understand health, safety and environmental legislation
- Apply recognised protocols for confined space work
- Understand entry controller duties and responsibilities
- Complete appropriate equipment checks and testing requirements
The training combines practical understanding with the procedural knowledge required to manage confined space operations effectively.
Supporting Safe Confined Space Operations
A supervisor plays an important role in maintaining standards during confined space work. Even when suitable planning and control measures are in place, conditions can change and teams may need direction to ensure procedures continue to be followed.
Effective supervision helps maintain communication between those involved, confirms that equipment and processes are being used correctly and ensures concerns are addressed promptly.
This is particularly important in higher risk environments where multiple hazards may be present and where a coordinated approach is required.
Why Accredited Training Matters
Confined space work involves significant responsibilities, particularly for those supervising teams and overseeing safety arrangements.
Accredited training provides a structured approach to developing the knowledge required for the role while helping organisations demonstrate that supervisors have received appropriate instruction.
As a City & Guilds accredited provider, Rescue2 delivers confined space training that combines recognised industry standards with practical experience gained from supporting real world operations.
Building Competence Before Work Begins
Safe confined space operations depend on competent people at every stage of the process. Supervisors provide essential oversight by ensuring teams work safely, procedures are followed, and control measures remain effective throughout the task.
Rescue2 delivers the City & Guilds Supervising Teams Undertaking Work in Confined Spaces (6160-05) course as part of its wider confined space training services. Alongside accredited training, Rescue2 supports organisations with confined space assessments, safety planning and specialist rescue provision.
By developing capable supervisors and team leaders, organisations can strengthen their approach to confined space safety and help ensure work is completed safely and effectively.
Get in touch to discuss your training requirements or view the course details.
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 6160-05 confined space course?
The City & Guilds Supervising Teams Undertaking Work in Confined Spaces (6160-05) is a two day accredited qualification designed to develop the competence required to supervise teams carrying out confined space entry and rescue work in high risk environments.
Who should attend this confined space course?
The course is suitable for supervisors, team leaders, entry controllers and personnel responsible for overseeing confined space operations or progressing into supervisory health and safety roles.
What qualifications are required before attending the 6160-05 course?
Delegates supervising medium or low risk confined spaces must hold the City & Guilds 6160-09 qualification, while those supervising high risk confined spaces must already hold the City & Guilds 6160-03 qualification.
What will delegates learn on the course?
Delegates learn how to supervise confined space teams, monitor safe systems of work, control entry and exit, manage emergency situations, understand relevant legislation, and carry out equipment checks and testing requirements.
How long is the qualification valid?
The City & Guilds 6160-05 qualification is valid for three years after successful completion of the course.
Where can the confined space course be delivered?
Rescue2 delivers the course at its specialist training centre in Poling, West Sussex, or on client sites across the UK where suitable facilities are available.
