Health & Safety Training

Confined Space Entry with Escape Sets

A one-day in-company course for higher risk confined space work. Equips delegates to enter, work in and leave a confined space, including a vertical shaft, using escape breathing apparatus, a tripod and winch.

One day In-company UK-wide Certificate of attendance Includes vertical shaft entry
Key facts at a glance
One day
Durationclassroom and practical training
Escape sets
The equipmentescape breathing apparatus in use
Vertical entry
Practicaltripod and winch entry and egress
Gas detection
Coveredusing detection in hazardous atmospheres
The course
Quick answer

What is confined space entry with escape sets training?

Confined space entry with escape sets training equips delegates to enter, work in and leave higher risk confined spaces, including vertical shafts, using escape breathing apparatus. KeyOstas delivers it as a one-day in-company course covering gas detection, PPE, tripod and winch entry, and emergency procedures, with practical exercises and a student assessment.

Covers current legislation and how to recognise confined spaces
Practical use of escape breathing apparatus and gas detection equipment
Vertical entry and egress using a tripod and winch
Includes a student assessment and a certificate of attendance
Some confined space work carries a higher level of risk and needs escape breathing apparatus close to hand. This one-day course is designed for that work. It gives delegates a thorough understanding of the dangers of a confined space and the skills to enter, work in and leave one safely, including a vertical shaft. The course covers current legislation, how to recognise confined spaces, the dangers associated with them and the human respiratory system. Delegates learn to use gas detection equipment in hazardous atmospheres, personal protective equipment including ropes, harnesses and man riding hoists, and escape breathing apparatus, and they carry out pre-entry checks on equipment. It covers safe systems of work for entry, methods of communication, manning levels and emergency procedures. The practical work includes using escape breathing apparatus and carrying out vertical entry and egress with a tripod and winch, and the course closes with a student assessment. Client-specific processes and procedures can be used throughout the session.
One day
classroom content plus hands-on practical work
Escape sets
escape breathing apparatus used throughout
Vertical entry
tripod and winch entry and egress practised
Is it right for you

Is this course right for your team?

It is for staff who carry out higher risk confined space work that needs escape breathing apparatus.

Right for you if…

Your staff enter confined spaces where escape breathing apparatus is needed
Work includes vertical shaft entry using a tripod and winch
You want delegates competent with gas detection and emergency procedures
You want hands-on practical training and a student assessment
You want training delivered in-company, using your own procedures

A different course fits better if…

Entry is low risk and escape sets are not required: see Low Risk Confined Space Entry
You only need general awareness of confined space risk: see Confined Space Awareness
You need to train a rescue team or supervisors: see Confined Space Rescue and Confined Space Supervisor
After the course

What you will be able to do

By the end of the course, every delegate will be able to do the following.

Understand the work

Know the law

Outline the current legislation governing confined space work.

Recognise confined spaces

Recognise confined spaces and the dangers associated with them.

Understand the body

Describe the human respiratory system and how problem atmospheres affect it.

Plan the entry

Apply a safe system of work for entry, with the correct manning levels.

Work and equipment

Use detection and PPE

Use gas detection equipment in hazardous atmospheres, and PPE including ropes, harnesses and hoists.

Use escape sets

Use escape breathing apparatus, and carry out pre-entry checks on equipment.

Enter vertically

Carry out vertical entry and egress using a tripod and winch.

Respond to emergencies

Use the correct methods of communication and follow emergency procedures.

Course content

What the course covers

A one-day course combining the underpinning knowledge with hands-on practical work.

01

Confined spaces and the dangers

  • Current legislation, and recognition of confined spaces
  • Dangers associated with confined spaces
  • The human respiratory system
02

Equipment and checks

  • Gas detection equipment in hazardous atmospheres
  • PPE: ropes, harnesses and man riding hoists, and escape breathing apparatus
  • Pre-entry checks on equipment, and periodic examinations
03

Entry, communication and emergencies

  • Safe systems of work for entry, methods of communication and manning levels
  • Emergency procedures
  • Practical use of escape breathing apparatus, vertical entry and egress with a tripod and winch, and a student assessment
Assessment

How the course is assessed and certificated

Practical and hands-on, with a formal student assessment.

Format

Instructor-led, in-company

A KeyOstas tutor delivers the one-day course at your premises, around your working pattern.

Assessment

Practical and student assessment

Delegates use escape breathing apparatus and practise tripod and winch entry, ending with a student assessment.

Certificate

Certificate of attendance

Every delegate receives a KeyOstas certificate of attendance on completion.

Client-specific processes and procedures can be used throughout the session, so delegates train on the confined spaces, equipment and systems they will really use.
Why KeyOstas

Why train with KeyOstas

Four decades of practical, in-company health & safety training.

01

Delivered at your site

We come to you, anywhere in the UK, and train your team around your working pattern.

02

Uses your own procedures

Client-specific processes and procedures can be used throughout the session.

03

Hands-on practical

Delegates use escape sets, gas detection and tripod and winch equipment, not just theory.

04

Specialists since 1984

Four decades of training UK workforces with practical instruction, not generic e-learning.

FAQ

Confined space entry with escape sets: frequently asked questions

What is an escape set?
An escape set is escape breathing apparatus carried by a worker to provide a supply of breathable air long enough to leave a confined space if the atmosphere becomes dangerous. This course covers its use for higher risk entry.
How long is the course?
It is a one-day in-company course, combining classroom content with hands-on practical work.
Does the course cover vertical shaft entry?
Yes. Delegates practise vertical entry and egress using a tripod and winch, as well as escape breathing apparatus.
What does the law require?
Confined space work is governed by the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, which require a safe system of work and adequate emergency arrangements. The course covers the current legislation.
Is there an assessment?
Yes. The course includes practical exercises and a student assessment before the certificate is issued.
Can the course use our own procedures?
Yes. Client-specific processes and procedures can be used throughout the session.
How is this different from low risk entry?
This course is for higher risk work where escape breathing apparatus is needed and may include vertical shaft entry. Low Risk Confined Space Entry is for spaces where escape sets are not required.
Is this an accredited qualification?
It is a KeyOstas course with a certificate of attendance: practical training rather than a regulated qualification.

Train your team for confined space entry with escape sets

Tell us how many people you would like to train and where you are based, and we will put together a quote for an in-company one-day course.

Last reviewed: May 2026. Checked against current UK health & safety legislation and HSE guidance.