Overview
We specialise in teaching Confined Space awareness, and are based in Sheffield, UK. Our training centre is in a Grade II listed Victorian Barracks, where the 14m high Drill Hall provides an excellent all-weather training area on beautiful arched steelwork; a scale version of that used in G-MEX and St. Pancras.
Trainees are assured of a variety of realistic situations and genuine exposure to confined space – we train within a custom built internal tunnel system with access to shafts, manholes and hazards. Below is a list of the things you will learn within our course depending on the training level required and competence to be assessed.
Introduction to Confined Spaces
At Access Techniques we offer a course that covers the broad spectrum of work that is carried out in industrial environments.
During this introductory course, you’ll learn:
- Simple, unobstructed entry to a confined space with adequate natural ventilation.
- No foreseeable development of atmospheric hazards.
- How to rescue without entry.
- No experience necessary.
Confined Space with Escape BA
At Access Techniques we offer a course that covers the broad spectrum of work that is carried out in industrial environments.
During this introductory course, you’ll learn:
- More complex entry with minimal natural ventilation.
- How to deal with the development of atmospheric hazards during work.
- Entry based rescue scenarios.
- No experience necessary.
- This course can be tailored for Rope Access Technicians.
High Risk environments
At Access Techniques we offer a course that covers the broad spectrum of work that is carried out in industrial environments.
Note: This course comprises 1-2 days (depending on experience) assessed training, concluding the following day.
During this introductory course, you’ll learn:
- More complex entry with minimal natural ventilation.
- Entry to confined spaces with atmospheric hazards (typically requires full breathing apparatus).
- Complex entry and scenarios.
- No experience necessary.
High Risk and Rescue Techniques
At Access Techniques we offer a course that covers the broad spectrum of work that is carried out in industrial environments.
Note: This course comprises 1-2 days (depending on experience) assessed training, concluding the following day.
During this introductory course, you’ll learn:
- More complex entry with minimal natural ventilation.
- Entry to confined spaces with atmospheric hazards (typically requires full breathing apparatus).
- Complex entry and scenarios.
- Entry based rescue required with full BA.
- Designed for experienced Rope Access Technicians only.
Course Structure
All training courses have practical elements. Ensure you are physically and mentally fit for the course you intend to attend. Make sure you have had a good nights sleep and are free from the influences of alcohol, drugs or medication.
On enrolment you will be required to provide ID documents to prove who you are. Please don’t forget this.
To upgrade to a higher IRATA level you need to show that you have met the required criteria. Your IRATA logbook showing the number of rope access hours worked will be required at enrolment. All entries should be countersigned by the task L3 Supervisor or a Responsible Manager within your Organisation.
It’s always a good idea to familiarise yourself with any guidance videos we suggest for your training course.
Confirm travel plans and review your route prior to the morning of enrolment. If you are late you will not be permitted to enrol unless you have extenuating circumstances, and even then only with the explicit agreement of your instructor.
You can find details of public transport links and local parking availability by viewing your joining instructions.
We are happy to advise on local accommodation however; we accept no responsibility for the quality or availability of your chosen hotel/guesthouse. Please contact us for more information.
Start times for all courses are clearly shown on the course information page and also in your joining instructions. Please ensure you attend the venue on time every day. Failure to complete all the required training hours may mean you are ineligible for assessment or certification, without refund.
You will be required to complete paperwork to confirm your physical and mental fitness, your eligibility to attend the training course and also for registration with the certificating body your course is approved by.
Remember to ask for help if you need assistance in completing paperwork or understanding tasks.
As with every training centre there are certain responsibilities that you as a Candidate have. You will be made aware of our rules and requirements at enrolment and throughout your time with us. Please listen carefully to these and make sure you adhere to them.
Above all; we ask you to have a safe and polite demeanor ensuring you treat our experienced instructors and your fellow candidates with respect.
Access Techniques, it’s representatives and instructors have a duty of care for you also. We promise to do everything reasonably practicable to ensure you are safe and looked after at all times when attending our venue. We promise to act in your best interests in both training, advice, and assessment. We pride ourselves in employing only safe, responsible and approachable members of staff.
Each course no matter the subject has aspects of both practical and classroom training. Normally classroom topics such as the reason why you require training, the legal implications of not having such training and best practice will be briefed initially. Practical scenarios along with individual and team based exercises will compliment your training; to ensure you are ready for assessment at the end of the course.
Refreshments will be provided in the form of tea and coffee only. There is a fridge for you to use whilst you are with us. There are also a number of local shops and food outlets for lunches locally.
Refreshment and smoking breaks are to be taken at suitable times throughout the day in conjunction with your instructor. Lunch will be a longer break taken by all candidates normally around midday.
Review any training material you have been provided with the night before your assessment day if applicable (some courses are continuous assessment). Refresh yourself on any applicable guidance videos we have provided for your course.
Ensure that you have had a good nights sleep and are free from the influences of alcohol, drugs or medication.
If you have an external Assessor responsible for certifying your competence. Rest assured that in addition to them being proven as competent by their respective Organisations, Access Techniques has also reviewed their ability to assess you. We believe they are acting in not only your best interests, but also that of those you will be working for, with or in charge of.
The IRATA Assessment will include a team exercise no matter which level of competence you are being trained or assessed to.