CPD Training

Frequently Asked Questions

• What do I need to bring for training?

  Delegates must provide proof of identity (Driving license, Passport, National Identity Card) stating full name. PPE will also be required for practical training - Safety Helmet, Gloves, Overalls, Hi-vis and Safety Footwear, kneepads are also advisable.

• Can ESS deliver training on my site?

  Yes, subject to availability and necessary approvals ESS are able to delivery the majority of our training courses on customer sites, including Confined Space using our mobile training unit.

• When will I receive my certificate?

  The issuing of certificates and cards can vary depending on the awarding body but can take up to 8 weeks.

• Do I need to be clean shaven to complete Confined Space training?

  Different types of RPE are used during training dependent on the Confined Space Risk Level. For High-Risk courses being clean shaven is mandatory. Please refer to the particular course joining instructions or contact the ESS Training Team for assistance.

• What happens if I fail the course?

  ESS have a duty of care to ensure candidates are safe and competent. Delegates failing the course will be informed of this and the reasons for failure, notification will also be sent to the booker.

• What assistance is available to help understand the exam questions?

  Reasonable adjustments can be made such as readers and scribes for delegates with confirmed disabilities and learning difficulties, where notified and registered in advance of the training with the appropriate awarding body. Reasonable adjustments are subject to available resources.

• Is the training physically demanding?

  Delegates completing practical training such as Confined Space exercises must be physically fit and capable of climbing and crawling whilst carrying heavy equipment and wearing breathing apparatus. Delegates must also not exceed 136kg in weight as this is the SWL of standard Confined Space & Working at Height equipment used.

• What time does the course start and finish?

  When booking ESS will send all details for your particular course as part of our booking confirmation and joining instructions. Most courses start at 9AM and finish around 5PM, depending on the duration, if the course is over several days the trainer will advise of further start/finish times. 

• Is there car parking onsite?

  Most ESS Training centres have free onsite parking, however full details will be sent out for your course and location as part of our booking confirmation and joining instructions.

• What happens if I am late for my course?

  Due to the training being a formal qualification, it is important that you attend the full duration in order to be properly certified. As such, we can not accept delegates who are more than 15 minutes late for the course.

• Is there any equipment options available that negate the need to be clean shaven?

  For Medium Risk Confined Space courses a Hooded Escape Set could be provided where ESS have been notified in advance of the requirement. For High Risk Confined Space there are no other equipment options available and delegates must be clean shaven.

• Do delegates need to be Face Fit tested to a attend a Confined Space Course?

  If your employer requires you to wear any form of RPE the HSE offers guidance on when and how often a face fit test is required. For further information: https://www.hse.gov.uk/respiratory-protective-equipment/

• How long is the certificate valid for?

  Most certifications  have a 3 year validity, however this may vary depending on the type of course and awarding body that issues the certificate. For further information please check with our team: esstraining@vpplc.com