Confined space safety specialists
Professional management of confined space operations
Evolve Rope Access provides City & Guilds certified teams for confined space entry, supervision, and rescue. All works are planned and delivered in line with the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 and relevant HSE guidance.
Our teams are qualified and experienced in managing all levels of confined spaces, applying proportionate controls, structured planning, and competent supervision to ensure safe and reliable delivery.
Turnkey Confined Space Management
We provide a fully managed confined space service, allowing clients to remain focused on their core operations while we take responsibility for planning, personnel, equipment, and delivery.
- Risk Assessment and Safety Planning: Site-specific assessments to identify hazards, define appropriate control measures, and establish a clear safe system of work.
- Trained & Certified Personnel: City & Guilds trained technicians with experience across all levels of confined spaces, including environments requiring the use of breathing apparatus where necessary.
- Rescue Preparedness: Dedicated rescue capability integrated into the scope of work from the outset, forming a core part of the planned control measures rather than a separate provision.
- Equipment & Logistics: Provision of all required entry and rescue equipment, atmospheric monitoring, communications, ventilation, and personal protective equipment.
From mobilisation through to completion, we manage the process in full, ensuring compliance, clear documentation, and a controlled, dependable outcome.
Rescue Cover for Client or Third-Party Operations
Already have a confined space team in place? We can provide:
- Standby Rescue Teams: On-site, fully trained rescue cover for planned work or shutdowns. Ready to respond at a moment’s notice.
- Entry Supervision & Safety Monitoring: Oversight to ensure procedures are followed and risks are actively managed throughout the task.
We work seamlessly alongside your in-house technicians or external contractors, reinforcing safety without disrupting your workflow.
What is a confined space?
A confined space is an enclosed or partially enclosed area that presents a foreseeable risk to those working within it. According to HSE, these risks include fire, explosion, loss of consciousness, asphyxiation, or drowning. Proper planning, supervision, and emergency arrangements are essential for protecting workers.
At Evolve, we develop thorough Risk Assessments/Method Statements (RAMS) and tailored safety plans that ensure compliance with the Confined Space Regulations 1997, protecting both your team and ours, and significantly reducing risk across the project.
Common confined spaces
Confined spaces are found across various industries, from construction and manufacturing to agriculture and energy. These spaces come in different forms, each presenting specific hazards. Below are typical examples where confined space supervision and rescue services are essential.
TanksLarge storage tanks, particularly in the oil and gas sectors, require confined space entry for inspections and maintenance.
Vaults & manholesUnderground vaults and manholes pose risks due to restricted access, poor ventilation, and potential exposure to toxic gases.
Storage bins & silosBins and silos, especially in agriculture, can be hazardous due to dust accumulation, oxygen depletion, and fire risks.
Equipment housingsTight spaces around machinery limit airflow and movement, making them dangerous for confined space work.
Pipework & tunnelsLong tunnels and pipework are challenging to access and ventilate, presenting significant confined space hazards.
HoppersIndustrial hoppers pose risks such as entrapment and exposure to hazardous materials, requiring careful management.
“Evolve produce creative and highly bespoke strategies whilst maintaining the highest levels of compliance through detailed planning and delivery. I can thoroughly recommend Evolve for rope access new build, remediation, fault diagnostic and investigative works.“
Daniel Holden, Managing Director Casu
Understanding the risks:
- Fire risk: Confined spaces can have flammable materials or gases that pose a fire hazard.
- Explosion risk: Ignition of gases or vapours in confined spaces can lead to dangerous explosions.
- Loss of consciousness: Oxygen depletion or exposure to harmful gases can cause workers to lose consciousness.
- Asphyxiation: Lack of oxygen or toxic gases can result in asphyxiation, making confined spaces extremely dangerous.
- Drowning: Some confined spaces pose a risk of flooding, which can lead to drowning.
- Emergency evacuation: Effective evacuation plans are critical for rescuing workers injured or overcome in confined spaces.
Nation-wide locations
Supporting inspection, maintenance and repair activities across the UK.
25 years’ experience
Depth of practical knowledge gained across commercial, industrial and infrastructure environments.
IRATA certified
All operational personnel are IRATA qualified to the appropriate level.
Planned delivery
Work is planned and delivered with clear consideration of access, risk and live operations.
Companies we’ve worked with
No-obligation pre-start site visits
Our no-obligation pre-start site visits allow us to understand the work scope, the structure and the operating environment. This enables hazards and risk to be identified and controlled before work begins.
This typically includes:
- Site-specific hazard identification
- Anchor point assessment
- Debris and dropped-object risk management
- Environmental and operational factor assessment
- Rescue planning and verification
- Third-party protection
