How often is confined-space training repeated?

It must be refreshed at least once a year, or sooner if any of the circumstances in point 11.6 of NOM-033-STPS-2015 arise.

What must the training cover?

Theory, practical training and assessment, on topics such as the content of the standard, the hazards and risks of the space, the chemicals present, procedures and permits, ventilation, respiratory and personal protection, measuring equipment and the emergency and rescue plan with drills (point 11.3).

Does the attendant need different training?

Yes. On top of the general training, the work supervisor and the attendant are trained and assessed in atmosphere sampling, assessing concentrations, when work must be stopped and emergency and rescue actions (point 11.4).

What goes in the training record?

The workers' names and jobs, the date, the topics covered and the instructor's name; for an external training provider, its STPS registration number (point 11.7). Records are kept for at least one year (point 13.5).

What if a contractor does the work?

The employer must check that contractors comply with the standard when it hires them for confined-space work (point 5.12).

MX · Expiry & renewal tracking

Never let anyone enter a confined space with lapsed training

Employers in Mexico refresh confined-space training at least once a year, and sooner after new equipment, changed conditions, an incident or unsafe operation (NOM-033-STPS-2015, point 11.6). Each work permit must confirm the worker holds that training (point 8.6).

NOM-033-STPS-2015, Safety conditions for work in confined spaces (DOF 31/08/2015), applies throughout Mexico in every workplace where work is done in confined spaces; it does not apply to diving or underground mines, unless there are confined spaces within their facilities (points 2.1 and 2.2).

A confined space is a place with no natural ventilation, or poor natural ventilation, where one or more people can carry out a task inside, with limited or restricted means of entry or exit, and which is not designed for continuous occupancy (point 4.11). The employer must give information and training to workers who carry out activities in these spaces, in line with the work, the space's classification and the risk analysis (point 5.11).

Training consists of theory, practical training and an assessment of knowledge and skills, and covers, among other topics, the hazards of the space, procedures and permits, personal protective equipment and the emergency and rescue plan, including drills (point 11.3). The work supervisor and the attendant also receive training in atmosphere sampling and when to stop work, and rescue team members receive specific training on the rescue plan (points 11.4 and 11.5).

Training must be refreshed at least once a year, or sooner if new tools or equipment are introduced or conditions inside the space change, if an incident or accident has occurred, if unsafe operation of equipment is seen, or if the workers' last assessment suggests it (point 11.6).

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At a glance

Who it applies to	Workplaces where work is done in confined spaces (NOM-033-STPS-2015, point 2.1)
Training refresher	At least once a year (point 11.6)
Earlier refresher	New equipment or changed conditions, incident or accident, unsafe operation, or the last assessment result (point 11.6(a) to (d))
Format	Theory, practical training and assessment (point 11.3)
Work supervisor and attendant	Extra training in sampling, assessing concentrations, stopping work and emergencies (point 11.4)
Training record	Name and job, date, topics and instructor (point 11.7)
Record keeping	At least one year (point 13.5)
Work permit	Valid for up to one shift; renewed for each extra shift (point 8.6(b))

If the instructor is an external training provider, the record must include its registration number with the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (point 11.7(d)). An opinion from a verification unit, which is optional, is valid for one year if the conditions it was based on do not change (points 12.1 and 12.4).

Who is responsible?

The employer provides the information and training (point 5.11), appoints a work supervisor and at least one attendant with the required training (points 5.7, 9.5 and 9.6) and keeps the training record (point 11.7). When hiring third parties for confined-space work, the employer must check that the contractors comply with the standard (point 5.12). Workers must take part in the training and information sessions (point 6.7).

If the deadline passes

Enforcement of NOM-033-STPS-2015 is the responsibility of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (STPS) (point 14). The work permit must include confirmation that the worker has the required training (point 8.6(g)). Employers must comply with the official standards on occupational safety and health (Federal Labour Law, Article 132, section XVII), and there are sanctions for employers who do not observe safety and hygiene standards (Federal Labour Law, Articles 992 and 994, section V).

One year at most, and sooner if anything changes

Twelve months is the maximum: an accident, new equipment, a change inside the space, unsafe operation or the last assessment result all require earlier refresher training (point 11.6). When that happens, update the record's date so the next expiry is counted from the new refresher.

Tracking it with ExpirySuite

Add a record for each worker, work supervisor, attendant or rescue team member and enter the date of the last refresher plus twelve months as the expiry date.
Email reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before the expiry date and on the day, giving time to schedule the theory, the practical part and the assessment.
An external training provider can upload the certificate or attendance list through a secure link that is valid for 14 days and needs no account.
Assign a responsible person, such as the safety or training team; if a worker passes the date without a refresher, managers get further reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.

Frequently asked questions

How often is confined-space training repeated?: It must be refreshed at least once a year, or sooner if any of the circumstances in point 11.6 of NOM-033-STPS-2015 arise.
What must the training cover?: Theory, practical training and assessment, on topics such as the content of the standard, the hazards and risks of the space, the chemicals present, procedures and permits, ventilation, respiratory and personal protection, measuring equipment and the emergency and rescue plan with drills (point 11.3).
Does the attendant need different training?: Yes. On top of the general training, the work supervisor and the attendant are trained and assessed in atmosphere sampling, assessing concentrations, when work must be stopped and emergency and rescue actions (point 11.4).
What goes in the training record?: The workers' names and jobs, the date, the topics covered and the instructor's name; for an external training provider, its STPS registration number (point 11.7). Records are kept for at least one year (point 13.5).
What if a contractor does the work?: The employer must check that contractors comply with the standard when it hires them for confined-space work (point 5.12).

Sources

Last checked: Oct 11, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.

Made for confined-space work training (NOM-033) (Mexico)

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Reminders on time

Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each confined-space work training (NOM-033) (Mexico) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.

Assign an owner

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