Openreach

Openreach Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of BT Group, operates and maintains the UK’s digital network, connecting homes and businesses via copper wires and fibre optic cables.

To support the delivery of specialist safety training, Cleveland Containers was commissioned to create a bespoke Confined Space Training Unit for Openreach’s operational learning centre in Bradford. This follows the successful supply of a similar training unit to Openreach’s site in Thornaby, reinforcing an ongoing working partnership.

The Requirement

Openreach required a realistic, on-site confined space training solution to support engineers undertaking specialist safety courses. The Bradford training centre delivers a high volume of operational courses, and demand for confined space training has continued to increase.
Previously, access to a single on-site manhole limited training capacity. The objective was to create a purpose-built environment that:

• Replicates real-world underground scenarios
• Enables safe manhole entry and exit training
• Supports winch operation in the event of an accident or unresponsive casualty
• Allows engineers to practise teamwork and correct use of safety equipment

The Solution

We transformed a 40ft Used High Cube Shipping Container into a fully customised Confined Space Training Unit, intended to simulate operational field conditions within a controlled training environment. The high cube container provided additional internal height, allowing for safe movement and practical training exercises.

The only manhole we have on-site currently is used for other courses. Having this modified container here allows us to replicate real-world conditions, giving engineers valuable insight into how to use their kit effectively.

Our confined space training unit is getting utilised a lot because of the increased demand of this course. By having it on-site, we can easily get everybody through the training, so when they go back out into the field for the day-to-day activities, they are carrying out this work more safely.

David Harvey, Training and Development Specialist at Openreach

Key Features

Many modifications were made to the container to meet the necessary demands of the course and to withstand heavy, repeated use:

External Modifications

• Full external repaint in RAL 7035 (light grey)
• Multi-point locking personnel door with internal crash bar
• Cargo doors removed and replaced with a double multi-point locking personnel door with internal crash bar
• Stairs and raised platform with handrail
• Steel grated decking
• Removable hatch
• Waterproof external sockets
• Eight bulkhead lamps
• Emergency external lighting
• Internal Fit-Out
• Non-corrosive strip lighting
• Internal ladder system
• Multiple internal timber partitions
• Two hinged partitions
• Integrated electrics throughout

The final product allows instructors and trainees to recreate emergency rescue scenarios, including winch-based recovery operations, ensuring engineers develop both technical competence and confidence.

Delivering Specialist Training Environments

Cleveland Containers specialises in bespoke container conversions for training, commercial and industrial applications. Our confined space training units can meet operational safety requirements while providing a durable, cost-effective alternative to permanent construction.
By combining engineering expertise with practical industry understanding, we deliver custom-built solutions that help organisations train safely, efficiently and at scale.