Lee Crook – Health, Safety & Compliance Trainer
Q. How long have you been with HX Training, and which courses do you specialise in delivering?
A. I began working as an associate for Hydro-X for around 2.5 years, and I have now worked for HX Training for 3 months, meaning I have worked within Marlowe Environmental Services for 3 years!
The courses I deliver are all confined space-related. These include: Confined Space Awareness Course, Confined Spaces
Low-Medium Risk Training, Confined Spaces High-Risk Training Course, Confined Spaces Authorised Person Training Course.
Q. Can you share your background in health and safety? What led you to become a trainer?
A. I actually had no background in health and safety prior to my role! I joined the military at 15 and spent years working in logistics and as a radio specialist. After living in Germany for 5 years, I was medically discharged at 22 following six surgeries on my shins and knees – it was the push I needed to move forward. I had never worked in confined spaces before, but when I got into the industry, I naturally fit into the role as an entrant. Through a connection, I fell into training, and from there, it just grew. It all happened organically.
Q. What is your personal approach to training delivery? How do you keep delegates engaged?
A. Keeping delegates engaged is my top priority, especially since my courses range from 1-5 days. The first 90 minutes aren’t just about training, they’re about building trust. I take this time to get to know each delegate, make them feel comfortable, and create a connection. With up to 8 people in a course, I need them to trust me before we even start. Engagement isn’t just about keeping their attention, it’s about constantly reinforcing key points, testing their knowledge, and making sure they see their own progress. When I can see the difference in their confidence and understanding from day 1 to day 5, I know I’ve done my job.
Q. What do you love most about being a trainer, and what makes HX Training stand out to you?
A. The best part of being a trainer is seeing the sense of achievement delegates leave with. Our 5 day course is tough, so guiding them through it and knowing they’ve gained real knowledge is incredibly satisfying. Every group is different, and over the years, I’ve met thousands of people, it’s all about building connections.
HX Training stands out due to the support and network they provide. We’re growing rapidly, and I have the freedom to shape how confined space training evolves, and with the fantastic training facilities we have, there’s so much scope to make confined space training even better.
Q. If you had to pick a favourite course to deliver, which one would it be and why?
A. If I had to pick a favourite, it would be the Confined Space Authorised Person Course, specifically the MOD version. It’s a five-day course that really allows me to take delegates through the full range of scenarios. We start with multiple entries, observe how they perform, and then move into high-risk situations, including training with firefighting equipment. You get the full spectrum, low, medium, and high-risk confined space training – all in one course. For me, the MOD version is the most important one I deliver.
Q. What are some of the biggest risks/most common knowledge gaps associated with working in confined spaces?
A. One of the biggest risks in confined spaces is the lack of oxygen—many people don’t realise that if you enter an area with less than 10% oxygen, you’ve got around eight minutes to get out while still conscious. A major knowledge gap I see, even among people with years of experience, is understanding how gas monitoring systems actually work. Peak readings are critical, and basic checks like a BUMP test—where you expose the monitor to gas to ensure it’s working—should be done before every use.
Another serious issue is when people go in to rescue a colleague without proper training. Around 66% of confined space fatalities happen during rescue attempts. That’s why rescue plans, risk assessments, and having trained rescue teams in place are absolutely essential.
Q. What advice would you give to someone who works in confined spaces but hasn’t taken proper training yet?
A. My advice would be to come in with an open mind! I know it can be nerve-wracking, walking into a room where you don’t know myself or the other delegates, but the training is built to help you learn. If you stay open, ask questions, and engage, you’ll get so much more out of it. That mindset makes all the difference.
Q. Finally, what are your professional goals at HX Training, and what do you enjoy outside of work?
A. My goal at HX Training is to take confined space training to the next level and help make us an industry leader. I’m always looking to progress in my role, but more importantly, I want to stay ahead of the curve and lead the way as the industry evolves.
Outside of work, I’m a pretty simple guy. I’m up at 5am to train, then I’ll usually get another session in around 4 or 5pm after work. I’m a big animal lover-especially dogs. I’ve got a soft spot for Shih Tzus, and I love getting out for long walks. That, and catching up with friends, is my idea of a perfect day.
