Work In Confined Spaces

What is a Confined Space?

Any space of an enclosed nature where there is a risk of death or serious injury from a specific risk

Examples: Storage tanks, silos, enclosed drains, sewers, chambers, vats, ductwork, unventilated rooms

Hazards Lack of oxygen Poisonous gas, fume or vapour Ingress of liquids or free-flowing solids Fire and explosion from flammable vapours, excess oxygen etc. Residues which give off gas, fume or vapour Dust Hot conditions

Control Measures

Avoid Entering Confined Spaces

Modify confined space itself so that entry is not necessary

Have work done from outside

Safe System of Work

If entry cannot be avoided, SSoW will need to be developed from risk assessment

Properly train and instruct everyone in SSoW

Supervision

Supervisors should be given responsibility to:Ensure that necessary precautions are taken;Check safety at each stagePossibly remain present while work is carried out

Suitable Employees

Trained and competentPhysically suitableFit to wear breathing apparatusNot susceptible to claustrophobiaMedical advice may be necessary

Isolation

Mechanical & electrical if necessaryPhysical isolation of pipeworkPhysical checks to ensure safetySign isolation points

Ventilation

Increase amount of openingsProvide mechanical ventilationNever use petrol fuelled equipment in confined

spaces

Air Testing

Check for presence of toxic and flammable vapours

Check for oxygen levelsCarried out by competent person using suitable

gas detector which is correctly calibratedContinuous monitoring may be necessary

Tools and lighting

Non-sparking tools and specially protected lighting where flammable or explosive atmospheres are present

RCDs and low voltage equipment may be necessary to prevent electric shocks

Breathing Apparatus

Essential if air is not fit to breathe due to gas, fume or vapour, or lack of oxygen

Never try to sweeten air with oxygen as this increases risk of fire or explosion

Emergency Arrangements Contact with emergency services Practice drills Rescue equipment e.g. Lifelines & harnesses Train and instruct all staff in emergency procedures Top man to raise alarm in case of emergency Trained first aiders on hand Fire fighting equipment nearby Rescuers need to be fit and capable of carrying out rescue

Communication

Adequate communication system to allow people inside the space to communicate with people outside the space if necessary

Adequate communication system to allow people outside the space to summon help immediately if necessary

Permit-to-Work Systems

Written systemEnsures all elements of safe system are in placeClearly identifies responsibilitiesShould include contractorsEveryone will need to be trained and instructed

Other Controls

Cleaning and purgingSteam cleaning

Confined Spaces Regulations 1997

Avoid entry to confined spacesIf entry to a confined space is unavoidable,

follow a safe system of workPut in place adequate emergency arrangements

before the work starts“Due diligence” defence