1. Work In Confined Spaces

2. 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

3. 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

4. Control Measures

5. Avoid Entering Confined Spaces
Modify confined space itself so that entry is not necessary
Have work done from outside

6. 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

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

8. Suitable Employees Trained and competent Physically suitable
Fit to wear breathing apparatus
Not susceptible to claustrophobia
Medical advice may be necessary

9. Isolation Mechanical & electrical if necessary
Physical isolation of pipework
Physical checks to ensure safety
Sign isolation points

10. Ventilation Increase amount of openings Provide mechanical ventilation
Never use petrol fuelled equipment in confined spaces

11. Air Testing Check for presence of toxic and flammable vapours
Check for oxygen levels
Carried out by competent person using suitable gas detector which is correctly calibrated
Continuous monitoring may be necessary

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. Permit-to-Work Systems
Written system
Ensures all elements of safe system are in place
Clearly identifies responsibilities
Should include contractors
Everyone will need to be trained and instructed

17. Other Controls
Cleaning and purging
Steam cleaning

18. Confined Spaces Regulations 1997
Avoid entry to confined spaces
If entry to a confined space is unavoidable, follow a safe system of work
Put in place adequate emergency arrangements before the work starts
“Due diligence” defence