Transcript Confined Spaces (Training Tool)

Confined Spaces
This training tool should be used
to help educate everyone on the
dangers of working in confined
spaces and how best to assess
risks and minimise injuries.
What is a Confined Space?
A confined space is defined as:
“Any place including any chamber, tank,
vat, silo, pit, trench, sewer, flue, well or
other similar place in which, by virtue of its
enclosed nature, there arises a reasonably
foreseeable specified risk”.
A confined space is any place, which,
because of its enclosed nature, presents
hazards not normally seen in an open
workplace.
It could be an enormous space (i.e. a
freight container), or even a normal
workroom could also become a confined
space, if there is little ventilation and
hazardous substances are present.
Confined Space Regulations
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
Under domestic law employers are
responsible for ensuring the safety of their
employees and others. This responsibility is
reinforced by:
The Confined Space Regulations 1997
These regulations apply where the
assessment identifies risks of serious injury
from working in confined spaces.
What are the hazards?
Entry into confined spaces is extremely
hazardous. On average, 15 people die
each year in a confined space as a result
of such things as:
• Reduced oxygen levels
• Poisonous gases
• Noxious fumes
• Vapours
• Fire
• Explosions
• Excessive heat
Other dangers may include
flooding/drowning or asphyxiation from
some other source such as dust, grain
or other contaminants.
Confined Space Case Study
Having identified a fault in a crane’s hydraulics, two men accessed a
closed compartment. Within a minute of entering the compartment, one
had passed out and the other was feeling lightheaded but managed to
escape. Two others entered and tried to save the first man but were both
overcome. The three men were extracted by the emergency service but
two of them died.
How could it have been avoided?
Water had got into the compartment causing rusting, which depleted the oxygen
levels. Had the oxygen levels been checked, the space could have been
ventilated and the deaths could have been avoided.
A Safe Working Environment
If you work in confined spaces, your
employer will provide you with information,
instruction and training. Training will
include:
•An outline of the requirements of the related
legislation.
•The need to avoid entry into a confined space unless
authorised to do so.
•Details of the work to be carried out.
•The hazards and risks associated with the work.
•The safety precautions and procedures.
•The safe system of work, including any permits
to work.
•Information on emergencies, including how they
arise and the importance of following the emergency
procedures.
•Specific instruction to never attempt a rescue unless
trained and authorised to do so.
•Personal responsibilities of all those involved in entry
and confined spaces.
Confined Space Signage
To assist in determining whether a confined
space exist, signs should have been
erected at various locations.
Some signs clearly mark an area as a
confined space; others indicate that a
confined space situation could exist
(dependant on the work being undertaken)
and that the code guidelines need to be
followed and a decision made as to
whether a confined space situation exists.
Your Responsibilities
You have a responsibility to:
•
Take reasonable care for your own heath and safety and that of others
•
Co-operate with your employer on health and safety matters
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Follow health and safety instructions
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Report dangerous situations immediately
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Attend all relevant training