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 stage – Possibly remain present while work is carried out

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

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

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

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

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 system  Ensures all elements of safe system are in place  Clearly identifies responsibilities  Should include contractors  Everyone will need to be trained and instructed

Other Controls  Cleaning and purging  Steam cleaning

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