CONFINED SPACE WORKING

Contents

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

A confined space can be any enclosed area that if unventilated could contain a toxic gas/vapour,or insufficient oxygen to support life. In many cases the dangers cannot be detected by the senses. It is important to remember that many deaths occur whilst attempting to rescue from a confined space.

HAZARDS

Too much or too little oxygen.
Presence of toxic and/or flammable atmospheres.
Biological hazards for example Weils’s disease from rats.
Physical hazards such as noise, dust, temperature.
Structural hazards due to the condition of the confined area.
Introduction of existing mechanical or electrical equipment.

HEALTH AND SAFETY POINTS

Before entry a full assessment of the space must be made by a competent person.
No person must enter the space without the relevant information, instruction and training.
A permit to enter system must be put into operation.
You must be fit and healthy to enter a confined space.
No entry can ba made until monitoring of the space has been carried out depending on the assessment details.
No person must enter a confined space without an ‘Observer’ on the outside of the operation.
Suitable and adequate rescue equipment must be available at the place of work and in good condition.
Rescue equipment may vary from escape equipment to breathing apparatus therefore the training must be in line with the equipment to be used.
A person injured in a confined space cannot be rescued unless he is able to communicate his/her condition to the observer, this requirement is the same in any area even if it has been passed as safe to enter.
Emergency precedures must be in place before the work can commence.
No confined space that has been disignated ‘not safe to enter’ can be accessed without breathing apparatus.
Before any work is carried out in a confined space contact the safety department/adviser to enable an adequate risk assessment to be made.
Wear any protective clothing that has been provided.
Don’t ear or drink in a confined space.
Smoking is strictly prohibited in any confined area.
Any use of naked flame ie. Welding must be under a hot work permit.