Transcript Work In Confined Spaces

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
