INTRODUCTION
Work in confined spaces is governed by the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997. Under these regulations a confined space is defined as 'any place, including any chamber, tank, vat, silo, pit, trench, pipe, sewer, flue, well or other similar space in which, by virtue of its enclosed nature, there arises a reasonably foreseeable specified risk [from hazardous substances or conditions].' An average of 15 people a year are killed at work in confined spaces. The term 'confined space' has a wide application throughout industry covering a great variety of workplaces which have limited access and inadequate ventilation (This may for example also include closed or unventilated rooms.) They are therefore potentially dangerous places in which to work because they may trap hazardous concentrations of toxic or flammable gases or vapours. Confined spaces can also be liable to become deficient in oxygen due to the build-up of a gas or vapour which is not itself toxic but which displaces the breathable air and acts as an asphyxiant. Examples of substances that may be encountered in confined spaces in the local authority-enforced sector include acetylene, LPG, carbon monoxide, petrol and welding fumes. The special conditions of working in confined spaces make it essential that work should be planned in detail and subject to a suitable and sufficient risk assessment. Questions that must be considered include :
1. Is it practicable to substitute safer materials than those which are producing the dangerous atmosphere?
2. Could alternative methods of work be adopted which would not give rise to hazards? i.e. could the hazard be located out of the confined space (e.g. petrol/diesel engines to be outside in a well ventilated area).
3. What safe system of work is to be employed? Booklet L101 (Safe work in confined spaces) contains an
Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) and guidance on the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997. The following summarised advice is taken from the booklet, which is commended to all businesses whose work activities include work in confined spaces.
RISK ASSESSMENT
Where it is not reasonably practicable to prevent work in a confined space, a risk assessment must be carried out by a competent person (someone with sufficient experience of, and familiarity with, the work). Factors to be assessed will include :
(a) the general condition of the confined space (previous contents, residues, contamination, oxygen deficiency and oxygen enrichment, physical dimensions);
(b) hazards arising from the work to be undertaken;
(c) the need to isolate the confined space to prevent dangers arising from outside (e.g. from the ingress of substances);
(d) the requirements for emergency rescue arrangements.
PREVENTING THE NEED FOR ENTRY
Employees and others (e.g. contractors) should be prevented from working inside a confined space where it is reasonably practicable to do so. In many cases this may involve changing working practices.
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