CONFINED SPACE WORKING

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.

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QUSTION TIME

• What should be done before any confined space is entered?
• When can a person be rescued from a confined space?

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SAFETY REMINDER

Don't enter a confined space until the risks have been assessed. Many people are killed trying to rescue other people from confined space.