What is a confined space?

It can be any space of an enclosed nature where there is a risk of death or serious injury from hazardous substances or dangerous conditions (e.g. lack of oxygen).

Some confined spaces are fairly easy to identify, e.g. enclosures with limited openings…

  • storage tanks.
  • reaction vessels.
  • enclosed drains.

Others may be less obvious, but can be equally dangerous…

  • open-topped chambers.
  • under crofts
  • plant or machinery rooms
  • unventilated or poorly ventilated rooms.

It is not possible to provide a comprehensive list of confined spaces. Some places may become confined spaces when work is carried out, or during their construction, fabrication or subsequent modification.

What the law says

You must carry out a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks for all work activities to decide what measures are necessary for safety (under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999).

For work in confined spaces this means identifying the hazards present, assessing the risks and determining what precautions to take. In most cases the assessment will include consideration of:

  • the task.
  • the working environment.
  • working materials and tools.
  • the suitability of those carrying out the task.
  • arrangements for emergency rescue.

Our Confined Space Services

Whether we are carrying out a Culvert Inspection or Cleaning Silos, we have site specific Risk Assessments and the correct personnel to enter or manage the Confined Space.

A Safe System of Work SSOW will contain all documentation needed prior to entry into a Confined Space. Prior to any entry a Toolbox Talk will be carried out by the Confined Space Team and any new concerns raised must be entered onto the site-specific Risk Assessment.

Working Safely in a Confined Space

Training and Experience are key to working Safely in Confined Spaces, Our Team undertake training at regular intervals and regularly carry out works and management of Confined Spaces. Our training not only covers entry and egress to a Confined Space but correct provision, use and inspection of PPE is also paramount to working safely.

Rescue methods are specific for each Confined Space. A Rescue procedure forms part of the SSOW