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Confined Spaces

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Confined Spaces

INTRODUCTION

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What is a confined space?

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  • Any space of an enclosed nature where there is a �risk of death or serious injury from hazardous substances �or dangerous conditions (eg lack of oxygen)

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  • limited way in/out

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  • contains hazardous substances or atmosphere

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  • risk of being trapped/engulfed/drowned

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  • not designed to work in it for long periods.

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Examples include grain silos, sewers, and storage tanks.

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Avoid entering a confined space unless absolutely necessary.

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Confined Spaces

Hazards

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  • Lack of oxygen (suffocate)

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  • fire/explosion risk

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  • build up of toxic substances

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  • physical hazards eg noise, extreme temperatures,

mechanical hazards, falls, electrocution, machinery.

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Confined Spaces

Before entering a confined space – you must:

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  • ensure a risk assessment has been carried out

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  • have received specific training

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  • ensure atmospheric testing has been carried out

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  • isolate the space

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  • turn off gas, power etc and ventilate for at least 15 minutes

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  • remove all flammable/toxic materials or substances

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  • ensure you understand all precautions to be taken

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  • ensure at least 3 people are present (buddy system)

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  • ensure you are medically fit

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  • ensure permit to work is in place and signed if one is needed.

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Confined Spaces

Permit to work

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Do you understand the conditions of the permit, including:

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  1. who is allowed in

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  • what barriers, warning signs, covers etc are needed

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  • what personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn

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  • if ventilation is needed, and atmospheric monitoring

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  • what the rescue/emergency procedures are

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  • what means of communication there are

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  • what safety/monitoring equipment you need eg gas monitor, safety harness, alarm

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  • any special instructions or precautions

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(i) how long it lasts.

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Legislation and resources

 

  • The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974

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  • The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 apply where assessment identifies risks of serious injury from work in confined spaces

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  • The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers and self-employed people to carry out a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks for work in confined spaces

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  • INDG258: Safe Working in Confined Spaces

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  • The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended).

Confined Spaces

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Quiz

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Confined Spaces

Questions and Answers

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Q: A buddy system in a confined space should consist of at least how many

people?

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A: Three.

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Q: List two things that can make a space ‘confined’?

A: A confined space might have a limited way in/out, contain hazardous

substances or atmospheres.

Revised: 2011