Working in confined spaces

What is a confined space?

A confined space is a place that is substantially (although not always entirely) enclosed where there is a risk of death or serious injury from hazardous substances or dangerous conditions (eg lack of oxygen). Very often this can occur as a result of work being carried out such as welding, painting, flame cutting, use of chemicals. Places can also become confined spaces during construction work, fabrication or modification.

Why is a confined space important?

Confined spaces can kill - on average, work in confined spaces kills 15 people every year in the UK across a wide range of industries, from those involving complex plant to simple storage vessels. In addition, many people are seriously injured. Those killed include not only people working in confined spaces but those who try to rescue them without proper training and equipment.

Dangers can arise in confined spaces because of:

• Lack of oxygen
• Poisonous gas, fume or vapour
• Liquids and solids suddenly filling the confined space, or releasing gases into it when disturbed
• Fire and Explosions
• Residues left behind which can give off gas, fume or vapour
• Dust
• Hot working condition

Who is affected/most at risk from manual handling?

All employers have statutory obligations in relation to the health and safety of their employees and premises.

There are elements of the following legislation that affect working in combined spaces:

• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

If your assessment identifies risks of serious injury from work in confined spaces the following legislation also applies:

• The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997

Good working in confined space practice

Preparing to work in confined spaces requires identification of the hazards present, assessment of the risks and determination of what precautions to take to reduce the risk of injury. You also need to detail arrangements for emergency rescue.

More information on working in confined spaces

www.hse.gov.uk/confinedspace/index.htm

HSE Free Publications:

• Safe working in confined spaces - http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg258.pdf
• Managing confined spaces on farms - www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ais26.pdf