FEATURE SAFETY IN CONFINEMENT


Mat t Powell-Howard, Qualifications Development Manager at NEBOSH, talks to us about working safely in confined spaces and draws on his conversations with leading H&S exper ts to explain how to best manage and control the risks.


Working in any confined space is considered a dangerous activity, no matter the industry, which is why ‘The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997’ was first introduced. In order to better understand the framework, minimise risk and ensure the safety of workers, The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published, and continues to update, its ACoP (approved code of practice) , that supports the Regulations. The ACoP gives practical advice on how to comply with the law. If you follow the advice you will be doing enough to comply with the law in respect of those specific matters on which the Code gives advice.


The first step is to fully understand what the term ‘confined space’ actually means. According to the HSE, a confined space is a place which is substantially enclosed, though not always entirely, and where serious injury can occur from hazardous substances or conditions within the space or nearby - e.g. a lack of oxygen.


Some confined spaces are easy to identify, such as storage tanks or enclosed drains and sewers, but some are not as obvious, yet can be just as dangerous. The holds of ships are very large, but they still fall within the definition, as do open-topped vats or silos. Additionally, a confined space does not have to be a place where work is infrequently carried out. Spray painting booths in car repair centres are used daily but would still be classified under the confined space umbrella.


SEVERE RISKS It’s essential to remember that people are killed in the UK each year when working in a confined space. In part, this is due to the varied nature of the hazards present when working in these spaces. The dangers associated with a confined space vary from industry to industry, but in summary, the main hazards that can arise are lack of oxygen; poisonous gases, fumes and vapours; fire and explosions; dust, excessive heat and free flowing solids such as grain, sugar, sand and other substances in granular form which can submerge a person and prevent breathing.


CONTROLLING THE RISK With so many risks and hazards to consider, it is essential that the person undertaking the assessment, must understand the risks involved and be experienced with the processes, plant and equipment being utilised. The person undertaking the assessment will look at, for example, access to the space, its environment, the personnel and equipment required, suitable emergency plans and the reliability of safeguards already in place.


But first, the priority when carrying out a confined space risk assessment is to identify the measures


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needed so that entry into the confined space can be, if possible, avoided. The first step should always be to ask if the work being undertaken is necessary, or if there is another way of doing the work from outside the space, for example, remote inspection cameras.


If entry cannot be avoided, it is imperative to make sure there is a safe system for working inside the space. The precautions required in a safe system of work will depend on the nature of the confined space and the results of the risk assessment. If we turn back to the ACoP, it provides a detailed checklist of elements to consider before allowing work to commence, in many industries, formal work authorisation is given via a permit to work. Some of the considerations include:


• The degree of supervision necessary for that specific space;


• Workers must have the adequate training and experience to competently complete the work;


• Provision of an adequate communication system, between those inside the space, those outside and in case of an emergency;


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If it has been identified that there is a presence or possible presence of flammable or toxic gases/ vapors, has it been appropriately tested from outside the space and purged or cleaned as necessary?


• Will the space require mechanical ventilation to provide sufficient fresh air?


• Removal of residues;


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