Safe Working in Confined Areas
What is a confined space?
"Confined Space" means any place, including any
chamber, tank, vat, silo, pit, trench, pipe, sewer, flue,
well, or other similar space in which, by virtue of it’s
enclosed nature, there arises a reasonably foreseeable, specified
risk.
Many Hazards can exist in a Confined Space, some of which
are:
- Flammable Substances and Oxygen Enrichment
- Toxic Gas, Fume or Vapour
- Oxygen Deficiency
- The Ingress or Presence of Liquids
- Solid Material Which Can Flow
- Presence of Excessive Heat
What are your Duties? Employers and Self Employed
persons have a duty to comply with the Confined Space Regulations
1997.
In order to ensure the safety of persons under your control
you should:
- Carry Out a Risk Assessment
- Try to Prevent the Need for Entry
- Use a Permit to Work System
- Post Warning Signs
- Establish a Safe Method of Work
- Train Employees
- Provide the Correct Type and Quantity of PPE
- Establish Emergency Procedures
- Follow all Recommended Procedures
Download HSE Booklet 'Safe Work
In Confined Places' For More Advice
If you are not confident about any of the above or would
just like a second opinion from an expert please do not hesitate
to contact us.
Freephone: 0800 783 0757
|
