Confined Spaces

What is a confined space?

 

confined space

 

The Confined Space Regulations 1997

 

The Confined Space Regulations 1997 defines confined spaces as any place including chambers, vats, silos, pits, trenches, pipes, flues, wells or other similar spaces which by virtue of its enclosed nature there arises a reasonably foreseeable “specified risk”.

 People whose work entails entering vessels, tanks, culverts, sewers or drains will essentially be working in a confined space.

Total Access (UK) Ltd offers a full range of Confined Space services including Confined Space Training,  Confined Space Search and Rescue. Confined Space Entry and Confined Space Access Services that will help companies with Confined space Access problems reduce and manage the specified risks involved.
 

What is a “specified risk” in the context of
confined spaces?

 

A specified risk is a serious injury to any person at work arising from:

  • A fire or an explosion within the confined space.
  • The loss of consciousness of any person working in a Confined Spaces caused by: 
      - increase or loss of body temperature
      - asphyxiation due to gas, fumes, vapour or lack of oxygen 
      - asphyxiation due to free flowing solids
  • Risks that are present in normal working conditions i.e. slips and falls are also present in Confined Spaces, however, the consequences cangreatly exaggerated due to the inherent difficulties of access, egress and recovery from confined spaces.

 

The Responsibilities of Employers Who Carry Out  Work Within Confined Spaces:

 

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 their control, employers must:

  • Conduct a risk assessment
  • Prevent where possible the need to enter a confined space
  • Establish a Safe System of Work
  • Provide adequate training and ensure that persons are competent to enter the specific type of confined space in which they are to work.
  • Provide the correct type and quantity of PPE.
  • Establish emergency procedures

 

confined space

 

Confined Spaces Support Services

 

Total Access (UK) Ltd has vast experience of dealing with confined spaces and have performed confined space entry under the most hostile of environments. Clients can have confidence that they are receiving the experience they require within Operational, Training or Equipment when buying our services.

 
Health and Safety Legislation and Confined Spaces

 

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is an enabling act and encompasses other statutory legislation including:

 

confined space