Confined spaces emergency arrangements

Requirements for work in confined spaces, including avoidance of entry if reasonably practicable, provision of a safe system of work and establishment of adequate emergency arrangements. 

The main duty of the employer, so far as is reasonably practicable, is to avoid the need for employees or others to enter a confined space. If entry is unavoidable, he should ensure that a safe system of work is available and that adequate emergency rescue arrangements are in place including the provision of appropriate personal protective equipment such as respirators (as described in Chapter 16). 

Before people enter a confined space suitable and sufficient emergency and rescue arrangements must be in place. These arrangements must reduce the risks to rescuers so far as is reasonably practicable and include the provision and maintenance of suitable resuscitation equipment which must be designed to meet the specific risks associated with the particular confined space. 

It will be required as part of the emergency response arrangements for effectively rescuing a person from areas such as confined spaces or enabling isolation of power sources, service supplies, etc. in the event of an emergency. 

This regulation requires that entry to a confined space to carry out work is prevented unless suitable and sufficient arrangements have been prepared for the rescue of persons in the event of an emergency. 

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