Working in confined spaces

Some plant and equipment are immediately classified as confined spaces, but extreme caution is necessary in the assessment of other areas. Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 requires employers to ensure the health and safety at work of their employees this duty is so far as is reasonably practicable. Therefore, as work in confined spaces is potentially dangerous this Section of the Act clearly requires employers to ensure that there is no risk to their employees when working in such an area. 

Safe work in confined spaces (supersedes CS 15 Confined spaces )... 

Approved guide to the classification and labelling of substances and preparations dangerous for supply Safe working in confined spaces - Approved Code of Practice, Regulations and guidance - Confined Spaces Regulations 1997... 

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 danger associated with working in confined spaces is not new. Since the discovery of mines, many fatalities have been reported owing to suffocation, gas poisoning, accumulated gas explosion, and asphyxiation. Workers dealing with wastewater sewage repair, cleaning, inspection. 

Permit system, personal protective equipment and clothing, and key procedures for entering and working in confined spaces. 

Asphyxiation Asphyxia or suffocation. Asphyxiation is one of the principal potential hazards of working in confined spaces. 

Many of the explosives also produce toxic vapors when detonated. This is a frequent problem for miners and other explosives users working in confined spaces. The toxic vapors and fumes must be cleared before reentering the mine after using many common explosives. The extent of vapor contamination near old ranges or explosive burial sites is largely unknown. In addition to the explosives, lead, mercury, cadmium, and other toxic metals from the shell casings or fuze compounds may also be present. 

When working in confined spaces there is always the risk that you may become trapped or overcome by a lack of oxygen, or by gas, fumes, heat or an accumulation of dust. Examples of confined spaces are ... 

Therefore, where the existing construction confined-spaces standard applies, it requires only training of employees who work in confined spaces— it does not address how employees are to be protected while working in those spaces. 

Had not trained the employees in confined space hazards and precautions, and the protective and emergency equipment required for work in confined spaces. 

In addition, if your employees are working in confined spaces where the presence of CO is suspected, you must ensure that workers test for oxygen sufficiency before entering. 

OSHA has some standards for confined space activities as previously noted (see note 19). The American National Standards Institute has a standard for working in confined spaces. Other countries have standards and guidelines on work in confined spaces. ... 

Some hazardous materials and biohazards require use of body protective clothing. Work in confined spaces may also require special clothing for the body, because environments do not support life or there are dangers from fire and heat sources. Exposure may involved hquid, dust, mist, and other forms of contaminants. In many cases, conditions require protective clothing for the body and other PPE. 

Does the task require working in confined space or manhole worksites ... 

Many workplaces contain spaces that are considered confined because their configurations hinder the activities of employees who must enter, work in, and exit them. For example, employees who work in process vessels generally must squeeze in and out through narrow openings and perform their tasks while cramped or contorted. OSHA uses the term confined space to describe such spaces. In addition, there are many instances where employees who work in confined spaces face increased risk of exposure to serious hazards. In some cases, confinement itself poses an entrapment hazard. In other cases, confined space work keeps employees closer to hazards, such as asphyxiating atmospheres or the moving parts of machinery. OSHA uses the term permit-required confined space or permit space) to describe those spaces that both have confined space and have elements that pose health or safety hazards (see Rgure 25.4). 

It is important to know that work in confined spaces can be accomplished safely by paying attention to these key regulatory requiranents prior to entry. These regulations help employers identify, evaluate/test, and monitor, train, and plan for rescue. 

Of the more than 1.6 million workers who enter confined spaces each year, approximately 63 die from asphyxiation, burns, electrocution, drowning and other tragedies related to confined space entry operations. But more alarming is the fact that 60 percent of those who die in confined spaces are imtrained rescuers who not only fail to save a coworker, but also are killed dining the rescue attempt. OSHA requires that a trained, equip>ped rescue team be available whenever employees work in confined spaces. 

Confined spaces—For welding or cutting operations conducted in confined spaces (i.e., in spaces that are relatively small or restricted spaces, such as tanks, boilers, pressure vessels, or small compartments of a ship), personal protective and other safety equipment must be provided. Protection of personnel performing hot work in confined spaces includes adhering to the following ... 

HSE Guidance Note - Safe Work in Confined Spaces... 

SB-15 Avoiding Hazards in Confined Work Spaces During Maintenance, Construction and Similar Activities. Guidelines for protecting personnel working in confined spaced (2 pages). 

For work in confined spaces, careftdly preparation must be done before entering the space. 

When working in confined spaces, wear a safety harness attached to a hfeline. 

Issue permits and follow safe procedures for vessel entry and work in confined spaces (see Section 7.1.4). 

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