Key Factors to Consider Before Conducting Work in Confined Spaces

Assessing the general condition of the confined space

Checking the general condition of the confined space is critical for determining what may be present or absent and cause a problem. This can help in the early detection of issues such as low or excessive oxygen levels, as well as any signs of damage or corrosion. Any records related to the confined space should be reviewed for relevant information.

Hazards that may arise from the work being carried out

It’s important to assess potential hazards from working in confined spaces. The work itself can pose risks or present hazardous conditions when carried out conjunction with residues or contamination, for example. Work done on the outside of the confined space may also create unsafe conditions within.

Hazards that can be introduced into an otherwise safe space include:

• Cleaning chemicals – Cleaning chemicals could react with residual substances in the confined space or affect the atmosphere.
• Sources of ignition – Welding can ignite flammable gases, vapours, dusts, plastics, and other substances, potentially causing fires or explosions.
• Increasing temperature – Hot work can significantly raise the temperature in a confined space. Strenuous work activity can also have an effect on thermal comfort of workers, particularly where PPE is worn.

Hazards from outside the space

When planning work in confined spaces, it is vital to consider the requirement to isolate the space to avoid external hazards. For example, the unintended running of machinery may result in the entry of substances from adjacent processes and services into the confined space. Disconnecting the power to such equipment and ensuring that it cannot be reconnected until it is safe to do so is crucial. Also, actions must be taken to prevent the substance ordinarily retained in the confined space from being automatically delivered. Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide may also enter the confined space via combustion engine exhaust.

Planning emergency rescue

The duty holder has a responsibility to provide suitable rescue and emergency arrangements for the level of risk the space presents this can be a simple instruction on how to act if an emergency situation arises up to provision of inhouse or specialist rescue teams.

• Personnel who are involved with confined space entry have to aware of the emergency plan for each entry and sufficiently trained to act accordingly with that plan.
• Those who act as specialist confined space rescuer will have a grater level of training for rescue and first  aid techniques.
• Prepare for emergency situations and make necessary rescue arrangements.
• The potential hazards, and thus the equipment and actions required for a rescue by nearby employees, must be identified and made ready for use.
• Personnel who will be working in the confined space must have received extensive confined space rescue training and be competent to perform the work.

Ensure operatives are fully trained and competent

Workers must receive sufficient training due to the severe risks to their health and safety that confined spaces pose. Confined space training helps individuals learn how to identify risks, control hazards, and work safely.

Eurosafe offers a range of confined space training courses, ranging from management awareness through low to high risk entry and specialist rescue courses, at their Sheffield training centre or on-site with their dedicated mobile confined space training unit. Our training courses ensure that individuals get the skills and qualifications needed to work in confined spaces.