Confined space entry requires highly skilled operatives and a thorough understanding of the safety regulations that control this high risk work.

One of the compliance regulations for confined space entry is the number of technicians required on any job. There is no straight answer to how many you need. It depends on the outcomes of a risk assessment and the work being carried out.

Orb Rope Access has fully trained and experienced confined space entry technicians on the team. While we may be more readily associated with working at height, we also provide a range of confined space entry services. Through our expertise, and in collaboration with our clients, we ensure that we adhere to all regulations, which includes having the right number of confined space operatives on any job.

Before we explore this further, let’s take a look at the basics of confined space entry.

What is a confined space?

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), a confined space “is one which is both enclosed or largely enclosed and has a reasonably foreseeable specified risk to workers of fire, explosion, loss of consciousness, asphyxiation or drowning”.

Cheery!

Despite how it may sound, a confined space isn’t necessarily small and restrictive, it can also be a far larger silo, for example, with hundreds of cubic metre capacity.

What is confined space entry?

Confined space entry is work carried out in a hazardous, confined space. It requires industry expertise and the highest level of training to meet all the safety protocols and protect workers.

Typical confined space entry work for Orb Rope Access includes silo or tunnel inspections, vessel cleaning, chemical plants, chimney inspections, dry risers (systems of pipework and valves that allow firefighters to access water on all floors), lift shafts and drainage.

How many people are required for a confined space entry?

The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 stipulate that sufficient measures should be in place to manage emergencies or accidents during a confined space entry. This includes ensuring that there are enough trained operatives on site to complete the tasks and manage any risks.

To establish the number of people required for a confined space entry, a risk assessment must be completed which identifies the potential hazards. The level of risk will determine the number of people required.

An operative must never enter a confined space alone. As stated in the regulations, at least two people must be deployed: one to enter the confined space (the entrant) and the other to be the safety attendant, also known as the ‘top man’.

The top man’s role is crucial. They monitor the work, maintaining communication with the entrant and ensuring that all safety protocols are followed. They will also help to evacuate the entrant if necessary.

In addition to the entrant and top man, there is often a supervisor who is usually either the employer or employer’s representative. A rescue team is also sometimes required to be on site to provide instant response, for higher risk confined spaces.

What influences the size of a confined space team?

• Size and layout of the confined space
  Larger spaces may need more technicians to monitor all areas.
  
• The tasks being completed
  High risk work that involves hazardous chemicals or welding may require more safety officers.
  
• Potential emergencies
  For particularly hazardous confined spaces, the rescue team may need to be larger to handle emergency evacuations.
  
• How long the work will take
  If the work is expected to take some time, during which confined space technicians need breaks, more personnel will be required both inside and outside the confined space.

Choose Orb Rope Access for confined space entry

Orb Rope Access IRATA-certified confined space rescue technicians are industry accredited to carry out confined space entry and rescue standby. These include:

• City & Guilds High Risk Confined Space
• City & Guilds High Risk Confined Space Rescue

Take a look at a recent case study for further information.

If you need confined space entry services, contact the team for an informal chat