Confined spaces are hazardous and pose significant health and safety risks. Working in confined spaces requires expertise, focused collaboration between a team, and a full understanding of the risks involved.
In 1997, regulations were introduced into law to protect confined space workers.
What is a confined space?
A confined space refers to a space that is completely or largely enclosed, and has limited access. Working in a confined space is dangerous because there is a high risk of noxious fumes, reduced oxygen levels or a risk of fire. A confined space may also pose a risk of flooding or asphyxiation from dust or other contaminants.
Examples of confined spaces are silos, tunnels, vessels, sewers, storage tanks, ventilation shafts and chimneys. Some are below ground while others are located at height.
Orb Rope Access confined space and confined space rescue services
Orb Rope Access technicians are highly qualified to carry out confined space work or to provide confined space rescue teams. They have the experience to make decisions under pressure, and have been trained and tested in challenging environments.
Accreditations include:
- City & Guilds High Risk Confined Space
- City & Guilds High Risk Confined Space Rescue
- IRATA training
- First Responders with Specialist Casualty Packaging
The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997
The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 outlines the responsibilities of employers to ensure the safety of workers who may need to enter confined spaces. The legislation applies where an assessment identifies a risk of serious injury as a result of working in confined spaces.
Here are some key points of the legislation:
Avoid working in confined spaces where possible
Workers should find alternative methods to carry out confined space work where possible. This might mean completing the work from outside of the confined space, working remotely or by using mechanical equipment instead.
Risk assessment
If the work can only be done by a confined space team, a thorough risk assessment must be completed first which will identify potential hazards such as those outlined above. A safe system of work must be implemented and strictly followed.
Adequate training
The legislation states that anyone working in confined spaces must be fully trained to do so safely, and with a clear understanding of the risks.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Sufficient PPE is essential for confined space work. Employers must ensure that confined space workers are allocated the PPE they need, and that they have been fully trained in how to use it. Typical PPE for confined space work may be gas detectors and breathing apparatus.
Emergency procedures and rescue plans
Adequate emergency procedures must be put in place before the work begins. There must be a confined space rescue plan which determines how workers will be evacuated if there is an emergency. This often involves having a second team on site, ready to take immediate action. Any rescue plans must be specific to the confined space being worked in, and should be practiced to ensure a successful rescue if needed.
Penalties for non-compliance with the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997
Penalties for non-compliance can be very damaging. They can include fines and imprisonment, or law suits if injuries or deaths occur as a result of non-compliance. The HSE regularly visits businesses to ensure that their confined space operations are compliant with current legislation.
How Orb Rope Access can work with you on confined space projects
Our IRATA-certified rope access technicians have been extensively trained to work in both high and low confined spaces. Orb Rope Access can therefore provide both confined space entry and confined space rescue services, including:
- rescue planning
- rescue execution
- compliance with legislation
- training your team in rescue procedures, equipment handling and safety protocols.
Get in touch with the Orb Rope Access team for more information about our confined space services.
