Post on 15-May-2015
description
Work In Confined Spaces
What is a Confined Space?
Any space of an enclosed nature where there is a risk of death or serious injury from a specific risk
Examples: Storage tanks, silos, enclosed drains, sewers, chambers, vats, ductwork, unventilated rooms
Hazards Lack of oxygen Poisonous gas, fume or vapour Ingress of liquids or free-flowing solids Fire and explosion from flammable vapours, excess oxygen etc. Residues which give off gas, fume or vapour Dust Hot conditions
Control Measures
Avoid Entering Confined Spaces
Modify confined space itself so that entry is not necessary
Have work done from outside
Safe System of Work
If entry cannot be avoided, SSoW will need to be developed from risk assessment
Properly train and instruct everyone in SSoW
Supervision
Supervisors should be given responsibility to:Ensure that necessary precautions are taken;Check safety at each stagePossibly remain present while work is carried out
Suitable Employees
Trained and competentPhysically suitableFit to wear breathing apparatusNot susceptible to claustrophobiaMedical advice may be necessary
Isolation
Mechanical & electrical if necessaryPhysical isolation of pipeworkPhysical checks to ensure safetySign isolation points
Ventilation
Increase amount of openingsProvide mechanical ventilationNever use petrol fuelled equipment in confined
spaces
Air Testing
Check for presence of toxic and flammable vapours
Check for oxygen levelsCarried out by competent person using suitable
gas detector which is correctly calibratedContinuous monitoring may be necessary
Tools and lighting
Non-sparking tools and specially protected lighting where flammable or explosive atmospheres are present
RCDs and low voltage equipment may be necessary to prevent electric shocks
Breathing Apparatus
Essential if air is not fit to breathe due to gas, fume or vapour, or lack of oxygen
Never try to sweeten air with oxygen as this increases risk of fire or explosion
Emergency Arrangements Contact with emergency services Practice drills Rescue equipment e.g. Lifelines & harnesses Train and instruct all staff in emergency procedures Top man to raise alarm in case of emergency Trained first aiders on hand Fire fighting equipment nearby Rescuers need to be fit and capable of carrying out rescue
Communication
Adequate communication system to allow people inside the space to communicate with people outside the space if necessary
Adequate communication system to allow people outside the space to summon help immediately if necessary
Permit-to-Work Systems
Written systemEnsures all elements of safe system are in placeClearly identifies responsibilitiesShould include contractorsEveryone will need to be trained and instructed
Other Controls
Cleaning and purgingSteam cleaning
Confined Spaces Regulations 1997
Avoid entry to confined spacesIf entry to a confined space is unavoidable,
follow a safe system of workPut in place adequate emergency arrangements
before the work starts“Due diligence” defence