LEGISLATION, RECOGNITION & CHARACTERISTICS

Applicable legislation relating to Confined Spaces

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• Management of the Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• Confined Space Regulation 2007
• Working at Height Regulations 2005
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health COSHH 2002
• Manual Handling Regulations 1992
• Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
• Reporting of Injuries Diseases and Dangerous Occurrence Regulations RIDDOR
• Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981
• Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992
• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
• Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002

The above is not an exhaustive list.

Recognition of Confined Spaces

Each year serious and fatal accidents occur whilst working within a confined space. Main risks associated with these incidents are oxygen deficient atmospheres, toxic and or flammable atmospheres from gases, fumes and vapours. Being able to identify a confined space and its potential dangers is the first step to identifying a safe system of work.

Confined Spaces Characteristics

Characteristics of a confined space may include:

• The area being enclosed or partially enclosed
• Above or below ground
• Size and shape of area
• Restricted access or egress
• Atmosphere oxygen enriched or deficient
• Hot, humid, cold or dark conditions
• Fire protection systems
• Mechanical or electrical hazards
• Possible engulfment or entrapment hazard
• The conducting of processes
• Poor ventilation