Confined spaces

What are the dangers of confined spaces?

In some circumstances work within enclosed spaces can be extremely hazardous.  "Confined space" is the usual term used to refer to such places in situations where a risk to safety exists.  Such areas may be hazardous for any of the reasons below.

  • the space may contain potentially hazardous substances and/or atmospheres
  • the space may contain an oxygen deficient atmosphere due to the build-up of asphyxiants
  • there may be a risk of fire or explosion
  • there may be conditions which could lead to engulfment or entrapment by a free flowing solid
  • there may be a risk of drowning
  • there may be a risk from an increase in body temperature due to the conditions within the space.

In some circumstances taking a single breath may be enough to create a life threatening situation.

 

What are confined spaces?

Some confined spaces are easy to identify, such as closed tanks, vessels, silos, ducts, pipes, chambers, sewers and drains etc.  Others are less obvious, such as deep excavations, pits, flues, manholes and access chambers, slurry stores, wells, building voids, vats, open-topped tanks etc    A confined space may not necessarily be enclosed on all sides and may only become a confined space due to a change in the conditions inside.

Within the University any use of cryogenic liquids and compressed gases may create a risk of the area in which they are used becoming a hazardous 'confined space' in the event of spill or leak.  In such areas, procedures may be required to prevent harm. Equipment such as fixed oxygen monitoring may be required.  SEPS offer further guidance elsewhere within our website on both of these specialist activities which should be consulted where such substances are to be used.

 

The Legal Position 

The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 apply to work within such areas and are concerned with prevention of risks such as asphyxiation, drowning, injury through fire or explosion or loss of consciousness due to excess heat or the presence of hazardous fumes.  The Regulations are not concerned with spaces that are simply small, or enclosed but do not have these types of hazard associated with them. 

The Regulations prohibit work in any confined space if entry isn’t necessary.  Where there is no alternative and entry is needed, work may only be carried out in accordance with a safe system of work and with suitable emergency procedures in place. 

Within the University, no person is permitted to enter ANY confined space of a type where a risk of the kind indicated above may exist without first carrying out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment and the establishment of a safe system of work.  In some cases this will require development of a “Permit to Work” system, staff training and provision of specialised air monitoring ventilation and rescue equipment.  Confined spaces may contain an atmosphere that cannot support life and uncontrolled entry, without such precautions does carry a genuine risk to life.  Heads of Management Units should ensure that any areas where their staff may encounter such risks are identified and entry to them either prevented or managed appropriately. 
 

Furthur useful information on confined spaces is also available from the HSE Confined Spaces website which can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/confinedspace/index.htm