CONFINED SPACES: HELP AVAILABLE
June 1st 2004

The hazards from working in confined spaces are many and varied and require comprehensive assessment, precautions and safe systems of work.

Employers need to understand exactly what workplace or area can be defined as a confined space and how to identify them. They need to be aware of the duties they have under the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 and the requirement to undertake a suitable risk assessment.

Confined space does not relate solely to tanks, sewers and so on. It can also be a chamber, tank, vat, silo, pit, trench, pipe, flue, or excavation that presents a risk by virtue of being enclosed.

In one such case, an employer was fined 150 000 when two workers were overcome by carbon monoxide fumes from a petrol driven road saw used to remove a section of concrete floor inside a workshop. Plastic sheeting was placed around the work area within the workshop, and this was sufficient to create a confined space.

The New Orange Book from Scafftag is intended to provide employers with a guideline to understanding these requirements, the hazards involved and guidance in creating a safety management system to control the hazards and risks.

The accompanying Orange Book File provides a Confined Space Entry Permit (in triplicate) and permit issue record.

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