Preventing Accidents In Confined Spaces: The Proactive Measures To Take

In a previous blog, we discussed what a confined space is, the dangers involved in working in one, and why you should avoid the associated risks if possible.

The unique challenges of this type of work mean you need proactive preparation to avoid disaster, which could include, at worst, a fatal accident or, at best, a negative impact on project timelines. Your approach to confined-space working must also be consistent and thorough at all times – a space may be safe one day, but that doesn’t mean it will always be.

Here’s a checklist of some of the things to consider:

• Have you done a proper risk assessment before starting work?
• If there are harmful fumes, how will you remove them or ventilate the space? Has the atmosphere been tested in advance?
• Have you obtained the necessary permits?
• Could liquids or gases flood in? If so, can the necessary valves be locked closed?
• Are access and exit points safe to allow someone to pass through while wearing PPE?
• Will there be enough oxygen for proper breathing? If not, supply breathing equipment or organise adequate ventilation.
• Have comprehensive emergency plans in place detailing plans for rescue, evacuation and First Aid. How, for example, will you know if someone is OK if they’re working in a confined space and are overcome by fumes? How will you evacuate everyone in that situation? Will staff know how to raise the alarm? Don’t just rely on the emergency services. You need your own contingency plans.
• Have you isolated the confined space from external risks, such as electrical, mechanical or process systems by closing off steam, water or power supplies?
• Have you got the right PPE including respirators, safety harnesses and other protective kit? As well as rescue and resuscitation equipment?
• Have you named a competent supervisor to manage entry to the confined space and check that all safety procedures will be complied with? Are there clear communications channels between workers inside and outside the restricted area?
• Do you have a trained standby person to monitor entry to the space and help if necessary?
• Do you inspect confined sites regularly to be sure you’re following all necessary safety measures and addressing any newly identified hazards?

All of these proactive steps minimise the risk of accidents, injuries and worse in confined spaces.

What does the law say?

The key piece of legislation is The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 but others may apply, for example, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) and The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. Meanwhile, The Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002 and The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 govern the equipment you need before entering a confined space.

Why training matters

Specialist training helps manage and considerably lessen the dangers and unique challenges associated with working in restricted spaces. It gives workers the knowledge to anticipate and thus prevent the possible risks, so it can make all the difference between an ordinary working day and a life-threatening emergency.

Those attending learn how to respond to difficulties, navigate confined spaces safely and efficiently, and how to work without needless delays. Trained staff are also far less likely to make potentially disruptive mistakes, and are familiar with the relevant legislation and regulations, and so comply with them.

Confined space training from Pragmatic Consulting

Training is one of the most effective proactive measures you can take to ensure safety and efficiency. Pragmatic Consulting, set up in 2013, delivers high-quality, cost-effective training solutions to the utilities and construction industries. Our accredited, bespoke courses include online, on-site and in-person options at our specialist centres. In terms of confined space training, we offer City & Guilds programmes in low, medium and high-risk spaces, lasting one, two or three days respectively.

Additionally, we run our two-day City & Guilds course in medium-risk entrant and entry-controlled confined spaces at our Warwickshire-based Stoneleigh Training Centre.

Contact us via the online form, and tell us what you need. Alternatively, email training@pragmatic-consulting.co.uk or call 01926 674340 with any questions.

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