Confined Space Access
Regulations are in place that provide guidance on the safe operating procedures required when working in a confined space. It is essential that you comply with the rules so as not to breach health and safety regulations.
According to the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, a confined space is defined as “any place including any chamber, tank, vat, silo, pit, trench, sewer, flue, well or other similar place in which, by virtue of its enclosed nature, there arises a reasonably foreseeable specified risk.”
When working in a confined space, it is important to review the regulations and ensure appropriate training, risk assessments and rescue plans are in place.
For example, where a water tank is identified as a confined space, a number of measures must be satisfied before any work can safely proceed:
- Special access qualifications (minimum 2 day confined space entry certification)
3 persons working including a designated first aider
- Use of a calibrated gas monitor and escape breathing apparatus
- Mode of rescue / recovery such as a tripod and winch or anchor points
- Provision of a rescue plan and site specific risk assessment and method statements
Solutions we offer
At Nemco, our specialist access team will ensure that you meet all of the obligations of the Confined Space Regulations and consult with you on the proposed safe operating procedures required to complete the work.
For example, the inspecting and cleaning of water tanks can require a broad range of different skills and in response to this we have trained all operatives to identify and work safely in respect of confined spaces.