Work Safely in Confined Spaces – Workplace Safety

Planning to work in confined spaces? What type of risks do you have in your job? In this article, we included the possible hazards of working in a confined place, the regulations, the risk assessment process, and some precautionary measures for preventing accidents in a confined space.

What is a confined space?

A confined space refers to an area which is largely enclosed (not entirely though). In confined spaces, serious injuries can occur from hazardous substances or conditions. A confined space usually have at least one of the following features:

Limited openings for entry and exit

Confined spaces usually have smaller openings. The size could be as small as 18 inches in diameter. The small opening makes your life difficult as you cannot get protective equipment like respirators in and out easily. However, some openings could be very large. For example, open-topped spaces i.e. pits, degreasers, excavations, ships’ holds will require ladders, hoists or other gadgets. Escape from these types of space could be very challenging in case of emergency.

Adverse natural ventilation

The atmosphere of confined spaces could vary to a great extent from outside. Places where organic substances decompose and chemicals are stored or processed, can produce deadly gases. Lack of oxygen can endanger life in a confined space. On the other hand, oxygen-rich air can lead to fire or explosion from a source of ignition.

Unfavourable for continuous worker occupancy

Many of the confined spaces are not designed for regular human movements. They are used for storing products, enclosing materials or transporting products or substances. As a result, workers occasionally enter the spaces for maintenance, inspection, cleanup or repairing. Due to physical or chemical hazards, these types of spaces are dangerous.

The law regarding work safety in confined spaces

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, you have to carry out adequate confined space risk assessment. In general, the assessment includes:

the task,
the working environment,
working materials and tools,
the suitability of those carrying out the task,
arrangements for emergency rescue.

You will be required to appoint people to manage the risks and train the employees adequately. If you identify risks of serious injury in a confined space, the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 will apply. These regulations points to the key duties listed below:

Working from outside and avoid entry to the confined space;
Following a safe system of work if entry to the space is unavoidable;
Making appropriate emergency arrangements before the work starts.

The potential risks of working in a confined space

Hazardous atmosphere

The atmosphere of a confined space could be extremely hazardous due to the lack of natural air circulation. Consequently, a confined space can have 1) oxygen-deficient atmospheres, 2) flammable atmosphere, 3) toxic atmosphere.

Oxygen-deficient atmosphere

If the level of oxygen is less than 19.5% in a confined space, the atmosphere is oxygen-deficient. For working in this type of atmosphere, you need an approved self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

The oxygen level can drop because of welding, cutting, soldering, chemical reactions (rusting) or bacterial action (fermentation). Another gas like nitrogen or carbon dioxide can displace oxygen. So, the oxygen level will decrease. Total replacement of oxygen will result in unconsciousness, and death subsequently.

Flammable atmosphere

An atmosphere could be flammable if (a) there is the oxygen in the air, and (b) a flammable gas, vapour, or dust in a specific proportion. A source of ignition in the form of a spark or electrical tool can cause an explosion in an ignitable atmosphere.

An atmosphere which is rich with oxygen above 21% will make flammable materials like fabric and hair burn fiercely. Thus, you should never use pure oxygen for ventilation in a confined space. Use normal air to ventilate.

Toxic atmosphere

Most of the substances like liquids, vapours, gases, mists, solid materials are hazardous in a confined space. Toxic substances can come from the products stored in the confined space, the tasks performed in the space, and the areas next to the space.

General hazards

In addition to the atmospheric hazards, other types of physical hazards can be found in confined spaces. The following hazards are the most potential ones:

Extreme temperature

People would find it difficult to work in extreme hot or cold temperatures. It is necessary to allow a confined space to cool down before entering the space if it has been steamed.

Engulfment hazard

Loose and granular materials such as grain, sand, coal or similar material, can engulf and suffocate a worker. The loose materials can break loose under the weight of a worker.

Noise

Noise can be amplified within a confined space because of the design and acoustic effects of the space. It is a potential confined space hazard as noise can damage hearing and obstruct communication.

Falling object

Be mindful of the possibility of falling objects in confined spaces, especially in spaces with topside opening for entry.

Slick or wet surface

Slips and falls are one of the major causes of accidents in the UK. In a confined space, a slip could be fatal. Safety harnesses can save you in such a case.

Safety tips for working in a confined space

In a confined space, you can have risks from hazardous substances or conditions. You can easily panic in a confined space and try to finish your job quickly. As a result, accidents might occur. Here are some ways of staying safe in confined working spaces:

A video about the risks and safety rules for confined spaces in ports (Source: Ports Skills and Safety)

Carry out a detailed risk assessment for confined space

For any type of working environment, risk assessment is the fundamental step for ensuring health and safety. You can identify potential hazards and the severity of the dormant risks.

Try to avoid entry to the confined space altogether if there is an alternative

It sounds insensible but it is an option. With the advancement of technology, you can work remotely using handy tools. Don’t volunteer to enter confined spaces. You might get into trouble and endanger the lives of your colleagues. Ask yourself whether the task is mandatory or not. Can you modify the space itself so that the entry won’t be required? You can get the work done from outside. For example, you can:

Clean blockages in silos using remotely operated rotating flail devices, vibrators or air purgers.
Inspect, collect samples or perform cleaning operations from outside the space using suitable equipment.
Do an internal inspection of vessels with remote cameras

Get a permit for entering the confined space

Everyone who enters a confined space must sign a permit-to-work. The document requires the consents of all the parties including the issuing and performing authorities. The permit-to-work ensures that all the elements of workplace safety are in place before people can enter or work in the confined space. The permit-to-work is also a means of communication between site management, supervisors and workers involved in the hazardous tasks. The key features of the permit are:

Clear identification of the authorised people responsible for specifying particular jobs and necessary precautions (e.g. isolation, air testing, emergency arrangements etc.)
The contractors involved in the tasks are included
Confined space training and instructions in the issue of permits
Risk assessment and monitoring to ensure the application of the system

Monitor the atmosphere of the confined space consistently

Record the gas level in the space with gas monitoring equipment. A competent and informed person must carry out the task before and during the task performed within the confined space.

Keep all the necessary tools in place

Take everything you need in a confined area with you. Usually, confined spaces are not easily accessible. If you don’t carry everything you need, you won’t be able to complete your tasks safely.

Plan escape routes in advance

It’s one of the most important precautions that you should take. A fixed ladder is one of the commonly used alternatives. Additionally, it gives options to emergency services in case of dangerous incidents.

Ensure assisted ventilation

Ventilation in the form of a fan or blower helps to maintain airflow, remove vapours and harmful gases and keep temperatures down to a safe level.

Have an emergency team standby

In case of an emergency, have a mode of communication with someone who can help you. One of the team members should be at the top or outside the entry point of the space you are working in. Maintain constant communication for your safety.

The article aims at sharing valuable information regarding workplace safety in confined spaces. However, you need compliance certification and detailed training for working in such a space.

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