Page 54 - HIL Operatives Training Manual V4 16022024_Neat

O P E R A T I V E S T R A I N I N G M A N U A L V E R S I O N 4

The Managing Director is to ensure that Managers, Engineers and Foremen of persons working in
confined spaces have ready access to the ‘Confined Spaces Regulations 1997’ and the associated
Approved Code of Practice, Regulations and Guidance (L101 available from HSE Books).
A ‘Confined Space’ may be defined as any space, which by its enclosed nature may give rise to a
reasonably foreseeable specified risk. A confined space can include any compartment, tank, boiler,
sewage treatment plant, cofferdam, chain cable locker, navigation buoy, refrigeration plant room,
excavation or any other space into which entry is required. The definition is likely to apply to spaces
with limited or restricted access, where there is a lack of natural ventilation or where a process may
contaminate the air. Confined spaces, however, need not necessarily be ‘small’ and can include
open top tanks.
Confined spaces may become hazardous due to:

• Oxygen deficiency to such an extent that there is a risk to persons being overcome. This can
be caused by work processes carried out in the space or adjoining area, the space being
closed for any length of time and/or the formation of oxidation products.
• Levels of gas, fume or vapours which could create a risk of persons being overcome, or of
other danger being created, e.g., flammable atmosphere caused by painting activities.
• Conditions, which may be otherwise injurious to health or safety.

Mangers, Engineers, Foremen in control of work in confined spaces must carry out suitable
assessment of the risks to health and safety, and implement suitable control measures, prior to
confined space work being commenced. Assessment must include consideration and provision of
suitable and sufficient arrangements for the rescue of persons in the event of an emergency.
(Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, Regulation 5 refers).
Written safe systems of work are to be prepared and included in Safety Instructions and must be
used whenever it is necessary to enter any confined space. ‘Permit to Work’ systems must be used
whenever assessment or otherwise indicates that there is likely to be a danger from gas, fumes,
vapour or oxygen deficiency or other hazardous substance within the space. Positive action is to be
taken to ensure that all feed lines etc are closed/blanked/blocked off as appropriate and where
flammable materials are used, all sources of ignition (e.g., flame, static electricity) eliminated.

Managers, Engineers or Foreman are to ensure that all personnel required to work in confined
spaces receive adequate instruction and training regarding the hazards and precautions, and are
adequately supervised.

Examination of the confined space by a Competent Analyst shall be carried out prior to entry.
Examination shall include tests for oxygen deficiency, oxygen enrichment and gas, fume or vapour,
which may create a toxic, asphyxiating or explosive atmosphere. Monitoring of the space shall
continue as necessary during occupation.

The Manager, Engineer or Foreman requiring the analytical survey to be carried out must ensure
that he/she is in possession of a ‘Safe to Breathe’ and/or ‘Naked Light’ certificates before permitting
any work to be carried out.

The Manager, Engineer or Foreman shall arrange for the display of ‘Entry Tag’ inspection cards at
all entrances to the confined space(s) and monitor their validity. The Manager, Engineer or Foreman
shall notify the analyst when revalidation is required. The use or escape of toxic or flammable
materials within the space will invalidate certificates and the ‘sweetening’ of the atmosphere of
confined spaces by the use of oxygen is prohibited.

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