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| The
1997 Confined Spaces Regulations define a Confined Space as “any
place including a chamber, tank, vat, silo, pit, trench, pipe, sewer,
flue, well or any similar place in which by virtue of its enclosed
nature there arises a reasonably specified risk”. Some are
obvious, but equally dangerous are areas such as unventilated or
poorly ventilated rooms. |
What are the dangers?
• Lack of oxygen
• Fire and explosions
• Liquids and solids which can suddenly fill the
space or release gases into it when disturbed
• Residues in the space that can give off gas,
fume or vapour• Poisonous gas, fume or vapour
• Dust high concentration
• Extreme conditions leading to a dangerous increase
or decrease in body temperatures
Plus other dangers from the work being
carried out when:
• Grinding - dust •
Welding - fumes • Cleaning
- solvents
Risk Assessment
Specified within the Management of Health and Safety at
Work Regulations 1999, a suitable and sufficient assessment
of the risks is required. This means identifying hazards,
controlling the risks, and determining precautions.
• The first duty is to avoid entry into confined
spaces, e.g. by doing the work from outside. Speedy can
help with a range of tools and equipment from jet washers
to remote cameras.
• If entry is unavoidable, follow a safe system of
work, e.g. permit to work.
• Put in place adequate emergency arrangements before
work starts, such as good two-way communications. Speedy
can supply Intrinsically safe sets.
In keeping with the HSE checklist for work in confined
spaces
Speedy provides:
• Mechanical ventilation to provide improved supply
of fresh air
• Gas detectors to test before and during work
• Breathing apparatus and Escape sets
• Intrinsically safe torches
• Two-way communication
Plus if things do go wrong effective arrangements for raising
the alarm and carrying out rescue operations. Speedy provides:
•
Rescue cages and stretchers
• Fall arrest and safety harnesses
• Recovery winches and tripods
• Safety rolls and ropes.
In all aspects of working in Confined Spaces everyone needs
to be trained and instructed to make sure they know what
to do and how to do it safely. Speedy with its preferred
supplier Mines Rescue can provide and arrange a number
of health and safety training courses. |
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