Working in confined spaces

1. Have confined spaces safeguarded according to your company’s guidelines.
2. Prepare confined spaces in accordance with your company’s guidelines.
3. Ensure there is a manhole observer on the spot.
4. Do not leave anything behind in a confined space.
5. Use the correct PPE and tools as your company has prescribed.

Confined spaces are relatively small places with poor maneuverability. They are substantially enclosed and particularly susceptible to extraordinary circumstances that may be,
or become, hazardous or life-threatening from hazardous substances or conditions within the space or nearby. Therefore you must be extra alert to the risks associated with these work places.

Some examples of confined spaces: tunnels, wells, manholes, pipes, cold storage, ship holds, subcellars, tanks, culverts, silos, vault, open ditch.

Hazards that can occur in confined spaces include:

• fire and explosion (due to exceeding explosion limit)
• (potential) lack of oxygen resulting in suffocation
• intoxication from over-exposure to hazardous products
• electrocution (e.g. damp area, electrically conductive material)
• entrapment
• injuries (e.g. moving machine parts)
• slipping, falling, stumbling (due to damp, moss formation, obstacles)
• hearing damage from noise

• safeguard the space according to your company’s guidelines; ensure that gas is measured and monitored; do not start working if the outcome of a measurement is above the safe working value (ask your company about this ); the gas measurement results will determine what appropriate action is required.
• prepare the area according to your company’s guidelines; remove any obstacles in the surrounding area to ensure the space is easily accessible for rescuers in case of an emergency.
• discuss the work beforehand and verify that the right procedures are used and that everyone involved is familiar with the task.

Make sure you have the right Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and tools. Ask your company for further clarification.

If you are working in a confined space, ensure there is a manhole observer on the spot who communicates and checks with you whilst also in communication with your HSE Manager.

Have a rescue team available comprising at least two people who carry independent respiratory protection equipment.

When things go wrong, the workforce may be exposed to serious and immediate danger. Effective arrangements for raising the alarm and carrying out rescue operations in an emergency are essential. Contingency plans will depend on the nature of the confined space, the risks identified and consequently the likely nature of an emergency rescue. Emergency arrangements will depend on the risks. You should consider communications together with rescue and resuscitation equipment.