Work in low risk confined spaces

This standard is about working in low risk confined spaces.  A confined space is any place, including any chamber, tank, vat, silo, pit, trench, pipe, sewer, flue, well or other similar space in which, by virtue of its enclosed nature, there arises a reasonably foreseeable specified risk.  Risks could lead to serious injury or death through fire, explosion, gas, fumes, vapour, lack of oxygen, rising levels of liquid, asphyxiation or entrapment by free flowing solids.

Low risk confined spaces:

• may have low risk entry with simple unobstructed access including fixed ladders or steps
• will have good natural or mechanical ventilation
• will have no likely risk of flooding
• will have low likelihood of reasonably foreseeable risk during entry or while working
• may involve working alone or as part of a team.

Work in any confined space requires working in line with an agreed system of work that is based on a risk assessment. 

This standard includes preparing to enter and work safely in low risk confined spaces, entering and exiting confined spaces safely, using equipment and tools in accordance with manufacturers' specifications, following procedures and working safely and dealing with emergencies.

This standard is for anyone who needs to work in a low risk confined space.

1. check there are no viable alternatives to personnel entry before deciding to enter confined spaces

2. confirm that any existing risk assessments are correct before starting work 

3. carry out dynamic risk assessments when required at appropriate times during the work

4. seek advice from appropriate people when conditions encountered differ from those identified in risk assessments 

5. use oral communication methods which are suitable for tasks and low risk confined spaces 

6. use work procedures and communications that are appropriate when working alone or as part of a team 

7. check all equipment and tools are suitable, in good order and ready for use before entering confined spaces

8. select and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) which is in good condition 

9. obtain authorisation for entry where there are designated people supervising work

10. set up, test and record results of appropriate monitoring equipment before entering confined spaces

11. maintain safety zones and control access and movement of people and vehicles around entry points in situations where people need to be kept clear

12. make sure that any fixed ladders or steps are in a safe condition before using them

13. enter and exit confined spaces in line with procedures for working in low risk confined spaces

14. use specified methods to introduce equipment and tools into confined spaces

15. follow organisational procedures for lone working where lone working is permitted

16. resolve any problems connected to entry, exit or work within confined spaces with relevant people

17. follow employers' safe working procedures at all times 

18. use equipment in line with manufacturers' instructions at all times

19. monitor conditions and levels of risk within confined spaces at agreed intervals

20. take suitable action to control all risks and to remedy any unsafe activity, equipment and environmental conditions without delay

21. monitor and respond to information from monitoring equipment in line with procedures

22. start emergency exit procedures without delay when dangerous situations arise

23. record and report emergency incidents and their circumstances in line with procedures

24. complete all documentation and reports before filing them in designated places or passing them to relevant people

25. ensure equipment and tools are recovered from confined spaces when work is complete

26. close down and make work areas safe when work is finished

1. the main principles and defining features of confined spaces, health and safety and environmental legislation and regulations

2. approved codes of practice and guidance for working safely in confined spaces

3. types of spaces that could become confined due to the presence of a specified risk

4. specified risks which can produce a confined space

5. awareness of how emergency situations can arise in confined spaces

6. manufacturers’ instructions relating to use of equipment

7. the roles when working as part of a team

8. roles and responsibilities when dealing with emergencies

9. procedures for dealing with emergencies, incidents and near misses including key information to provide about your location

10. confined space classification schemes 

11. how to identify low risk confined spaces

12. the importance and methods of checking the condition of fixed ladders and steps

13. entry procedures for low risk confined spaces

14. why it is important to be vigilant to possible risks and hazards, how to carry out dynamic risk assessments and the appropriateness of types of risk assessment including generic and site specific 

15. procedures and methods of working appropriate to the confined space classification and local conditions

16. how to reduce risks to an acceptable level for the work to be carried out including isolating connecting services and checking peak readings on monitoring equipment

17. the imporatance and limitations of different types of monitoring equipment and how to make sure it is charged

18. ways to monitor conditions and work activity

19. why it is important to resolve problems about work in confined spaces without delay and how to communicate with people from other organisations 

20. precautions to take when working alone including the use of dynamic risk assessment as conditions change and communicating unsafe conditions

21. communication methods for keeping in contact with other people while lone working and in emergency situations including the danger of using mobile phones when explosive gas is detected

22. procedures for preparing, checking and using tools and equipment 

23. reporting systems for routine work activities and resolving problems