Control entry and arrangements for confined spaces

This standard is about controlling the entry and exit of others into confined spaces and also the arrangements that need to be in place to keep them safe while they are there.  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.  These specified 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. 

This standard does not require entry into confined spaces.  

It includes controlling the pre-entry procedures and entry into and out of confined spaces, maintaining communications with team members who are in confined spaces, monitoring equipment readings, raising the alarm and handing over to rescue teams during emergency situations.

This standard is for the safety attendant or top person who controls entry and arrangements for confined spaces without entering them.

1. check that team members have necessary equipment that is fit for purpose and within its service date before entering confined spaces

2. check that all relevant health and safety documents are in place before allowing people to enter confined spaces

3. confirm all communications systems are set up, tested and working 

4. check arrangements and procedures for working and emergencies are understood by all team members

5. check that emergency communications systems and rescue equipment are available and fit for purpose before allowing entry to confined spaces

6. check ventilation and other environmental conditions are safe before work teams enter confined spaces

7. check work team members enter and exit confined spaces in line with procedures

8. make sure work team members have, and wear, specified personal protective equipment (PPE) and personal safety and emergency equipment before they enter confined spaces

9. make sure work team members  use monitoring equipment and entry equipment as specified 

10. remedy any incorrect activities with team members without delay

11. maintain safety zones around work sites; controlling access of people and vehicles around entry points

12. resolve any problems connected to the entry, exit or work of team members within confined spaces with designated people

13. act without delay to remedy any unsafe activity, equipment, and environmental conditions

14. monitor environmental readings on an ongoing basis and respond to information from monitoring equipment

15. communicate at agreed intervals with work teams about environmental conditions at all stages of the work

16. close down and make entry points safe at the end of work activity

17. oversee recovery of equipment and tools from site when work is finished

18. initiate and follow emergency procedures without delay when incidents or emergencies arise

19. assist work team members to exit confined spaces in line with safety procedures during incidents and emergencies

20. hand over relevant information to emergency rescue teams in line with emergency procedures

21. record and report incidents and emergencies and their circumstances in appropriate reporting systems

1. the main principles and characteristics of current confined spaces, health and safety and environmental legislation and regulations

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

3. personal duties and responsibilities as top person under legislation 

4. definitions of hazardous situations and different types and categories of hazards

5. types of spaces that could become confined due to the presence of specified risks

6. hazards, substances, and situations associated with confined spaces 

7. dynamic assessment of how to reduce risk of injury to self, colleagues and the general public

8. actions that can be taken to reduce risk to an acceptable level for work to be carried out

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

10. methods and techniques for using and wearing PPE 

11. the limitations of equipment and how to identify it is not working

12. manufacturers' instructions relating to the use of equipment for accessing and working safely in confined spaces

13. confined space classification schemes 

14. how to identify medium and high risk confined spaces

15. how to prepare, test and use access equipment 

16. why it is important to be vigilant to possible risks and hazards and changing circumstances 

17. your remit in relation to first aid in an emergency situations based on risk assessment

18. procedures and methods of working suitable to the confined space classification and local conditions

19. the different types and limitations of monitoring equipment

20. ways to monitor and react to conditions and work activity

21. why it is important to resolve problems about entry, exit and work of team members within confined spaces without delay

22. communication methods for keeping in contact with team members in confined spaces, emergency teams and supervisors

23. procedures for the preparation, inspection and use of tools and equipment 

24. how to close down and make entry points safe

25. reporting systems for routine and non-routine work activities and emergency situations

26. relevant information to pass to rescue teams

27. how ventilation systems work and their benefits and disadvantages in confined spaces