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Work in confined spaces in the utiities environment

URN: EUSDSG07
Business Sectors (Suites): Domestic Natural Gas, Installation and Maintenance,Down Stream Gas
Developed by: Energy & Utility Skills
Approved on: 22 Feb 2017

Overview

This standard covers working in confined spaces in the utilities environment.  This could include low, medium or high risk confined spaces.​ This work must be in accordance with the relevant versions of the appropriate industry standards and regulations; industry recognised working practices; the working environment and the natural environment.​

To meet this standard you will be able to:

  • plan and organise work in confined spaces
  • implement relevant legislative, health and safety and equipment requirements
  • take personal responsibility for your own actions and for the quality and accuracy of the work carried out.

This standard is suitable for anyone working in confined spaces in the Utilities Environment.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. carry out  a site specific risk assessment of the work, identifying hazards and the required control measures
  2. carry out a pre-use inspection of the tools and equipment to be used, including breathing appparatus, checking condition and service information in accordance with organisational procedures
  3. select, inspect and wear relevant personal protective equipment for completing work activities in line with organisational procedures 
  4. confirm the isolation of any connecting services
  5. set up monitoring equipment, communication systems
  6. confirm communication systems ​are working before moving away from the entry point
  7. apply the control measures necessary to meet safety requirements for the work activity
  8. confirm all team members are in place and understand their roles and reponsibilities
  9. check atmospheric conditions are safe in the confined space
  10. use special hoists and safety lines as set down in relevant work procedures
  11. enter and exit the space in line with procedures for working in high risk confined spaces 
  12. folllow all procedures regarding the carrying and use of breathing apparatus
  13. fit and wear the designated Self Contained Open Circuit breathing apparatus to carry out the work activity
  14. continuously monitor the Self Contained Open Circuit breathing apparatus during operation and use
  15. carry out after use checks on the Self Contained Open Circuit ​ breathing apparatus after a safe exit
  16. use the specified method to introduce equipment and tools into the confined space
  17. use appropriate methods of communication which suit the work situation
  18. report defective tools, equipment and resources, where appropriate
  19. deal with problems safely and efficiently, referring matters which cannot be rectified to the appropriate person

  20. store tools and equipment safely and securely, leaving the work area in a safe condition in accordance with organisational procedures

  21. respond to information from monitoring equipment

  22. record and report results of the operation in accordance with organisational procedures
 

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

1.  the principles of health and safety in the workplace, environmental legislation and relevant regulations in relation to the work to be carried out 2. the organisations reporting lines, authorisation roles and responsibilities 3. the organisational safety rules, policies and procedures in relation to working in confined spaces 4. the organisational procedures and processes for reporting problems with tools and equipment 5. the processes and procedures to be followed for inspecting and preparing tools and equipment prior to use 6. how to select, inspect and use personal protective equipment 7. the definition of confined spaces and their nature, characteristics and classification schemes 8. how to carry out a site risk assessment, identify hazards and assess risks of the site and proposed activity 9. the hazards associated with working in confined spaces and how to deal with them 10. how to select, inspect and use personal protective equipment          11. the manufacturers' instructions relating to the use of self-contained open circuit breathing apparatus 12. the legislation and approved codes of practice and guidelines for safe use of breathing apparatus  13. how to respond to the different types and categories of emergency situations that might occur 14. how to maintain safe working and environmental practices throughout the duration of the work minimising the risks to self and others 15. hazards, substances, and situations associated with high risk confined spaces 16. the safe working and entry procedures for high risk confined spaces  17. monitoring procedures for working in confined spaces 18. decontamination procedures 19. communications methods which are suitable for use in high risk confined spaces 20. how to leave the work area secure and the importance of doing so 21. the extent of your own responsibility and whom you should report to if you have a problem that you cannot resolve​

Scope/range

Scope Performance

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

Links To Other NOS

External Links

Version Number

1

Indicative Review Date

30 Mar 2021

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Energy and Utility Skills

Original URN

EUSCS01-03

Relevant Occupations

Engineering Technicians

SOC Code

Keywords

work safely, confined space, power, gas