Very brief guide to work in confined spaces

Under the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, employers must receive sufficient information, instruction and training so that they are aware, and ensure that:

• entry and work in confined spaces is prohibited unless it is not reasonably practicable for the work to be carried out from outside of the space, or the work cannot be avoided
• if entry into a confined space is unavoidable, then any entry or work in a confined space shall, as far as is reasonably practicable, be carried out in accordance with a (written) safe system of work
• the safe system of work controls the “relevant specified risks” (ie injury from fire or explosion; loss of consciousness arising from excessive heat, gas, fume or vapour, or lack of oxygen; drowning arising from an increase in the level of a liquid, or asphyxiation, as a result of a free-flowing solid, or entrapment preventing access to a respirable environment)
• in the event of an emergency, suitable and sufficient arrangements are in place for the rescue of persons working in a confined space (these arrangements must include measures to control the risks to those putting the rescue operation into place and the means to effect resuscitation, where necessary).

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