Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Confined Space Document
Confined Space Document
Confined Space Document
for Working in
Confined Spaces
Our vision:
A national culture
where all commit to
safe and healthy
workplaces and the
safe and sustainable
management of
chemicals
Contents
FOREWORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Introductory Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Status and Scope of Code of Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Key Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Types of Injury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Identification of Confined Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.
2.1
2.2
2.2.1
2.2.2
2.2.3
2.2.4
2.2.5
2.2.6
3.
3.1
3.2
RESPONSIBILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Employers and the Self-Employed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4.
4.1
4.2
4.3
5.
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.3.1
5.3.2
5.3.3
6.
A SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6.1 A Safe Way of Working . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6.2 Elements of Safe System of Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6.2.1 Training, Supervision and Suitability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6.2.2 Permit-to-Work Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6.2.3 Gas purging and Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6.2.4 Dangerous Residues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
6.2.5 Testing and Monitoring of the Atmosphere . . . . . . . 16
6.2.6 Mechanical, Electrical and Process Isolation . . . . . . . 17
6.2.7 Respiratory Protective Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
6.2.8 Other Personal Protective Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
6.2.9 Safe Use of Work Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
6.2.10 Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
6.2.11 Access and Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
6.2.12 Flammable or Explosive Atmospheres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
6.2.13 Combustible Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
7.
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
Appendix 1
Logic Flowsheet for Work in Confined Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Appendix 2
Example of Permit-to-work Form for
Work in Confined Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Appendix 3
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work
(Confined Spaces) Regulations 2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Foreword
(2) (a)
(b)
(i)
(ii)
Robert Roe
Assistant Chief Executive Officer and Secretary to
the Board
Introduction
Introductory Notes
1.1
Background
Introduction
1.2
1.3
Definition
1.4
Key Characteristics
1.5
Types of Injury
Introduction
1.6
Identification of
Confined Spaces
2.1
Other Hazards
2.2
Relevant Hazards
2.2.4 Flammable or
Explosive Atmospheres
A flammable atmosphere presents a risk of fire or
explosion. Such an atmosphere can arise from the
presence in the confined space of flammable
liquids or gases or of a suspension of combustible
dust in air. If a flammable atmosphere inside a
confined space ignites, an explosion may occur,
resulting in the expulsion of hot gases and the
disintegration of the structure.
3. Responsibilities
3.1
3.2
Employees
4.1
4.2
4.3
Prevention of
Unauthorised Entry
5.1
5.2
5.3
Oxygen Deficiency
Decreased oxygen can be the result of a variety
of conditions including the displacement of
oxygen by another gas, for example, by nitrogen
used for purging a flammable atmosphere, or by
various biological processes or chemical reactions.
Examples are the consumption of oxygen by
decaying organic material or the scavenging of
oxygen molecules by the rusting of a metal
structure within the confined space. The normal
concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere is
20.8%. Any difference in oxygen content from
normal should be investigated, the risk assessed,
and appropriate measures taken in the light of
the risk. A relatively small reduction in the
oxygen concentration can lead to impaired
mental ability. The effects are very rapid and
generally there will be no warning to alert the
senses. This can happen even in circumstances
where only a person's head is inside a confined
space. Very low oxygen concentrations (i.e.,
below 16%) can lead to unconsciousness and
death.
Oxygen Enrichment
Oxygen enrichment will increase flammability of
clothing and other combustible materials. It may
be caused by failure to adequately blank or
disconnect oxygen supply lines, by leaking
oxygen hoses or pipes, or by misguided use of
oxygen instead of air for ventilation purposes.
Structure and Layout
There may be a risk of entrapment. This may
have serious consequences, particularly if selfcontained breathing apparatus is worn and an
occupant is delayed for a period in excess of the
air supply. Certain confined spaces, e.g. sewers,
may be of such a convoluted structure as to
present a risk of occupants becoming lost or
disorientated.
6.1
6.2
Permit-to-work procedure
Dangerous residues
Communications
Combustible materials
6.2.10 Communications
An effective and reliable means of
communication between individuals inside the
confined space and between those inside the
confined space and those outside is essential.
When choosing a means of communication,
consideration should be given to all anticipated
conditions inside the confined space (e.g.
visibility, possibility of a flammable atmosphere,
and noise levels) and to the personal protective
equipment in use (e.g. ear muffs and breathing
apparatus).
The communication system used can be based on
speech, hand signals, the telephone, radio etc.
Whatever system is used, it is important that all
messages can be communicated easily, rapidly
and unambiguously between relevant people.
The limited penetration of radio signals into
buildings, vessels and below-ground structures
7.1
Rescue Arrangements
Training
Rescue logistics
Rescue equipment
7.2
Training
7.3
Rescue Logistics
7.4
Rescue Equipment
Rescue equipment will often include selfcontained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Its
duration of use is governed by the size and
number of cylinders and by its type (open-circuit
or closed-circuit). For further details and
maintenance requirements of breathing
apparatus, see Section 6.2.7.
Appropriate first aid equipment should be
provided and available for emergencies and to
provide first aid until professional medical help
arrives. First-aiders should be trained to deal with
the foreseeable injuries.
All equipment provided for the purposes of
emergency arrangements should be properly
maintained and inspected. Inspection should
include periodic examination and testing as
necessary. This shall be in accordance with the
manufacturers instructions or with the
requirements of health and safety legislation as
appropriate.
The examination of ropes, harnesses, lifelines,
protective clothing, and other special equipment
will normally consist of a thorough visual
examination of all their parts for deterioration or
damage, in particular of those parts that are
load-bearing. Examinations should be carried out
regularly and reports kept.
Lifting equipment, such as ropes, harnesses,
lifelines, shackles, etc. should have a certificate of
test and safe working load when purchased. It is
important to ensure they are not further tested
(as this could weaken them). If they become
damaged, they should be scrapped. Otherwise,
they should be returned to the manufacturer or
other competent repairer who can carry out the
necessary remedial work and supply a new
certificate of test and safe working load for the
repaired equipment.
Communications equipment can facilitate a
confined space rescue by saving time in relaying
instructions and medical information. Reliable
communications can have a calming effect on
rescuers, leading to a more efficient operation.
Equipment should be suitably protected where a
risk of a flammable atmosphere exists.
7.5
Appendix 1
Logic Flowsheet For Work in Confined Spaces
IDENTIFICATION
Work in Confined Space
Is it practicable to do
work without entry?
Yes
No
RISK ASSESSMENT
Identify Hazards
Evaluate Hazards
Normal
Risk
Assessment
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Determine Control Measures
Determine Emergency Arrangements
Yes
Have activities
or conditions
changed?
Complete Work
Avoid
Entry
Appendix 2
Example of a Permit-to-Work Form for Work in Confined Spaces
4. Employees/Contractors assigned
List names of employees and/or contractors and duties assigned.
5. Hazards Identified
Specify
Signed
Time/Date
Appendix 2
Example of a Permit-to-Work Form for Work in Confined Spaces
Signed
Time/Date
Signed
Time/Date
9. Testing of Atmosphere
Indicate results of testing carried out.
Oxygen
Flammables
Results
Signed
Time/Date
Appendix 2
Example of a Permit-to-Work Form for Work in Confined Spaces
Signed
Date
Signed
Time/ Date
Completion/Handback
The work has been completed/suspended and all
Time/Date
Date
Signed
Date
Signed
Date
Signed
Date
Signed
Date
Signed
Date
Time/Date
Appendix 3
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Confined Spaces)Regulations 2001(S.I. No. 218 of 2001
2.
Interpretation
3.
Application of Regulations
4.
Duties
5.
6.
Emergency Arrangements
7.
Revocations
I, Tom Kitt, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, in exercise of
the powers conferred on me by section 28 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989 ( No. 7
of 1989 ) in relation to the matters set out in paragraphs (2), (3), (5), (25), (26), (28) and (32) of the
Fourth Schedule to that Act, the Labour (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial
Functions) Order 1993 ( S.I. No. 18 of 1993 )(as adapted by the Enterprise and Employment (Alteration
of Name of Department and Title of Minister) Order 1997 ( S.I. No. 305 of 1997 )), and the Enterprise,
Trade and Employment (Delegation of Ministerial Functions)(No. 2) Order 1997 ( S.I. No. 330 of 1997 )
and after consultation with the National Authority for Occupational Safety and Health, hereby make
the following regulations:
Citation and Commencement
1. (1) These Regulations may be cited as the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Confined Spaces)
Regulations 2001.
(2) These Regulations shall come into operation on the 31st day of August 2001.
Interpretation
2. (1) In these Regulations confined space means any place which, by virtue of its enclosed nature creates conditions which
give rise to a likelihood of accident, harm or injury of such a nature as to require emergency action
due to
(a) the presence or the reasonably foreseeable presence of
(i) flammable or explosive atmospheres,
(ii) harmful gas, fume, or vapour,
(iii) free flowing solid or an increasing level of liquid,
(iv) excess of oxygen,
(v) excessively high temperature,
(b) lack or reasonably foreseeable lack of oxygen;
diving operations has the meaning assigned to it by Regulation 2 (1) of the Safety in Industry
(Diving Operations) Regulations 1981 ( S.I. No. 422 of 1981 );
Appendix 3
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Confined Spaces)Regulations 2001(S.I. No. 218 of 2001
free flowing solid means any substance consisting of solid particles and which is, or is
capable of being in, a flowing or running consistency, and includes flour, grain, sugar, granular
animal feeds, sand or other similar material;
mine has the meaning assigned thereto by section 3 of the Mines and Quarries Act 1965 (No.
7 of 1965);
(2) In these Regulations, a reference to a paragraph is to a paragraph in the Regulation in which the
reference occurs, unless it is indicated that reference to some other Regulation is intended, and a
reference to a Regulation or a Schedule is to a Regulation of, or a Schedule to, these Regulations,
unless it is indicated that reference to some other Regulation or Schedule is intended.
Application of Regulations
3. (1) The provisions of Regulations 2, 4 and Part II of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General
Application) Regulations 1993 (S.I. No. 44 of 1993) shall apply in full to the application of the
provisions of these Regulations.
(2) These Regulations shall not apply to or in relation to (a) any place below ground in a mine; or
(b) any diving operations.
(3) These Regulations shall apply to a self-employed person as they apply to an employer and as if
that self-employed person was an employer and his own employee.
Duties
4. (1) It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure (a) compliance with the provisions of these Regulations in respect of any work carried out by
his employees; and
(b) compliance with the provisions of these Regulations in respect of any work carried out by
persons other than his employees insofar as the provisions relate to matters which are
within his control.
(2) It shall be the duty of every employer and self-employed person involved in sharing a place of
work with another employer or self-employed to co-operate in implementing the provisions of
these Regulations.
(3) Without prejudice to paragraph (1), it shall be the duty of every person at work to
(a) co-operate in carrying out the provisions of these Regulations; and
(b) make proper use of equipment including any personal protective equipment or other items
provided for that person's health and safety.
Work in Confined Spaces
5. (1) A person shall not enter a confined space to carry out work or any duty connected with that
work (which work or duty is referred to in this Regulation and in Regulation 6 as a work
activity) for any purpose unless it is not reasonably practicable to achieve that purpose
without such entry.
(2) Without prejudice to paragraph (1), a person shall not enter a confined space to carry out a
work activity in that confined space unless an identification and evaluation of the risks to
safety and health arising from such entry or such work activity have been made.
Appendix 3
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Confined Spaces)Regulations 2001(S.I. No. 218 of 2001
(3) (a) Without prejudice to paragraph (1), a person shall not enter a confined space to carry out
a work activity in that confined space unless there has been provided a system of work,
which has been planned, organised, performed and maintained so as to render that work
safe and without risks to health.
(b) Any person involved in carrying out the system of work required under subparagraph (a) of
this paragraph, shall be provided with adequate information, instruction and training
appropriate to the particular characteristics of the work activity involved.
Emergency Arrangements
6. (1) Without prejudice to Regulation 5 (1), a person shall not enter a confined space to carry out a
work activity in that confined space unless there have been prepared in respect of that space
suitable and sufficient arrangements for the rescue of persons in the event of an emergency.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (1), the emergency arrangements shall
include (a) all practicable measures necessary to ensure the safety and health of any person required
to take part in the arrangements for rescue,
(b) the provision of a suitable and reliable means of raising the alarm in the event of an
emergency,
(c) the making readily available of such equipment at point of use as is necessary to enable
rescue procedures to be carried out and the maintenance of this equipment to ensure its
reliability,
(d) the provision to any person, who is required to take part in the arrangements for rescue,
of adequate information, instruction and training appropriate to the particular
characteristics of the work activity involved, and
(e) where the need for resuscitation of any person is a likely consequence of a foreseeable risk,
the provision and maintenance of such equipment as is necessary to enable resuscitation
procedures to be carried out and the provision of appropriate training to any persons required
to carry out these resuscitation procedures.
(3) The emergency arrangements referred to in paragraph (1) shall be put into operation immediately,
whenever there arises any circumstance to which those arrangements relate.
Revocations
7. The Regulations specified in column (2) of the Schedule are hereby revoked to the extent specified in
column (3) of the Schedule.
Appendix 3
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Confined Spaces)Regulations 2001(S.I. No. 218 of 2001
Schedule
Regulation 7
Regulations Revoked
Number and Year
Title
Extent of Revocation
(1)
(2)
(3)
Regulation 18.
Regulations 49,50,51
and 52.
Regulations 48, 49
and 50.
Regulation 46.
Regulations 21 and
34 (3).
Regulation 36.
Appendix 3
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Confined Spaces)Regulations 2001(S.I. No. 218 of 2001
EXPLANATORY NOTE
(This note is not part of the Regulations and does not purport to be a legal interpretation.)
These Regulations impose requirements and prohibitions with respect to the safety and health of
persons carrying out work in confined spaces, as defined in Regulation 2(1). They apply to all work
activities involving confined spaces, with the exception of activities below ground at a mine and diving
operations.
The Regulations (a) prohibit the entry into a confined space for the purpose of carrying out work or any duty
connected with that work where it is reasonably practicable to carry out the work by other means
(Regulation 5(1));
(b) require a risk identification and evaluation to be carried out prior to entering a confined space for
the purpose of carrying out work (Regulation 5(2));
(c) require that entry into a confined space or work in a confined space be carried out only in
accordance with a safe system of work (Regulation 5(3)(a));
(d) require the persons involved in carrying out the system of work to be adequately informed,
instructed and trained appropriate to the particular characteristics of the work activity involved
(Regulation 5(3)(b));
(e) require the preparation of suitable and sufficient arrangements for the rescue of any person at
work in a confined space in case of an emergency (Regulation 6(1));
(f) impose requirements with regard to the content of the emergency arrangements, including the
provision of a suitable and reliable means of raising the alarm in an emergency, the provision and
maintenance of necessary rescue equipment, the provision of appropriate information, instruction
and training and, where necessary, the provision and maintenance of resuscitation equipment and
the provision of appropriate training to any persons required to carry out resuscitation procedures
(Regulation 6(2));
(g) require the implementation of the emergency arrangements in the event of an emergency
(Regulation 6(3)).
Appendix 3
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Confined Spaces)Regulations 2001(S.I. No. 218 of 2001
These Regulations revoke and replace Regulation 18 of the Docks (Safety, Health and Welfare)
Regulations 1960, Regulations 49 to 52 of the Shipbuilding and Ship-repairing (Safety, Health and
Welfare) Regulations 1975, Regulations 48 to 50 of the Dangerous Substances (Retail and Private
Petroleum Stores) Regulations 1979, Regulation 46 of the Dangerous Substances (Oil Jetties)
Regulations 1979, Regulations 62 and 63 of the Dangerous Substances (Petroleum Bulk Stores)
Regulations 1979, Regulations 21 and 34 (3) of the Dangerous Substances (Conveyance of Petroleum by
Road) Regulations 1979 and Regulation 36 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction)
Regulations 1995.
The Regulations also replace the provisions of section 38 of the Factories Act 1995, as amended by
section 21 of the Safety in Industry Act 1980, the repeal of which is activated by the Safety, Health and
Welfare at Work Act 1989 (Repeal of Section 38 of Factories Act 1955)(Commencement) Order 2001,
made under sections 1(2) and 4(3) of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989.
HSA 0341