AVANTIS

Procedure Name: Confined Space Issue No: 1

Procedure Ref: AV-SWP-19 Date: 29th June 2020

1 29/06/2020 Gareth Haines Tom David Tom David Initial Issue

Issue Date Author Reviewed Approved Reason for Change
No

All downloaded and printed copies of this document are considered as Uncontrolled
Page 1 of 4
AVANTIS

Procedure Name: Confined Space Issue No: 1

Procedure Ref: AV-SWP-19 Date: 29th June 2020

Policy
Avantis recognises that health and safety hazards may arise when individuals work in confined spaces and will take
all steps to reduce risks to the lowest level reasonably practicable.

ARRANGEMENTS
Identification of Confined Spaces
Where it is reasonably practicable to do so, Avantis will ensure that:

• A register of confined spaces is prepared and communicated to relevant parties

• Suitable signs are posted at the entrance to confined spaces
• Entrances to confined spaces are secured to prevent unauthorised entry.

Avoiding Entry
Where it is reasonably practicable, Avantis will avoid the need to enter confined spaces by:

• Modifying the confined space itself so that entry is not necessary

• Undertaking the work from outside.

Risk Assessment
• Where entry into confined spaces cannot be avoided, a risk assessment will be carried out by a competent per-
son prior to entry/ inside the confined space.

Emergency and Rescue Procedures

• Effective arrangements will be made for raising the alarm and carrying out emergency rescue operations.

Information and Training

• All employees will be provided with appropriate information and training. The extent of training will depend on
the individual’s previous experience and the type of work they will undertake.

Safe Systems of Work

Avantis will ensure that no person will work in a confined space unless a documented safe system of work is
prepared and followed.

A ‘Permit to Work’ system will be implemented for all confined space entry.

All downloaded and printed copies of this document are considered as Uncontrolled
Page 2 of 4
AVANTIS

Procedure Name: Confined Space Issue No: 1

Procedure Ref: AV-SWP-19 Date: 29th June 2020

1. All confined space must have identification with risk analysis listing the control measures to ensure the development of
the plan and steps to complete the task can be done in a safe manner.

2. Avantis to follow the PTW system at all times.

3. The atmosphere within the confined space must be sampled for oxygen level and combustible gases using a portable gas
detector by a competent person. If levels of toxic, inert or combustible gases or oxygen are detected that present danger-
ous and hazardous conditions, the area must not be entered until measures have been taken that render the space safe.
These measures could include ventilation, exhaust, cleaning, purging, etc…

4. The Competent person shall perform the gas test and shall record the results in the confined space entry certificate and
the PTW and will dictate the necessary actions, either clear for entry or remedial action.

5. One person in the entry team inside the confined space will carry a personal monitor to ensure that changes to the
Atmosphere are detected.

6. Entry into a confined space can only be carried out if a permit is in place.

7. A Competent standby man will be present at the entrance of the confined space at all times whilst personnel are working
inside.

8. Communications established between persons entering and the standby man at all times.

9. Warning signs such as “Men working in confined space” must be displayed.

10. When working in confined spaces, all pipelines discharging into that space must be closed with blind flanges, plugs, valves
and energy isolation signs and tags posted.

11. When working inside a confined spac , all hoses are to be removed from the working area or at prolonged periods of work

12. Ensure safe means of access and egress are maintained at all times.

All downloaded and printed copies of this document are considered as Uncontrolled
Page 3 of 4
AVANTIS

Procedure Name: Confined Space Issue No: 1

Procedure Ref: AV-SWP-19 Date: 29th June 2020

13. Ensure a lifeline and harness is used where appropriate/required when entering the confined space.

14. Ensure adequate lighting is present prior to entering the confined space.

15. All sign off sheets from Risk Assessments and Toolbox talks must be returned and filed in the project documentation file.

16. Whenever the task is interrupted for a prolonged period for any reason, workers must abandon the confined space and
another gas test must be conducted prior to re-entering the space.

17. In instance where the confined space is such that to carry out the required work presents an unacceptable risk, then a
meeting between all relevant parties and safety personnel will take place and the options discussed and evaluated.

In every case the inspection of the worksite is encouraged so that a realistic RA is made.

Records

• Records will be kept of:

• Risk assessments undertaken

• Register of confined spaces

• Safe systems of work, including permits to work

• Emergency and rescue procedures developed for each confined space entry

• Information and training provided.

Where client documentation procedures are adopted, these records will only be retained by Avantis in the event of
an incident or notable event.

All downloaded and printed copies of this document are considered as Uncontrolled
Page 4 of 4