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CONFINED SPACES WORKING

Assessment and Risk

Part of this role is to produce a dynamic confined space method statement, in this document, it will
identify all foreseeable risks that may occur in a category 2, category 3 or category 4 confined
spaces. The confined space specified risks outlined in the method statement will be addressed and
actions put in place to control or eliminate the hazard.

The HSE outline three key aspects of the Law that relate to confined spaces; the Confined Space
Regulations 1997, machinery in confined spaces including; the Provision and Use of Work
Equipment Regulations 1998 and the Workplace Regulations 1992. Equipment required before
entering a confined space is also important; Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002 and
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992. As well as these regulations, the Health
and Safety at Work Act 1974 discusses confined space works. The HSE outline the need for
identifying hazards, assessing the risks for all work to decide what measures are necessary for
safety. This needs to take into account the task, the working environment, materials and tools,
suitability of operatives and arrangements for emergency rescue.

The regulations on working in a confined space are described in the Confined Space Regulation
act 1997. In this document, it states that entry into a confined space should not be carried out by
anyone at work for any reason, unless it is unavoidable for the task at hand. These confined space
guidelines express the importance of competent operatives and standard operating procedures. No
operative should enter, carry out work in or leave a confined space without following a safe system
of works. These safe system of works should take into account all applicable specified risks, safe
working practices and without any risks to health.

Confined space task analysis is vital to working in hazardous areas. The 1997 act highlights that
without relevant preparation for the specific confined space, no persons should enter or work in
any confined space. Appropriate procedures for the rescue and recovery of a person should be
organised before entry whether the risk was specified or not. These arrangements that should be
put I place should to a minimum, reduce as far as is reasonably practicable, the risks to any
persons health and safety, that needs to put arrangements in place for rescue. As with all aspects
of confined space entry, rescue and safety, the need to ensure the resuscitation equipment is
properly and continually maintained is paramount, especially when a specified risk has highlighted
the possible need for such equipment.

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Permit to Work – Confined Spaces

Permit Number:
1. PERMIT ISSUE (For completion by Authorised Person – Tony Conte)

Building/site name:
Location of work:
Description of work:

Permit starts: Date: Time:


Permit expires: Date: Time:

Confirm that work in the confined space cannot be avoided? Yes


Risk assessment conducted identifying the nature of the confined space hazard, any
introduced hazards and control measures required? Yes
Safe system of work/method statement documented and workers trained in the findings? Yes
Workers appropriately qualified for type of confined space entry and for confined space
rescue as applicable? Yes
Are sufficient workers allocated to the job? N.B. Lone-working not permitted. For a Yes
traverse, minimum of 2 persons to enter, plus top man.
Competent supervision provided? Yes
All equipment available as per method statement and within calibration date where
applicable including as applicable: winch, tripod, gas monitor, harnesses, PPE, first aid,
communications, escape sets/breathing apparatus (BA), intrinsically safe electrical
equipment? Yes
Rescue plan in place, equipment readily to hand and workers trained? Yes
If the rescue plan involves rescuers entering the space, are there at least two staff who
are equipped with BA and trained to use it? Yes N/A
Means of communication readily available? N.B. Check signal Yes
Sludge/deposits removed, where applicable? Yes N/A
Space ventilated prior to entry? Yes
Plant/valves etc. isolated and locked off as necessary? Yes N/A
Gas test OK? Yes
All persons fit to enter? Yes

Specific safety requirements before commencing work:

Details of isolation points: include mechanical, electrical and pipework isolations

Names of those authorised to enter Confined Space:

In an emergency please contact: (Name) on: (Ext. no.)

Name Issuer name Signature Date


(Block Capitals)

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2. RECEIPT (To be completed by person responsible for the work prior to working)
I understand the scope of work and precautions to be taken
Name Name Signature Date
(Block Capitals)

3. EXTENSION OF PERMIT (If required)

Time extension: Start End

Authorised person Signed for those


signature undertaking the work

4. CLEARANCE (To be signed by both parties when work has stopped)


The area has been left in a safe condition, equipment and work materials have been removed.
Signed for those Date Time
undertaking the
work

Isolated plant has been reinstated. The Permit is now cancelled; all additional works will require a
new permit to be issued.
Authorised person Date Time
signature

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