Confined Space Limits Worker Safety

A confined space is an enclosed place where the area is limited in size or the entrance or exit is restricted in some way. It can be a dangerous environment to work in if the worker has to deal with hazardous substances at the workplace or if the space itself poses some kind of risk. Therefore, it is important to be aware of any health and safety issues from working in confined spaces.

Confined Spaces

How a confined space is categorized depends on the type of business. Examples of workplace confined spaces include:

* Utility tunnels
* Boilers
* Fluid storage tanks
* Underground vaults

Confined spaces can be very dangerous places to work in. They can not only lead to injury but also death. In addition, it is not only those working in the confined space who are at risk but anyone who tries to help them without the appropriate training. Hazards in such workplaces include:

* Toxic gases accumulation
* Asphyxiant gases accumulation
* Lack of oxygen
* Dust
* Hot working conditions
* Fires and explosion
* Flooding
* Falling
* Entrapment

There is also the risk of physical injury, for example, that a worker suffers on a limb or the head. Certain risks are connected to the environment itself, while others are connected to the activity taking place in it.

Legal Issues

It is the employer who is obliged to ensure that all employees work in the safest conditions possible. Legislation conce
ing individuals working in confined spaces can be referred to in the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

Confined Space Risk Assessments

It is vital for employers to conduct a thorough risk assessment at the workplace. This way, employers will be able to identify any possible risks and have the best preventative measures and regulations in place. Risk assessments should be carried out on a regular basis to ensure that no further actions are necessary in terms of safety issues.

Confined Space Equipment

Part of ensuring the health and safety of workers in confined spaces is to use appropriate equipment. Examples are:

* Gas detection equipment
* Tripod and winch
* Harnesses
* Escape sets
* Fall arrest
* Breathing apparatus
* Ventilation equipment
* Lighting equipment

Confined Space Training

As well as using the right safety equipment, it is important than all workers receive the appropriate training in safety. Both those who work in such environments and those responsible for individuals who work in such environments should undergo regular training courses. A course will cover:

* The legal requirements surrounding working in confined spaces
* What is required for a risk assessment
* What is needed for a safe working system

Medical conditions of workers should also be taken into consideration, especially of workers whose condition could worsen from working in a confined space. These include back pain, breathing problems, or claustrophobia.

Every year, about 15 people die in the UK as a result of working in a confined space. Carrying out regular risk assessments, ensuring that the right safety equipment is used, and making sure everyone involved is up-to-date with their training is a foolproof way to prevent unnecessary accidents and illnesses from occurring.