A confined space is a place which is substantially enclosed and there is a 'specified risk', defined by the legislation as the following:
- serious injury to any person arising from fire or explosion.
- loss of consciousness caused by an increase in body temperature.
- loss of consciousness or asphyxiation caused by exposure to gas, fume, vapour or lack of oxygen.
- drowning.
- asphyxiation caused by a free flowing solid, for example being trapped because of the collapse of a pit or being trapped in a grain store or similar.
- asphyxiation because the person is trapped and cannot get to a breathable atmosphere.
While It isn't possible to give a definitive list of confined spaces common examples include; silos and storage tanks; enclosed drains, sewers or ductwork; open topped chambers and vats; poorly ventilated or unventilated rooms.
When assessing the risks of working in a confined space rescue arrangements must be considered and put in place. Relying on the emergency services to rescue a person is not an acceptable control measure.
All work involving confined spaces must be controlled by a permit to work.
Anyone working in a confined space must be competent to do so and provide evidence of this or be directly supervised by a competent person at all times. The option for supervision is only acceptable for student's working on show builds or pieces for shows or exhibitions.
The confined spaces legislation requires that work involving confined spaces should be avoided whenever reasonably practicable and this should be the first control measure considered when assessing work. Any project involving working in a confined space, or creating confined spaces must be discussed with the H&S Adviser and, for existing University spaces, the Facilities Manager.