We MUST comply with the Confined Space Regulations 1997 issued by the HSE. Confined Spaces can be deadly. A number of people are killed or seriously injured in confined spaces each year in the UK.
What is a confined space?
  • It can be any space of an enclosed nature where there is a risk of death or serious injury from hazardous substances or dangerous conditions (e.g. lack of oxygen).
  • Some confined spaces are easily identified due to obvious limitation in the openings such as storage tanks, enclosed drains and sewers, etc. Others are less obvious, but can be equally dangerous, for example; open topped chambers, poorly ventilated rooms, ductwork, etc.
  • The dangers of confined spaces can consist of lack of oxygen, poisonous gas, fumes or vapour, liquids or solids suddenly filling the space or release of gas into the space, fire and explosion from flammable vapours or excess oxygen, dust in high concentrations and hot conditions effecting body temperature.
  • We use a categorisation for all confined spaces on site based on the level of risk as either low, medium or high. Sites are required to access all potential confined spaces and assess them, the higher the risk level the more mitigations and safeguards are required. A confined space register should list all the confined spaces and they should have signage fitted identifying them as a confined space.
  • A confined space entry certificate is part of the Exolum Safe System of Work (SSoW) and when required must be complied with. This applies to contractors and Exolum employees.
Entry into confined space cannot proceed unless a suitable and sufficient Risk Assessment has been completed and where relevant the following are covered:
  • All other options are ruled out first
  • The confined space is isolated to prevent ingress of any product or form of energy
  • Stand by man with appropriate communications
  • Appropriate PPE is specified and used
  • A confined space entry permit is issued
  • Unauthorised entry prevention
  • Atmospheric testing has been completed
  • Repeat/ continuous monitoring
  • Appropriate rescue plan and equipment are prepared and in place

*This document describes the basic safety requirement within Exolum. If a higher standard is required by local work practice or legislation, then the higher standard must be adopted.