SAFE WORK IN CONFINED SPACES

 

SAFE WORK IN CONFINED SPACES

SAFE WORK IN CONFINED SPACES

What is a confined space?

Confined space can be any space of an enclosed nature where there is a risk of death or serious injury from hazardous substances or dangerous conditions (eg lack of oxygen). Some confined spaces are fairly easy to identify, eg enclosures with limited openings:

 

Some examples of confined spaces like :

storage tanks;

silos;

reaction vessels;

enclosed drains;

sewers.

 

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What are the dangers from confined spaces?

Confined space hazards are very dangerous in nature, it has the high potential for the serius incidents.

Dangers can arise in confined spaces because of:

 

A lack of oxygen is one of the major dangerous condition.

This can occur:

- where there is a reaction between some soils and the oxygen in the

atmosphere;

- following the action of groundwater on chalk and limestone which can

produce carbon dioxide and displace normal air;

- in ships’ holds, freight containers, lorries etc as a result of the cargo reacting

with oxygen inside the space;

- inside steel tanks and vessels when rust forms.

 

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Poisonous gas, fume or vapour will lead to immediate danger to health and life.

These can:

- build-up in sewers and manholes and in pits connected to the system;

- enter tanks or vessels from connecting pipes;

- leak into trenches and pits in contaminated land, such as old refuse tips and old gas works.

 Liquids and solids which can suddenly fill the space, or release gases into it, when disturbed. Free flowing solids such as grain can also partially solidify or ‘bridge’ in silos causing blockages which can collapse unexpectedly.

Fire and explosions (eg from flammable vapours, excess oxygen etc).

Residues left in tanks, vessels etc, or remaining on internal surfaces which can give off gas, fume or vapour.

Dust may be present in high concentrations, eg in flour silos.

Hot conditions leading to a dangerous increase in body temperature.

 

 CHEMICAL SAFETY HAZARDS & MSDS

Some of the above conditions may already be present in the confined space. However, some may arise through the work being carried out, or because of ineffective isolation of plant nearby, eg leakage from a pipe connected to the confined space. The enclosure and working space may increase other dangers arising through the work being carried out, for example:

 

Machinery being used may require special precautions, such as provision of dust extraction for a portable grinder, or special precautions against electric shock;

Gas, fume or vapour can arise from welding, or by use of volatile and often flammable solvents, adhesives etc;

If access to the space is through a restricted entrance, such as a manhole, escape or rescue in an emergency will be more difficult (see Emergency procedures).

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