Risk Assessment & Safe Working Practice
RA Ref Number: 32 Revision: 4 Project/Job Number Reference Insert Job Number Approval Date: 30/03/2018
RA Description: Working in a confined space Next Review Date: 01/04/2019
Notes: Please refer to Safe Working Practices 32 for definitions of items in this assessment. Created by: Lee Davies
Risk Assessment The summary risk assessment is calculated as “Likelihood” x “Consequence” Issued by: Insert Name
Method & Scoring and categorised as follows; 1 to 6 = Low Risk – 7 to 16 = Medium Risk – 17 to 25 = High Risk Issue Date: Insert Date
TASK HAZARDS PERSONS INITIAL CONTROL MEASURES REVISED
AFFECTED RISK RISK LEVEL
LEVEL
Access into & Manual Handling Engineers Likelihood 4 Engineers are trained and experienced in manual handling techniques. Likelihood 1
Egress from a Operatives Severity 4 Engineers will use the correct manhole removal keys. Severity 4
Confined Space. Musculoskeletal Total 16 Engineers must wear safety boots. Total 4
Disorders (MSDs) Medium Risk Engineers must wear slip proof safety gloves. Low Risk
Lifting Manhole Removal or replacement of manhole covers must be performed by two men.
or Duct Covers
Access into & Falls from Height Engineers Likelihood 4 Prior to initial entry a Permit to Work will be obtained from the client. Likelihood 1
Egress from a Operatives Severity 4 Fixed access ladders are provided and inspected by the client. Severity 4
Confined Space. Total 16 Temporary access ladders will be provided to enter or exit the confined space. Total 4
Medium Risk Ladders used on all projects will be Class 1 (industrial applications) Low Risk
Ladders used for access will have a valid inspection certificate.
Engineers are trained and experienced in the use of ladders and step ladders.
Working in a Poor Lighting Engineers Likelihood 4 Fixed lighting has been provided and inspected by the client. Likelihood 1
Confined Space. Operatives Severity 4 Engineers will ensure fixed lighting is switched on at all access points. Severity 4
Risk of Injury from Total 16 Engineers entering the confined space will be equipped with suitable portable Total 4
tripping and falling Medium Risk lighting with capacity to last the duration of the task. Low Risk
Engineers are trained to be aware of debris whilst working with the confined
Risk of Injury from space.
contact with broken Engineers will wear cut resistant gloves whilst working with the confined
glass space.
RA Number: 32 - Issue Revision: 4 Page 1 of 10
Risk Assessment & Safe Working Practice
TASK HAZARDS PERSONS INITIAL CONTROL MEASURES REVISED
AFFECTED RISK RISK LEVEL
LEVEL
Working in a Trip Hazards Engineers Likelihood 4 Engineer awareness of trip hazards – due to nature of the confined space (loose Likelihood 1
confined space. Operatives Severity 4 cables, wires and debris). Severity 4
Piping, cables etc. Total 16 Identify trip hazards present and minimise the risk of these hazards in an Total 4
Medium Risk appropriate manner. Low Risk
Risk of Injury due to All new cables are installed to minimise the risk of tripping.
tripping and falling Remove all rubbish from confined space as work proceeds.
Running is prohibited within the confined space.
Working in a Slippery Surfaces and Engineers Likelihood 4 All leaks onto walkways are identified and reported immediately. Likelihood 1
confined space. Walkways Operatives Severity 4 Engineer awareness of the need to report leaks immediately. Severity 4
Total 16 Due care and attention paid to slippery surfaces. Total 4
Risk of injury due to Medium Risk Low Risk
Slips and Falls
Working in a Biological Hazards Engineers Likelihood 4 Engineer awareness of poison left for rodents. Likelihood 1
confined space. Operatives Severity 4 Engineer awareness of the possible presence of biological hazards. Severity 4
Foul water, pests etc. Total 16 Engineer to report any possible biological hazards immediately. Total 4
Medium Risk All dead rodents are reported and removed immediately. Low Risk
Risk of ill-health and All leakages are identified, reported and dealt with accordingly.
disease Eating, Drinking and Smoking is prohibited at all times within confined spaces.
Working in a Asbestos Engineers Likelihood 4 The client must provide an Asbestos Register covering relevant work areas. Likelihood 1
confined space. ACMs Operatives Severity 5 Engineers are fully trained and experienced in Asbestos Awareness. Severity 5
Total 20 Engineers will review the Asbestos Register prior to starting work. Total 5
High Risk Engineers will report any suspected ACMs to the Client and work will cease. Low Risk
Engineers must wear a suitable Dust Mask whilst working within the confined
space.
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Risk Assessment & Safe Working Practice
TASK HAZARDS PERSONS INITIAL CONTROL MEASURES REVISED
AFFECTED RISK RISK LEVEL
LEVEL
Working in a Dust Engineers Likelihood 4 Engineers must wear a suitable Dust Mask whilst working within the confined Likelihood 1
confined space. Operatives Severity 4 space. Severity 4
Risk of Ill Health due Total 16 Total 4
to exposure. Medium Risk Low Risk
Working in a Restrictions and Engineers Likelihood 4 Engineer awareness of possible restrictions and contact hazards at entrances, Likelihood 1
confined space. Contact Hazards Operatives Severity 4 exits and within the confined spaces. Severity 4
Total 16 Loose clothing that could snag easily is prohibited. Total 4
Risk of Injury due to Medium Risk Long sleeved overalls must be worn. Low Risk
cuts/lacerations Head protection is worn by all workers.
Risk of injury due to
entanglement
Working in a Gases and fumes Engineers Likelihood 4 Gas testing and monitoring is carried out before entry and during operations Likelihood 1
confined space. Risk of Injury due to Operatives Severity 5 Top man (engineer) is present to raise any alarm necessary Severity 5
inhalation of fumes Total 20 Engineer awareness of the dangers of exposure to gas in confined spaces Total 5
and gases, Methane High Risk Engineer carry escape sets while working in confined spaces Low Risk
(CH4), Engineers are adequately trained in the use of gas detectors and escape sets
Carbon Monoxide Escape sets are a adequately maintained
(CO) Engineers are aware of the need to exit immediately if they feel uncomfortable,
Carbon Dioxide nauseous or dizzy
(CO2)
Hydrogen Sulphide
(H2S)
+ others
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Risk Assessment & Safe Working Practice
TASK HAZARDS PERSONS INITIAL CONTROL MEASURES REVISED
AFFECTED RISK RISK LEVEL
LEVEL
Working in a Utility Services Engineers Likelihood 4 The Client will make engineers aware of the Utility services present within the Likelihood 1
confined space. Operatives Severity 4 confined space. Severity 4
Water, Gas, Total 16 Total 4
Electricity. Medium Risk Utilities and Services are isolated when necessary. Low Risk
Risk of Injury due to
contact with services
Working in a Heat Stress Engineers Likelihood 4 Engineers are physically and mentally fit for the work being carried out. Likelihood 1
confined space. Operatives Severity 4 Engineer awareness of the dangers of heat stress. Severity 4
Risk of Injury due to Total 16 Readily available supply of drinking water. Total 4
overheating Medium Risk Well planned break periods outside the confined space. Low Risk
Working in a Fire Engineers Likelihood 4 In the event of a fire within the confined space, the confined space is evacuated Likelihood 1
confined space. Operatives Severity 5 immediately and the building / emergency services notified immediately Severity 5
Risk of injury due to Total 20 In the event of a fire in the building the confined space is evacuated Total 5
personnel trapped. High Risk Immediately Low Risk
Smoking or naked flames are prohibited within the confined space.
Waste and rubbish is to be removed immediately from the confined space.
Working in a Poor Communication Engineers Likelihood 4 Communication between the engineers working within the confined space and Likelihood 1
confined space. Operatives Severity 4 the Top Man is to be maintained at all times and at regular intervals. Severity 4
Total 16 Two way radio communication units (walky talkies) are to be utilised by all Total 4
Medium Risk engineers working in or outside of the confined space. Low Risk
Mobile phones should not be relied upon as a stable means of communication.
Working in a Lone Working Engineers Likelihood 4 Lone working is prohibited on all confined space projects. Likelihood 1
confined space. Operatives Severity 4 Severity 4
Total 16 All confined space projects will require a minimum of two confined spaces Total 4
Medium Risk trained engineers. Low Risk
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Risk Assessment & Safe Working Practice
TASK HAZARDS PERSONS INITIAL CONTROL MEASURES REVISED
AFFECTED RISK RISK LEVEL
LEVEL
Working in a Hot Pipes & Steam Engineers Likelihood 4 The Client will make engineers aware of the presence of hot pipes or steam Likelihood 1
confined space. Operatives Severity 5 vents within the confined space. Severity 5
Burns Total 20 Total 5
High Risk Hot pipes and steam vents must be isolated when necessary. Low Risk
Working in a Emergency Response. Engineers Likelihood 4 All relevant personnel are trained in emergency response procedures Likelihood 1
confined space. Operatives Severity 5 The method of evacuating casualties has been identified and associated Severity 5
Risk of Injury due to Total 20 equipment is present and personnel trained Total 5
inadequate emergency High Risk The relevant emergency services are notified in the event of an emergency Low Risk
response plan
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Risk Assessment & Safe Working Practice
Safe Working Practice: 32 – Working in a confined space
1 PURPOSE: The purpose of this guide is to highlight safe working practices for: Working in a
confined space.
All persons WORKING IN CONFINED SPACES must receive appropriate training
What is a Confined Space?
A confined space is an enclosed space where there is a risk of death or serious injury from hazardous
substances or dangerous conditions (e.g. lack of oxygen).
A confined space has one or more of the following characteristics:
➢ Limited access or egress
➢ The space contains known or potentially hazardous substances and / or atmospheres
➢ The space is not intended for continuous working
➢ Conditions of engulfment or entrapment may exist or develop.
Some confined spaces are obvious such as storage tanks, silos, enclosed drains and sewers. However,
others may be less obvious, such as vats, ductwork, unventilated / poorly ventilated rooms and open-
topped chambers.
LOW Risk: A low risk confined space exists when there is easy entry / exit, no risk of flooding and
adequate natural ventilation.
MEDIUM Risk: A medium risk confined space exists where there are access issues, an expectation
of a specified risk and escape breathing apparatus must be taken in.
HIGH Risk: A high risk confined space exists when there is a specified hazard that cannot be
eliminated or controlled and work activity uses breathing apparatus.
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Risk Assessment & Safe Working Practice
What are the dangers from confined spaces?
Dangers can arise in confined spaces because of the following issues.
A lack of oxygen.
➢ 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.
Poisonous gas, fume or vapour.
➢ 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 present in high concentrations, eg in flour silos.
➢ Hot conditions leading to a dangerous increase in body temperature.
2 PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
Operators must wear and have access too;
➢ Safety Boots/Shoes incorporating steel toe-caps
➢ CDI issued work wear and overalls
➢ Safety Helmet or Bump Cap.
➢ Dust masks – where appropriate
➢ Safety Gloves – Cut resistant and waterproof
➢ Ear protectors - where appropriate.
➢ Safety Glasses - where appropriate.
➢ Rescue Harness and Life Lines (rope)
➢ Portable Lighting – Hand Held or Head Mounted
➢ Gas Detection Systems
➢ Two way radio communication devices (walky talky)
➢ First Aid Kit
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Risk Assessment & Safe Working Practice
3 BEFORE WORK
Before any work in confined spaces starts, the following steps where applicable should be completed:
➢ Appoint a supervisor to take responsibility for the whole operation.
➢ All operatives must read and understand the rescue plan as detailed on the method statement.
➢ Request and Review the Asbestos Register.
➢ Ensure a work permit is obtained, completed, signed and dated by a competent person.
➢ Ensure all workers are competent, are medically fit and have received adequate training
➢ Withdraw any plant from service
➢ Turn off all gas, power, steam or water supplies into the confined space
➢ Isolate the permit space, and put up signs indicating that work is being undertaken within the
confined space
➢ Empty, flush, clean or otherwise purge the confined space of any flammable or toxic
substances, so far as is reasonably practicable
➢ Monitor the quality of the air within the confined space and evaluate the hazards. It is
important that the correct monitoring and analytical procedures are used
➢ Ventilate all contaminated confined spaces for at least 15 minutes before entry, and ensure
suitable and sufficient ventilation equipment is available and tested by a competent person
➢ Ensure suitable and sufficient PPE is available and tested by a competent person
➢ Check the size of the access/egress points to ensure they are large enough to allow easy
passage by workers wearing PPE
➢ Supply suitable and sufficient work equipment, for example extra-low voltage equipment and
non-sparking tools
➢ Supply suitable and sufficient lighting equipment
➢ Ensure there is an adequate communication system
Atmospheric Monitoring
Before anyone enters the confined space, the atmosphere should be tested for various gases, such as:
➢ Oxygen levels should not be less than 19.5% (oxygen deficient), or greater than 23.5%
(oxygen enriched)
➢ Flammable gases and vapours should not be greater than 10% of the lower explosive limit
➢ Hydrogen sulphide should not be greater than 10ppm
➢ Carbon monoxide should not be greater than 50ppm
➢ Other toxic gases or vapours should not exceed their Workplace Exposure Limits.
➢ If the atmosphere contains hazardous levels of contaminants, or is oxygen deficient, the
following steps are recommended:
➢ Identify the source of the contamination and remove it
➢ Ventilate contaminated spaces by drawing out air and replacing it with non-polluted air, until
several air changes have been achieved
➢ Ventilate the space and re-test the air until you can prove that the atmosphere is safe.
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Risk Assessment & Safe Working Practice
Access / Egress
It is recommended that the minimum size of an opening to allow access with full rescue apparatus be
575mm diameter or minor axis. Existing plant may have smaller access points, but they should not be
less than 457mm diameter round, or 457mm long and 410mm wide if oval or rectangular.
Ducts of dimensions smaller than 900mm high x 600mm wide should not be entered, and where shafts
contain a ladder or step irons, 900mm clear space should be provided between the ladder/steps and
back of the shaft.
Emergency Arrangements
Before anyone goes in to the confined space, suitable rescue (and resuscitation) arrangements must be
in place.
When things go wrong, people may be exposed to serious and immediate danger. Effective
arrangements for raising the alarm and carrying out rescue operations in an emergency are essential.
Contingency plans will depend on the nature of the confined space, the risks identified and
consequently the likely nature of an emergency rescue.
Emergency arrangements will depend on the risks. Consideration must include communications and
rescue and resuscitation equipment.
Rescue and resuscitation equipment
Providing suitable rescue and resuscitation equipment will depend on the likely emergencies
identified. Where such equipment is provided for rescuers to use, training in correct operation is
essential.
Capabilities of rescuers
Rescuers need to be properly trained people, sufficiently fit to carry out their task, ready at hand, and
capable of using any equipment provided for rescue, eg breathing apparatus, lifelines and fire-fighting
equipment. Rescuers also need to be protected against the cause of the emergency.
Emergency Rescue arrangements must be detailed within a project specific Method Statement.
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Risk Assessment & Safe Working Practice
4 DURING WORK
➢ If there is no option other than to enter the space, ensure that the person entering has all PPE
required, is wearing an appropriate mask, and is aware of all hazards present.
➢ Establish a reliable communication system using two way radios. One person must remain
outside the entry point, and be in constant contact with the person inside.
➢ Establish an emergency procedure. Establish how the person inside the confined space will be
evacuated in an emergency, without the rescuer having to enter the space themselves.
➢ For a void this may be a harness and rope, by which the person can be pulled up / out if an
emergency occurs.
➢ In the case of a small room, establish regular contact procedures, with a person outside of the
room who can carry out a rescue if required.
➢ Mobile phone contact IS NOT acceptable in these circumstances, the signal can become weak
in a small room, and a mobile phone must NEVER be taken into an area where fumes / fine
dust are a hazard as this can lead to an explosion.
5 AFTER WORK
➢ When confined space working has been completed, inform the client and sign-off the permit
to work.
➢ Then carry out a full check of all equipment and if any faults are found mark this, and place it
out of use.
➢ Store all equipment in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.
CDI GROUP LTD PLACES GREAT IMPORTANCE ON EVERYONE'S SAFETY:
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ANY OF THE ABOVE MAY RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY
ACTION
RA Number: 32 - Issue Revision: 4 Page 10 of 10
