Dangers of Confined Spaces; Four Deaths in Four Weeks

The HSE has reminded all employers who may encounter confined spaces of the dangers involved, following four tragic deaths in four weeks. Three of the deaths - which occurred in two separate incidents - all involved an oxygen-deficient atmosphere. The other death involved the use of a highly flammable liquid.

The low oxygen levels have been attributed separately to the process of rust formation within a previously sealed vessel, and the use of an inert gas in a welding process. As well as considering other possible causes of an oxygen deficient atmosphere, employers must also consider all the other hazards associated with confined spaces, including:

- flammable substances and oxygen enrichment;
- toxic gases, fumes or vapour;
- the danger that people could be harmed by liquids getting into the space; and
- the flow of solid materials such as grain.

The HSE is also keen to draw attention to other recent confined-space incidents, including: two employees of a construction firm being overcome by carbon monoxide fumes when using a petrol powered road cutter in a tented enclosure; and two painters being overcome by paint fumes when applying a solvent-based paint by brush in a confined space.

Legislation

Under the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 employers must first try to avoid the need to enter a confined space. Where this is not possible, they must:

- carry out an assessment of the risks associated with entering a confined space and draw up a safe system of work;
- limit entry to the confined space to employees who are competent for confined space work and who have received suitable training;
- verify, prior to entry, that the atmosphere in the confined space is safe to breathe;
- provide any necessary ventilation; and
- make sure suitable rescue arrangements are in place before anyone goes in to the confined space. These rescue arrangements should not involve risks to the safety of the people intended to carry out the rescue.

More Information

Guidance on the asphyxiation hazards in welding and allied processes is available from the HSE website (in PDF format):
www.hse.gov.uk/fod/infodocs/288_6R.pdf

For further guidance on confined spaces see 'Safe Work in Confined Spaces - Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 - Approved Code of Practice, Regulations and Guidance' (L101 ISBN 0-7176-1405-0) available from HSE Books, tel. 01787 881165.
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