Australian standards define a confined space as;
A ‘confined space’ means an enclosed or partially enclosed space that: – is not designed or intended to be occupied by a person. – is, or is designed or intended to be, at normal atmospheric pressure while any person.
OK, but what is that in everyday terms?
To keep it simple, here are some examples you may see around your home, workplace or local neighborhood. The inside of your rainwater collection tank, stormwater pits, pipe systems and collection tanks on your street, the septic tank out the back of your grandparents house that you used to run over and shove sticks down as a child. Yea that contains sewage.!
The exact definition of a confined space varies depending on the type of industry and uses. That is, confined spaces on a construction site are defined differently than confined spaces on a private property. Confined spaces that present special hazards to workers, including risks of toxic or gas accumulation, fires, falls, flooding, and entrapment may be classified as permit-required confined spaces depending on the nature and severity of the hazard.
What are the requirements regarding confined spaces.?
A confined space entry permit must be issued for each entry into the confined space. Each permit only applies to one confined space and allows one or more workers to enter that space. A competent person who directs and supervises the work should be nominated and authorised to issue the permit on behalf of the business or undertaking.
A confined space entry permit is also required when a person enters a confined space to conduct the initial hazard identification or risk assessment. The permit may need to be revised after the risk assessment is completed. The confined space entry permit must list the following;
- Confined space to which the permit applies
- Name of any worker permitted to enter the space
- Period of time that the permit is in operation
- Measures to control the risk
How Dangerous Are Confined Spaces
Injuries and fatalities involving confined spaces are frequent and often involve successive fatalities when would-be rescuers succumb to the same problem as the initial victim. According to data collected by Fifty-nine confined space related deaths were identified over the period 2000-2012; an average rate of 0.05 deaths per 100,000 workers across Australia. This rate is comparable to contemporary US (0.07) and Quebec (0.07) fatality rates. Selman, J. and Spickett, J. and Jansz, J. and Mullins, B. 2017. Work-related traumatic fatal injuries involving confined spaces in Australia, 2000-2012. Journal of Health, Safety and Environment. 33 (2).
Safety precautions and confined spaces
Ventilation
Two of the possible risks of confined spaces are low oxygen levels and harmful atmospheres (including vapours and flammable gases).
It is impossible to smell oxygen or some lethal gases so the human nose is an unreliable indicator of safe or harmful atmospheres. Instead, the air in confined spaces needs to be regularly tested for oxygen and contaminants using proper equipment.
Purging or mechanical ventilation, such as fresh air blowers or extractors, should always be used, so far as is reasonably practicable.
Safety suggestions include:
- Use an in date and calibrated gas monitor, insure the unit has been bump tested prior to use. Do a safety check, make sure you test the environment prior to entering.
- Any equipment is suitable for use in a confined space, especially equipment being used in flammable areas, which should be non-sparking and flameproof.
- Operate the purging or ventilation system before anyone enters the confined space to make sure the atmosphere is safe.
- Operate the purging or ventilation system continuously while anyone is inside the confined space.
- Make sure the purging or ventilation line is close to the working face.
- Vent exhaust from machinery straight out of the confined space.
- When using vaporous chemicals such as solvents, refer to Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for their safe use.
Observation and communication when working in confined spaces
Make sure the people inside the confined space are monitored from the outside. There should be a person trained in initiating emergency procedures observing those inside the confined space from a safe vantage point outside the space. Practical communication methods include:
- mobile telephones
- two-way radios
- closed circuit television
- hand signals
- rope signals.
Emergency procedures for confined spaces
It is vital to devise proper emergency procedures and to rehearse them often. Suggestions include:
- Contact safework for advice and information.
- Train employees in first aid.
- Keep a suitable first aid kit in an accessible place.
- Provide rescue equipment – such as lifelines, lifting equipment, stretchers, and air-supplied, escape-type or self-rescue respiratory protective equipment and train employees in how to use them.
- Install emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers.
- Ensure easy access to medical treatment and emergency services.
Conclusion
Always remember, never enter a confined space without proper control measures in place and never enter alone.!
We follow the above rules and regs every day when at work, they’re standard practice across all sites. Don’t take unnecessary risks when working at the home by letting the ‘She’ll be right’ attitude creep in. Always plan ahead.