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Posted By STEVE
Does anybody know of a minimum width of a confined space entry point.
If there is one, then anything below that would be classed as a inspection cover/hole?
Will it depend on the assessment,taking into consideration the rescue plan?
I have heard mentioned that 18" is the min, but not sure this is correct
Any help most welcome
Steve
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Posted By Stuart Nagle
Steve.
See Appendix 2 (page 38) of 'Safe Work in Confined Spaces' Confined spaces regulations 1997 ACoP.
This refers to the relevant standards for manholes and other access openings to confined spaces and provides the relevant British standard numbers applicable.
As far as manholes and entry points that are already insitu (e.g. old manholes etc in roads) these, as would all access ports etc, be part of the subject of a risk assessment prior to any entry (if unavoidable) taking place. If the access was so small as to severely limit access/egress and rescue in the event of an emergency, it may well be necessary to consider alteration/replacement to enable reasonable access/egress to the confined space. This is considered under the section in the CS regs on meeting the requirements of the CDM regs, both for new construction and improving existing structures. In addition to reading the CS regs, see details below.
The standards quoted are:
BS8007:1997 - Design for concrete structures for retaining aqueous fluids.
BS5502:Part 50 1993 - Code of practice for design, construction and use of storage tanks and reception pits for livestock slurry
BS8005 Sewerage Part 1 1987: Guide to new sewerage construction
BS ISO 9669:1990 Series 1 freight containers - interface connections for tank containers
Silos UK: Draft design code for silos, bins, bunkers and hoppers.
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Posted By Bob Pedley
Steve,
The 18" was quoted in the Chemical Works Regs that have been superceded by the list Stuart mentions in his response to you.
Bob
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Posted By Oliver Whitefield
Steve
New manholes and the like which require man access are generally designed with a clear opening of not less than 675 by 675mm.
Oliver
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Posted By STEVE
Many thanks
For the replies
Steve
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Posted By Ken Taylor
I take it that, irrespective of what one calls the aperture through which one enters/exits, a confined space is still a confined space and the risk assessment approach should take into account safe entry, exit and rescue. 18" has been around for some time and was probably based upon anthropometrics. Seated audiences are to be afforded 450mm (18") seats where there arm arm-rests - although 400mm was used in the calculation for traditional bench type circus seats. However, with the increasing size of many of the population, I wonder how relevant these figures remain.
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Posted By Stuart Nagle
Ken.
The opening requirements need to consider not necessarilly only the size of a persons bottom, but the size needed to safely access and egress in PPE, Breathing apparatus, room for rescue equipment, tools etc...etc...
In a lot of instances, even those opening within the prescibed limits (or perhaps even exceeding them) may prove to be tight, and Yes... the confined spaces regulations do refer to the need to consider a persons build in relation to the nature of the confined space where entry is unavoidable..
Stuart
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Posted By Ken Taylor
I agree, of course, Stuart - and hence the need for assessment. I hope you don't think I was advocating the '18" idea' as I was simply suggesting where it may have come from originally.
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Posted By Stuart Nagle
Ken.
Of course not old chap... No problemmo
Stuart
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