Posted By Clarke Kent the 2nd Did I just read that right .......? You currently don't implement the regs as it would make you more expensive and less competitively priced!!! That's like a steel erector not using nets and harnesses so they can bid a cheaper price and be more competitive. It should never happen.

Posted By Andy Brazier Helen C is entirely correct. Your policy should be that you will assess all potential confined space entry, apply a hierarchy of control (e.g. avoid where possible) and measures commensurate to risk and have specific rescue plans in place.

Posted By Helen C Hi there, I'm still not sure why the tanks are too restrictive to wear a harness? However, you certainly sound like you're on the way to adhering to the regulations. One important thing to consider is the requirement to have emergency arrangements in place. I appreciate that the likelihood of an incident occurring (gas alert, collapse etc) in one of your tanks is low, but you still need to have in place suitable emergency procedures and other incidents such as heart attacks, fits etc should also be planned for. I usually apply a hierachy such as: SELF RESCUE - your entrant will have been trained, be following a safe working procedure they have been trained in, be using a gas detector. In the event of an incident (gas alert, feeling unwell, minor injury) they will simply stop work and get out. NON ENTRY RESCUE - Where your operative is permanently attached to a retreival line (which may be a winch, retrieval block or similar). In the event of an incident the attendant will haul the casualty to safety. ON SITE RESCUE TEAM - Where a dedicated team is on site standing by to carry out a rescue if required. EMERGENCY SERVICES - should not be relied upon for anything that is foreseeable! From what you have said, I should imagine that self rescue and non entry rescue would be sufficient. Also consider that your attendant should have suitable confined space training (to the same standard as the entrant).

Posted By akm The water industry normally operate a classification system for confined spaces which then dictate the level of controls required (subject to a specific assessment). If you haven't seen the enclosed already, it might be worth a read. There is also related C&G training through Develop based in Derby. http://www.water.org.uk/...spaces-guidance-note.doc

Posted By Helen C Poor / awkward / narrow etc access into an area does not in itself define an area as a confined space. The definition of a confined space makes no reference to size of, access into or exit out of an area. Please see below. “’confined space’ means any place, including any chamber, vat, silo, pit, trench, pipe, sewer, flue, well or other similar space in which, by virtue of its enclosed nature, there arises a reasonably foreseeable specified risk; ‘specified risk’ means risk of – (a) serious risk to any person at work arising from a fire or explosion; (b) without prejudice to paragraph (a) – (i) the loss of consciousness of any person at work arising from an increase in body temperature; (ii) the loss of consciousness or asphyxiation of any person at work arising from gas, fume, vapour or the lack of oxygen; (c) the drowning of any person at work due to an increase in the level of liquid; or (d) the asphyxiation of any person at work arising from a free flowing solid or the inability to reach a respirable environment due to entrapment in a free flowing solid;

Posted By safety medic Lets not get too hung up on the definition or application of confined spaces and specified risks. 1. Why are you worried about what your director thinks? Write the policy along with the risk assessment and s/he can decide otherwise. 2. It is clear that the job needs a risk assessment. The results will be clear enough. 3. Specified risk in relation to confined space does not mitigate the need to safeguard the employee from all hazards under HSAW Act. 4. The risk assessment produced will identify any rescue provision and will form part of the policy document. Keep it simple and dont get bogged down with terminology. To do something may be negligent but to do nothing is criminal.