Hi, we likely have some guys working in a basement (service ducts) about 1.8 metre high and in some cases about 1 metre high. One of our areas only has one access / egress point. We have arranged for gas detection monitors and one BA rescue kit. The client advises that this is not a confined space?? Arguably it is. My question is do I need to provide BA kits, as a precaution for every individual operative who may likely work down there?

Firstly carry out a detailed risk assessment and identify all hazards and risks invloved with access and egress, as with any confined space communication with the person/s in the confined space is crutial ie radios etc. allways have a minimum of two people to aid with the rescue and/or summon help, Having the BA is great but the users must be suitabliy competant and trained to initiate and carry out the rescue should one occur. air monitoring is good but it must be continually monitored and assessed. if ever in doubt evaluate, assess and where possible reduce the risk via controls or find another way of doing the task!. One rescue kit for each of the rescuers should be fine but be prepared to seek emergency services if the unthinkable happens! have repsonses well rehearsed and drilled prior

It's a common error to think that, because a space is physically restricted, it's a 'confined space' - but the issue is about the atmosphere inside and whether it can become hazardous to breathe, not about physical restrictions. (The latter may be important for safe access/egress, but that is a separate issue). Even if the basement does meet the hazard requirements for a confined space, the normal expectation is to ensure no hazard is present and then to allow access without BA. For example, if the only source of hazard is that an external dense vapour leak might have accumulated, an initial atmosphere test can be used to check there is no such hazard, and then normal access can be allowed, possibly with repeat tests if the task extends over work breaks. I suggest an informed discussion with your client is needed, as they should be more aware of possible hazard sources than you are. A unilateral decision to set up your own 'confined space' controls without starting from a jointly completed risk assessment is unlikely to result in proportionate controls, which is what IOSH and its members are committed to. (I realise this is a public forum, so you may not be an IOSH member).

Thanks all for your feedback!