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Posted By Anthony Gibbs
I am in control of a deconstruction site that has laid dormant for about six years. Part of the site had cellars beneath the work area containing pumps/motors and lube oil systems. This was never classed as a confined space. Due to the need to pump out sludge and other old lubricants and emulsions from both, we carried out a risk assessment. All was fine until pumping operations started and we started to get bad or noxious odours. Work was stopped immediately and the site owner sent in a young worker who had obviously been on a "mini gas detector course".He had no fill face mask/method statement or any other form of logical solution. He got no further than requesting entry.Which he did not get.
My question is: Does anyone have any ideas?
I have been on an oxygen content and explosive atmospheres course some years ago, so know the importance of a proper assessment. Are there firms on merseyside equipped to carry out a survey?Any ideas, i,m not scare mongering the firm, but will not be responsible for sending in the fitters without a proper assessment of the risks.
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Posted By Richard Webber
Anthony,
From your message it would appear that there are a number of serious issues to address
BEFORE ANY FURTHER WORK IS UNDERTAKEN.
1. Competency of all parties involved.
2. The Assessment of Hazardous Substances
3. Confined space entry
4. PUWER
1. Competency of all parties involved.
Who is in charge of this "deconstruction" site? Is it you or is it the site owner? Normally demolition is conducted under a contract which specifies competency requirements. In this instance the CDM regulations may place duties on the "Client" to ensure that all persons/employers appointed are competent. The Principal contractor must identify all existing risks and ensure that safety method statements or safe systems of work are developed for each area of work. Particular emphasis should be placed on the selection of competent sub-contractors chosen to enter confined spaces to remove hazardous substances. The disturbance of silt is likely to release trapped gas!!
2. The Assessment of Hazardous Substances
I would expect competent specialist Sub-contractors (such as SYPOL), to be appointed to assess the chemical/biological risks existing on site before anybody enters to begin removal operations. This specialist will take samples of all potentially hazardous substances and get them analysed. They will then provide you with an assessment of the risks, an indication of the necessary engineering controls and where necessary the PPE or RPE needed by those entering.
3. Confined space entry
NOBODY should be attempting to enter this confined space until the COSHH assessment has been completed. Confined space entry can vary from the straightforward to the very complicated. If you are not competent yourself to assess this confined space, employ a confined space expert. Waste removal firms can be a good starting point for this, but be sure to tell them the whole story.
4. PUWER
The work that you describe sounds as if it will entail some specialised kit including gas detection equipment, RPE, Lifting equipment etc. This brings me back to the competence of all involved.
I reccommend that you sit down with the Project Manager or Client and talk all these issues through.
I hope that this has been of some help.
Regards
Richard Webber
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Posted By Ken Taylor
Follow Richard's advice, Anthony.
We used to check out an abandoned underground war-time bunker in which the air extraction and pumping equipment had long since ceased to operate. A suspended multi-gas detector and a torch suitable for use in explosive atmospheres were essential parts of the equipment needed in addition to a 'top-man', etc.
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Posted By Anthony Gibbs
Thanks to you both, you have confirmed my thoughts and i shall inform the client of his responsibilities to us.
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