Rank: Guest 
|
Posted By NEIL DAVID
If you are retrieving debris from a drain via an open manhole cover would that not count as working IN a Confined Space although you aren't technically IN a Confined Space.Our main contractor is saying No because the Operatives are not IN the Confined Space.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Philip McAleenan
It is a confined space and hazards associated with confined spaces such as explosive, asphyxiating or toxic atmospheres may be present.
A safe system of work is required, e.g. how workers are to conduct the activity, the tools and clothing requirements that are to be met(remember non-sparking tools may be needed), what is required to maintain a fresh supply of air (required even if your workers do not actually enter).
Atmospheres must be tested before work commences; the safe system should state what is to be done if an IDLH atmosphere is detected.
On-going monitoring may be required where you cannot with certainty maintain a safe atmosphere.
All in all you do not have to enter into the confined spaces for the hazards to present a danger to those working at it.
To emphasise the hazardous nature of CS work, should anything go wrong there is a 1:10 likelihood of a fatality, with a 50:50 chance that that may be a multiple fatality.
Regards, Philip
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Andrew W
Could we have a little bit more information Neal.
By "retrieving debris through an open manhole cover" do you mean just sticking their arm into a shallow drain and pulling debris out or do you mean hanging upside down in the manhole to retrieve the debris?
If it's the former the above reply is a little OTT (Hepatitis and Leptospirosis would be more of a concern to me personally) If it's the latter there are other just as worrying issues as well as the CS.
Andy
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By NEIL DAVID
Using gully scoops and shovels ,maybe,up to two metres long.What concerned me was the operatives leaning in and scooping the debris out,they are really good usually, but everyone wants to do the two minute job quicker.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Pete48
Neil, you cannot be in a confined space unless you are in it! There may be hazards associated with the work you describe but to apply confined space entry permit conditions would be way, way OTT for me and runs the risk of over-working / misunderstanding an entry permit system and thus reducing its effectiveness. They really should be "confined" to tasks where the work can only be carried out by entry into a confined space where the specified hazards are known or are likely to exist. ( see standard guidance on ptw)
The example you give is one, most likely, based on a risk assessment that has avoided / removed the need to enter the space, another reason not to impose permit procedures.
A simple statement about safe working around the open manhole linked with adequately trained staff and appropriate supervision should suffice. The risk of operatives leaning in should be covered in the safe working practice. How do you think making them fill out a ptw would prevent that risk any more than training and supervision?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By NEIL DAVID
Thank you Pete,
That's clarified it for me I didn't want to go OTT and will advise ops.
Regards
Neil
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.