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Sheeted scaffold - confined space?
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Williams28531  
#1 Posted : 21 January 2010 15:33:05(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Williams28531
Hi Looking for a bit of advice. I seem to be hearing a differing views on whether a sheeted scaffold, for blasting/painting operations, would be classified as a confined space. It's getting blown out of all preportion with escape sets, air purity tests, breathing apparatus, etc. Any views?
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Alex Petrie  
#2 Posted : 21 January 2010 18:03:00(UTC)
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Alex Petrie
Check out how the regulations define a confined space. http://www.opsi.gov.uk/SI/si1997/19971713.htm I'd submit that a sheeted scaffold in the circumstance you describe is not a confined space. Whether or not, however, you need to provide respiratory protective equipment will depend on the work undertaken, the nature of the hazard (isn't sandblasting prohibited?), the duration of the exposure, the level of exposure. You need to know how much dust will be produced, and work out if the job can be done another way or can the dust be suppressed to an adequate level? Another issue which appears to stick out from your message, although I'm sure you've already thought of it, is the 'sail' effect of the sheet on the scaffold. How much will that affect the stability / ties in the event of wind? Hope that helps. Alex
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DavidBrede  
#3 Posted : 22 January 2010 08:57:33(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
DavidBrede
I think you have to risk assess it. How good is the encapsulation that you are using? Well designed and constructed scaffolds with sheeting that is sealed with duct tape or foam will be quite air tight. Are there going to be generators or other plant in the space that will use up the oxygen? In any event there is going to be a requirement for air fed masks to avoid the operatives breathing in the dust so proper confined space rules and permits to work will not be a huge add on and will give the added safety required.
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bob youel  
#4 Posted : 22 January 2010 12:59:36(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
bob youel
a confined space is not just the size of a space but what is going on in that space that makes it a confined space account for that in your RA
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