Rank: Super forum user 
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Hello all. I have another 'someone says' question:
Someone says all confined spaces need to be signed, for example, with "warning - confined space" at the entrance. I'm not aware of a statutory requirement, but does anyone know otherwise?
We might conclude that it's a good idea regardless. The area in question has a locked access but it probably wouldn't hurt to flag it explicitly as confined space. However, I'm specifically wanting to check if I've missed something statutory. Thanks.
(For information - no question it's a confined space - underground chamber, part of drainage system, water flowing through at the bottom of the chamber, accessed through a manhole and down a ladder in a short shaft. Of cousre, that makes it relatively unlikely that someone will think they can just wander in - people seem more reticent about lifting covers than opening doors or climbing things they shouldn't.)
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Rank: Forum user 
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Based on the ACOP Safe work in confined spaces Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 (HSE L101)
"126 An appropriate, clear and conspicuous safety sign that prohibits unauthorised entry should be placed alongside openings that allow for safe access."
From what I know about UK regs, an approved code of practice should be followed unless there's a better solution in place. In most cases, it will be hard to prove in a court of law that there was no need to follow the ACOP, basically making it legally binding. Hope it helps.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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An appropriate, clear and conspicuous safety sign that prohibits unauthorised entry should be placed alongside openings that allow for safe access.
Section 126 of L101
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 1 user thanked Bigmac1 for this useful post.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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as L101 has been noted...plus it mentions it as a requirement in OSHA so if your company of client is US based then there you go.... :)
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Rank: Super forum user
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Thanks all, I had missed that. 'Someone' was right for a change!
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Originally Posted by: Bigmac1  An appropriate, clear and conspicuous safety sign that prohibits unauthorised entry should be placed alongside openings that allow for safe access.
Interesting to see most commercial signage wants to combine hazard, prohibition and madatory when this description clearly stipulates the no unauthorised access prohibition is all that is required.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Originally Posted by: Bigmac1 An appropriate, clear and conspicuous safety sign that prohibits unauthorised entry should be placed alongside openings that allow for safe access.
Interesting to see most commercial signage wants to combine hazard, prohibition and madatory when this description clearly stipulates the no unauthorised access prohibition is all that is required.
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Rank: Super forum user
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some sites also mark thier confined spaces in the risk ranking format of NC1 low Risk etc...so that people know what to expect...not a legal requirement but good practice...just because there is no legal requirement to do it doesn't mean your shouldn't if it would help save a life...
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1 user thanked stevedm for this useful post.
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