What is a Confined Space in Construction?

If you work in the construction industry, then you have probably heard the term ‘confined space’ every now and then. But what is a confined space in construction?

Simply put, it is an enclosed or partially closed area that’s big enough for people to work in and has limited entry and exit points.

Throughout this blog, we will explore everything you need to know about confined spaces in construction. Read our article for more information.

Understanding Confined Spaces

Confined spaces refer to any enclosed space that has a high chance of causing accidents. Some examples of confined spaces in construction include:

• Crawl spaces
• Tunnels
• Sewers
• Storage tanks
• Manholes
• Pipelines
  Working in confined spaces can be a very dangerous job if proper precautions aren’t taken. It is important that you complete risk assessments and wear the correct PPE (personal protective equipment) at all times when working in confined spaces.

Hazards Associated With Confined Spaces

As you know, working in confined spaces comes with risks, which can be extremely dangerous, if not fatal, if you aren’t careful. There are many hazards associated with working in confined spaces, such as:

• A lack of oxygen: When working in confined spaces, there is always the risk of a lack of oxygen.
• Toxic atmosphere: Confined spaces can contain harmful fumes and gases that can create a toxic atmosphere.
• Fire risks: Any flammable gases or vapours found within a confined space increase the risk of fires or explosions.
• Drowning: Draining systems, tanks, or areas prone to flooding increases the risk of drowning.
• Engulfment: There is always a risk of entrapment or engulfment in confined spaces, such as storage tanks.
   

Do’s And Don’ts of Working in Confined Spaces

According to the HSE (Health and Safety Executive), you should avoid completing tasks in confined spaces. However, if this isn’t possible, you must assess the risks of the confined space you’re going to be working in and come up with a plan to reduce those risks.

Do’s:

When working in confined spaces, there are several things that you should do to keep yourself and everyone around you safe at work, including:

• Complete risk assessments
• Wear the correct PPE
• Make sure any harmful fumes are taken care of (consider how you can ventilate or remove them
• Make sure there is enough oxygen in the space. If not, make sure that you have the correct breathing apparatus before entering any confined spaces
• Make sure that you provide employees with the right training before beginning work in restricted spaces
   

Don’ts

Now that you have a better understanding of what you should do when working in confined spaces, let’s explore what you shouldn’t do:

• Don’t enter a confined space without another person present
• Don’t work in a confined space unless absolutely necessary
• Don’t allow unauthorised people to enter the confined space
• Don’t ignore the importance of atmospheric monitoring
   

What Training is Required When Working in Confined Spaces?

It is so important that all workers have proper training when it comes to working in confined spaces. This is to ensure that everyone stays safe at work and all hazards are kept to a minimum, if not eliminated.

Here at Beaconrisk, we offer a working in confined spaces course that covers:

• The legislation associated with working in confined spaces
• What constitutes a confined space
• The potential hazards
• Safe operating procedures
• Emergency procedures and rescue
  However, please note that this is an awareness course only, designed for people who need to be aware of the hazards and risks of confined space working but are not required to enter a confined space.

If you are required to perform any work activity in, or in the proximity of, a confined space, then you will also need to have an 'approved' standard of practical training at the 'appropriate' level.

To find out more about our working in confined spaces course, don’t hesitate to contact us today at 0151 647 8658. We look forward to hearing from you!