Confined Space Awareness

A confined space is any enclosed or partially enclosed place with a foreseeable risk of serious injury.
The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 require that entry is avoided wherever reasonably practicable.
Common confined spaces on construction sites include manholes, chambers, tanks, deep excavations, and culverts.
Atmospheric hazards such as oxygen depletion, toxic gases, and flammable vapours can kill within minutes.
Around 15 people die in confined spaces in the UK each year, and many victims are would-be rescuers.
You cannot see or smell most dangerous gases — air monitoring equipment is the only reliable detection method.
A safe system of work including a permit, risk assessment, and rescue plan must be in place before entry.
A trained top man or entry controller must remain at the entry point throughout the entire operation.
Rescue equipment such as a tripod, winch, and breathing apparatus must be available and tested before entry.
No one should ever enter a confined space unless they are trained, authorised, and briefed on the specific task.

Prevent fatalities	Confined space incidents are often fatal — toxic atmospheres and oxygen depletion can cause unconsciousness in seconds.
Protect rescuers	Over half of confined space deaths are would-be rescuers who entered without proper equipment or training.
Legal requirement	The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 mandate safe systems of work, permits, and emergency arrangements for all entries.

Do

Don't

Always consider whether the work can be done without entering the confined space.
Obtain a confined space entry permit before any person enters the space.
Test the atmosphere with calibrated gas monitors before and during entry.
Ensure a trained top man remains at the entry point for the full duration.
Have rescue equipment including tripod, winch, and BA ready before entry begins.
Ventilate the space continuously using forced fresh air supply where required.
Maintain constant communication with the entrant using agreed signals or radio.
Wear the correct PPE and RPE as specified in the permit and risk assessment.
Evacuate immediately if the gas monitor alarms or conditions change unexpectedly.
Brief all team members on the emergency rescue plan before work starts.

DON'T enter any confined space without a valid permit signed by a competent person.
DON'T assume the atmosphere is safe — always test with calibrated instruments.
DON'T attempt a rescue without proper training, equipment, and breathing apparatus.
DON'T leave the entry point unattended while anyone is inside the space.
DON'T use petrol or diesel-powered equipment inside a confined space.
DON'T ignore gas monitor alarms — evacuate the space immediately and report.
DON'T enter if ventilation equipment is not working or has not been set up.
DON'T store materials, chemicals, or tools in or near confined space openings.
DON'T work alone — a minimum of two people are required for confined space work.
DON'T deviate from the agreed method statement or permit conditions during entry.

See also: Atmospheric Monitoring & Gas Testing | Emergency Rescue Plans

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