CSP/Specific Spaces/TBT-CSP-010

Confined Space Risk Assessment

Confined Spaces › Specific Spaces › Confined Space Risk Assessment

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A confined space risk assessment must be completed before any entry takes place.
The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 require a suitable and sufficient assessment of risk.
Risk assessments must identify atmospheric hazards, access difficulties, and rescue needs.
Common confined spaces on construction sites include manholes, tanks, chambers, and deep excavations.
The assessment must be carried out or reviewed by a competent person with relevant experience.
Atmospheric hazards include oxygen depletion, toxic gases, and flammable vapours.
Physical hazards include engulfment, flooding, mechanical equipment, and restricted movement.
A safe system of work must be developed from the findings of the risk assessment.
Risk assessments must be reviewed whenever conditions change or a new hazard is identified.
Failure to assess risks properly has contributed to multiple fatality incidents in the UK.

Legal requirement	The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 place a legal duty on employers to assess risks before any entry into a confined space.
Prevent fatalities	Confined space incidents have a high fatality rate — would-be rescuers often become additional casualties.
Identify controls	A thorough assessment ensures that the correct controls, equipment, and emergency plans are in place before work begins.

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See also: Confined Space Entry Procedures | Atmospheric Monitoring and Gas Testing

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