What are the key elements of a safe system of work for a confined space?

Working in a confined space heightens the possibility of injuries and working hazards. The injuries which occur in a confined space are often more severe. It can be difficult or even dangerous to rescue the injured person. The employer should make sure to remove any hazards, and if that isn’t possible, to instil a safe system of work. If you want to know what the key elements of a safe system of work for a confined space are, read on.

What are the hazards of a confined space?

A confined space is a fully or partially enclosed space, primarily not designed for human occupancy. Some examples of a confined space are tunnels, utility access holes, cold storage, tanks, and similar. To know how to compile key elements of a safe working system we must see what the possible hazards of working in a confined space are. All the confined space hazards can be found in a regular working space. The difference is that a confined space poses a higher chance for hazards to occur with more severe consequences.

Confined space hazards can include:

• Chemical exposures
• Biological hazards
• Fire hazards
• Asphyxiation hazards
• Physical hazards
• Safety hazards
• Poor visibility
• Poor air quality

Why is working in a confined space dangerous?

Many factors go into considering a space dangerous. Confined spaces have a higher chance of hazards to happen. The conditions of a confined space are almost always extremely dangerous. Each space needs to be assessed thoroughly for hazardous factors.

Some risk factors are:

• Slim possibility for self-rescue
• Entrance/exit not prepared or accessible for emergencies
• Difficult movement in the interior of the space
• Bad air ventilation
• Changeable condition
• Conditions of the space easily impacted by the outside condition

What are the key elements of a safe system of work?

A safe system should consistently be reviewed and updated, especially if the working conditions change often. Before entering any confined space, it needs to be inspected and the person responsible should draw up a safe system. This system should be taught to employees and displayed in a visible place. Every safe system has key elements that need to be considered, and they are:

• Communication
• Competence, supervision, suitability, and training
• Permit-to-work procedure
• Access and egress
• Testing and monitoring of the atmosphere
• Gas purging and ventilation
• Flammable or explosive atmospheres
• Mechanical, electrical, and process isolation
• Dangerous residues
• Combustible materials
• Respiratory protective equipment
• Personal protective equipment
• Safe use of work equipment

How to prepare for working in a confined space?

Space should be inspected every time before a worker enters to assess the situation. If space is deemed a confined space, the space hazard and control program needs to be followed. If a worker is not familiar with the hazards or how to deal with them, a confined space training program is something the employee needs to consider. A trained and experienced person should identify the existing and potential hazards of the confined space. If the work that needs to be done can be done outside, the workers should always go for that option.

How can the hazards be controlled?

The control of hazards in a confined space relies on the assessment and prevention of possible dangerous situations. Engineering and administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE) are mandatory for working in a confined space. Engineering controls can remove hazards and administrative controls minimize contact with the hazards. Since confined spaces are unpredictable and can change often, sometimes special measures need to be taken.

Personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, earplugs, and respirators can also pose a hazard to workers. They are often used in closed spaces but they can create a loss of mobility or increase heat. Every working space should be evaluated to see if PPE can be hazardous for workers.

There are many risks while working in a confined space. To keep the hazard at a minimum, every company must evaluate confined spaces the workers will be exposed to. A safe system of work has to be established to ensure the safety of all the workers on site. It can further be improved with reviews and reassessments.

Zac Walker is a teacher and a part-time writer. He hates wasting his time and writing is his ultimate passion. He is married with no children.