Health and Safety Policy Arrangements – Confined Spaces

Confined spaces are areas not designed for continuous occupancy with limited entry or exit, such as tanks, silos, and sewers, posing significant hazards like toxic atmospheres, oxygen deficiency, and entrapment. In the UK, the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 mandate that employers manage these risks through thorough risk assessments, determining if entry is necessary, and implementing control measures such as ventilation, gas detection, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Work in confined spaces must be properly planned and supervised, with trained personnel and a safe system of work in place, including emergency procedures and rescue equipment. Effective management of these risks ensures legal compliance and enhances worker safety, contributing to a safer workplace.

Take a look at the information below for things you might want to include in your own H&S policy…

Feel free to copy / paste this list, and you can find out more about our full H&S policy here.

The [Proprietor / Directors] of [My Company] will ensure that;

  1. Personnel are aware that a confined space can be any space of an enclosed nature where there is a risk of death or serious injury from hazardous substances or dangerous conditions (e.g. lack of oxygen)
  2. Company personnel are aware that it is not possible to provide a comprehensive list of confined spaces, and that some places will become confined spaces when work is carried out, or during construction, fabrication or subsequent modification
  3. During any risk assessment, if the place of work is deemed, or could become a ‘confined space’ management is informed immediately, before work commences
  4. Specialist advice and subsequently specialist contractors will be engaged for all/any works in confined spaces. The company at this time is not adequately trained or equipped to carry out works in confined spaces.

Our minimum health and safety performance standards will be obtained from; but not restricted to;

  • The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
  • The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
  • HSE’s L101 – Safe Work in Confined Spaces
  • INDG 258 – Safe work in confined spaces

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Written By Ian