Confined Spaces 

Section 4   Safety and Operational 

Procedures 

Reference should also be made to Common Elements and Requirements, 

which may supersede some parts of this Section. 

4.1  

GENERAL 

4.1.1  

Due to the wide variation and nature of confined spaces that may be 

encountered the levels of risk will vary from high to low.  

4.1.2  

Wherever practicable, the need to enter confined spaces is to be avoided.  

Where entry into the space is necessary, the risks connected with entering 

and working in the space need to be assessed and safe systems of work 

including suitable and sufficient arrangements for rescue in the event of an 

emergency must be in place. 

4.1.3  

Before work in a confined space is undertaken, the Authorised Person is 

to: 

n 

ensure all significant hazards in the working area have been identified 

n 

ensure suitable and sufficient risk assessments have been carried out 

n 

ensure all practicable measures to eliminate or minimise the source of 

any danger have been identified 

n 

decide if a Permit to Work is appropriate  

n 

ensure actions to be taken in the event of an emergency have been 

identified and lines of communication have been verified 

n 

approve a Safety Method Statement, which details, where applicable: 

n 

the site location 

n 

the proposed plan of work 

n 

the points of isolation 

n 

any special instructions and safety measures necessary 

n 

inform the Authorised Person's Line Manager 

n 

ensure permission has been obtained from the Property Manager and 

person responsible for the day to day operation of the facility before 

any equipment is taken out of service in order to carry out the work 

n 

when required, carry out or supervise the isolation of the working 

area 

April 2005 

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