Confined Spaces 

Section 4   Safety and Operational Procedures

4.5.10 

Where a problem is suspected, i.e. spillage of sludge or chemicals, failure 

of ventilation, or work is being undertaken that in itself may give rise to an 

atmospheric risk, e.g. chemical cleaning, then the location must be treated 

as a Moderate or High Risk situation until normal conditions return. 

4.5.11 

Periodic review of the risk assessments and Safety Method Statements 

must be undertaken to determine if the supervision of the work is adequate 

or there is a need to re classify the confined space.  The frequency of the 

review will depend on the hazards identified and the tasks carried out. 

4.6   

MODERATE RISK CONFINED SPACES

4.6.1  

These are confined spaces where the specified risks are not present or are 

controlled and the space normally remain safe, but where precautions are 

necessary to ensure that it is safe to enter and it remains safe during 

occupation of the space. 

4.6.2  

Examples of Moderate Risk confined spaces are set out in Annex E. 

4.6.3  

All work in Moderate Risk confined spaces will be subject to a safe system 

of work and require a Permit to Work and a Safety Method Statement. 

4.6.4  

Notices must be fixed at all entry points into Moderate Risk confined 

spaces unless an adequate general instruction has been given and access is 

controlled by suitable covers/locks.  Notices should be similar to the 

model safety signs illustrated in Annex F. 

4.6.5  

Unauthorised access to all Moderate Risk confined spaces shall be 

restricted by either: 

n 

locks on access points 

n 

withdrawing access ladders 

n 

covers requiring proprietary keys. 

Access to keys to locks and covers is to be controlled by the duty 

Authorised Person. 

April 2005 

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