Confined Spaces 

Section 4   Safety and Operational Procedures 

resistivity materials (such as synthetic plastics) in and adjacent to the 

confined space needs to be assessed. 

4.8.33 

Some equipment is prone to static build up due to its insulating 

characteristics, for example, most plastics.  There is a high risk of 

electrostatic discharge from some equipment used for steam or water 

jetting.  Static discharges can also arise from clothing materials.  

Consideration should be given to selecting safer alternative equipment and 

anti static footwear and clothing. 

Smoking

4.8.34 

Smoking should be prohibited in confined spaces.  The result of the risk 

assessment may indicate that it is necessary to extend the exclusion area to 

a distance beyond the confined space, e.g. 5  10m. 

Limiting working time

4.8.35 

There may be a need to limit the time period that individuals are allowed 

to work in a confined space.  This may be appropriate where RPE is used 

under extreme conditions of temperature and humidity or where the 

confined space is so small that movement is severely restricted. 

System of Work 

4.8.36 

Suitable and adequate means of communication is required: 

n 

between the Work Team members in the confined space 

n 

between those inside the space and those outside 

n 

to summon help in case of emergency. 

All Work Team members must be conversant with the communication 

system/s to be used. 

4.8.37 

Suitable emergency rescue arrangements are to be in place and lines of 

communication verified prior to entry into the space. 

4.8.38 

All members of the Work Team are to be aware of the procedures to be 

adopted in the event of an emergency arising. 

4.8.39 

Single person entry to a confined space should be avoided. 

4.8.40  

For Low Risk confined spaces, single man entry may be acceptable 

providing an adequate logging in and out system, means of communication 

and emergency rescue procedures are in place. 

4.8.41 

For Moderate and High Risk confined spaces single person entry may be 

acceptable providing the entrant is attached to a safety line and there is 

visual contact to a member of the Working Team outside the space. 

4.8.42 

For large confined spaces and multiple entries, a logging or tally system 

may be necessary to check everyone in and out and to control the duration 

of entry. 

4.8.43 

For confined spaces with vertical entry / egress, all persons entering the 

space should be wearing a fall arrest / rescue harness and be attached to a 

safety line.  Unless persons entering and exiting the space are attached to a 

"person riding" winch or other suitable lifting equipment then a minimum 

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April 2005