Confined Spaces 

Section 10   Medical Requirements

Section 10   Medical Requirements 

Reference should be made to Common Elements and Requirements, 

which may supersede some parts of this Section. 

10.1  

GENERAL 

10.1.1 

All workers who regularly work in breathing apparatus must be physically 

fit and be free from: 

n 

history of fits and blackouts 

n 

heart disease 

n 

deafness 

n 

Meniere s disease involving loss of balance 

n 

tendency to claustrophobia 

n 

severe or recurrent back pain 

n 

severe visual impairment 

n 

temporary disability which may restrict normal duties. 

10.1.2 

Persons who have to work in confined spaces and as part of their duties 

may have to wear escape breathing apparatus in an emergency situation, 

require a reasonable standard of fitness.  The medical requirements are not 

as high as for regular working Breathing Apparatus wearers but the above 

factors must be taken into account. 

10.1.3 

Persons who are required to enter or work in confined spaces must be 

deemed capable to do so by a responsible person nominated by their 

employer.  If the responsible person is aware of any medical concerns 

about an individual, medical advice should be sought before a decision is 

made about their suitability for the work. 

10.2   

BACTERIAL AND VIRAL INFECTION

10.2.1 

All persons likely to come into contact with sewage are strongly 

recommended to have inoculations against the bacterial and viral 

infections associated with this work.  These should cover: 

n 

Typhoid 

n 

Tetanus 

n 

Poliomyelitis 

n 

Hepatitis A. 

62

April 2005