What is a Confined Space?
"Confined Space" means-
Any place, including any chamber, tank, vat, silo, pit, trench, pipe, sewer, flue, well or other similar space in which, by virtue of its enclosed nature, there arises a reasonably foreseeable specified risk;
"Specified Risk" means a risk of -
(a) serious injury to any person at work arising from a fire or explosion;
(b) without prejudice to paragraph (a) -
(i) the loss of consciousness of any person at work arising from an increase in body temperature;
(ii) the loss of consciousness or asphyxiation of any person at work arising from gas, fume, vapour or the lack of oxygen;
(c) the drowning of any person at work arising from an increase in the level of a liquid; or
(d) the asphyxiation of any person at work arising from a free flowing solid or the inability to reach a respirable environment due to entrapment by a free flowing solid;
Source: Confined Spaces Regulations 1997
How Can We Help?
Within the up and Under Group we are able to provide a comprehensive range of services in relation to Confined Space Working. All of our services are undertaken within the control structure of OSAS 18001. The services we offer include:
Consulting - We have a team of engineers, technicians and surveyors who are able to undertake inspections, surveys and material testing within all of the structures described above plus some not mentioned. We will effectively gather data on the condition, topography or make-up of the structure and report our findings in a manner suitable for your needs.
Employing specialists to undertake this work not only meets the need to work safely, but also provides you with best value. Our personnel are experienced in this type of work; often cold, wet, dirty and physically demanding. They will not only carry out the work more efficiently, but they will give your works the attention it deserves which can be a problem when staff unsuited or unfamiliar to this type of work try to do it on an infrequent basis.
If it is essential for you to enter the Confined Space we can provide a range of options from full training packages to safety escort.
Data collection includes engineers notes, photographic records and video recording. Direct video feed to the surface is also possible for client monitoring purposes.
Contracting - Underground maintenance is a specialist activity and we have more than 20 years experience of these works. Projects completed include:
- Culvert repairs;
- Tank cleaning and coating;
- Access systems, stairs, ladders and fall arrest systems;
- Shaft safety work;
- Basement stabilisation, propping and shoring;
- Pumping;
- Void filling.
When preparing works all risk assessments, method statements and COSHH assessments will be provided.
Training - We are able to provide the following training for your staff members:
Training can either be provided at your site or at our training centre.
