5 August 2013
Confined or Restricted Spaces
Working in confined or restricted spaces is potentially one of the most dangerous of all workplace activities. It has been calculated that working in a confined space is 150 times more dangerous than doing the same job outside (reference: DoL ‘Safe Working in a Confined Space’).
Definitions
Confined Space
An enclosed or partially enclosed space that is at atmospheric pressure during occupancy and is not intended or designed primarily as a place of work, and is liable at any time to:
Have an atmosphere which contains potentially harmful levels of contaminant;
Have an oxygen deficiency or excess; or Cause engulfment; and
Could have restricted means for entry and exit. In CHRP a confined space may include:
Under floor spaces where liquefaction is extensive and may be preventing ventilation
trenches where there is risk of engulfment from sides collapsing
ceiling voids where ventilation is restricted resulting in a hazardous atmosphere, oxygen deficiency or high risk of engulfment or air temperature is extreme (eg, 40° or more)
enclosed rooms such as basements and other places where there is inadequate ventilation and/or the atmosphere is hazardous or oxygen deficient.
Restricted Space
A Restricted Space is an area;
that has a very narrow, small or awkward entry/exit point; and where the space is not large enough to comfortably house a human
occupant.
In CHRP a restricted space includes (but is not limited to) ceiling space and under floor space where the additional confined space conditions above are not present.
Confined Spaces
If the space is defined as a confined space in accordance with the definition above, the combined
Australian-New Zealand standard: ASNZS 2865-1995 Safe working in a confined space must be complied with. The
person in control of the site needs to have received specialist training and be competent to undertake the task. As a guide, the following training may form a component of attaining competency. These include, for example:
• US17599 – Plan a Confined Space Entry
• US18426 – Hazards associated with a Confined Space • US17596 – Safety Observer
• US25510 – Atmospheric Testing • US17590 – Issue Work Permits • US17588 – Receive Work Permits
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Examples of Confined or Restricted Spaces in CHRP
Restricted Spaces
Before you begin the taskA Task Analysis must be completed before entering a confined or restricted space including a full risk analysis and visual inspection of the space. Hazards must be identified and controlled before work can commence. All persons working in a Restricted Space must have a copy of the Department of Labour endorsed ‘Safe Working in a Confined Space’ document available for reference. This document can be obtained from www.mbie.govt.nz.
Potential Confined Space: Trench depth approx. 1.8m. Sandy sides with potential for engulfment. Shoring of these sides would render this space a Restricted Space.
Potential Confined Space: Liquefaction underfloor at level of floorboards. Potential for foundation ventilation to be hampered. Where sewage contamination is present, this may be a confined space. Testing for atmospheric conditions may be required. Specialist contractors may need to be engaged to enter this space.
Restricted Space: Underfloor space. Planning is essential before entering this space. Refer to the Confined/Restricted Spaces Guideline for EQR requirements.
Restricted Space: Ceiling space. Planning is essential before entering this space. Refer to the Confined/Restricted Spaces Guideline for EQR requirements.
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Persons entering a Restricted Space and the standby person must be competent or be closely supervised throughout the duration of entry into a Restricted Space by someone who is.
Ensure Emergency Procedures are in place and appropriately communicated. Emergency Procedures must include:
o A dedicated standby person to be stationed at the entrance to the Restricted Space to ensure that communication is constantly maintained. Ensure the standby person has a means to contact Emergency Services if required.
o A suitable alternative method of egress must be identified. Ensure the size of the opening, or site of a proposed opening, is adequate and free from obstructions to allow the passage of persons wearing appropriate PPE in the event of an emergency evacuation.
Equipment (battery operated as the electricity may be isolated) required to undertake such emergency egress must be immediately available in the event that an emergency evacuation is required. Adequate emergency lighting must also be readily available.
Communication of the intention to enter a Restricted Space must be undertaken to all personnel on site including expected time frames and emergency procedures. This must include:
o Briefing of all personnel on site. o Updating of the hazard board
o Updating of the SSSP and Task analysis
o Appropriate signage at the entry point must be present
Ensure appropriate equipment to undertake the task is readily available and fit for purpose including adequate lighting.
Ensure adequate ventilation is present in the Restricted Space.
Ensure an effective means of constant communication is identified and available for use between the person entering the Restricted Space and the stand by person.
Ensure the size of the opening is adequate and free from obstructions to allow the passage of persons wearing appropriate PPE.
Ensure appropriate PPE is worn and fitted correctly.
Suitable means to prevent access including safety signage that is clear and conspicuous should be in place to prohibit unauthorised entry.
Additional hazards to consider
Liquefaction, mould or fungus may be present under flooring. Appropriate PPE must be used to minimise these hazards.
Asbestos dust may be present in ceiling spaces. EQR Asbestos procedures are to be followed if this hazard is identified.
Sewerage may be present in under floor cavities. Approved EQR liquefaction removalists must be engaged to remove liquefied soil or silt dust from the space where either confirmed or suspected sewerage contamination exists.
Electrical wiring may be present in both under floor and ceiling cavities. Ensure this hazard is identified and made safe prior to commencement of the work.
Crawl boards should be used in ceiling spaces
Poor lighting makes hazard identification difficult. Ensure adequate lighting is available during inspection and for the duration of the task. Ensure lighting is in good condition, fit for purpose and doesn’t pose an additional hazard.
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Questions and answers
Q. List three safe work practices that should be considered when working in a restricted space A.
o Liquefaction, mould or fungus may be present under flooring. Appropriate PPE must be used to minimise these hazards.
o Asbestos dust may be present in ceiling spaces. EQR Asbestos procedures are to be followed if this hazard is identified.
o Sewerage may be present in under floor cavities. Approved EQR liquefaction removalists must be engaged to remove liquefied soil or silt dust from the space where either confirmed or suspected sewerage contamination exists.
o Electrical wiring may be present in both under floor and ceiling cavities. Ensure this hazard is identified and made safe prior to commencement of the work.
o Crawl boards should be used in ceiling spaces
o Poor lighting makes hazard identification difficult. Ensure adequate lighting is available during inspection and for the duration of the task. Ensure lighting is in good condition, fit for purpose and doesn’t pose an additional hazard.
Q. What are two emergency considerations to be adhered to when working in a restricted space. A.
o A dedicated standby person to be stationed at the entrance to the Restricted Space to ensure that communication is constantly maintained. Ensure the standby person has a means to contact Emergency Services if required.
o A suitable alternative method of egress must be identified. Ensure the size of the opening, or site of a proposed opening, is adequate and free from obstructions to allow the passage of persons wearing appropriate PPE in the event of an emergency evacuation.
I have read / heard and understand the information in this Tool Box Talk, I will ask my Manager or an EQR staff member if I have any questions.
Name Date Signature
Be aware:
Conditions outside the confined or restricted space may threaten the safety of people inside, e.g. earthquakes and weather.
TAKE NO RISKS
