The risk assessment completed by you or your competent person will help evaluate and prioritise the main areas of risk associated with the particular tasks that need to be completed in the confined space concerned. This information will enable you to write a safe system of work for the task in hand.
The main elements of an appropriate safe system of work should consider at least the following:
- the need for a ‘permit-to-work’ system;
- the supervision arrangements required;
- the competence of all people involved in the work;
- testing and/or monitoring the atmosphere before and during the task;
- the need to purge the atmosphere before work starts;
- the arrangements needed to ensure adequate ventilation;
- the need to remove any existing residues and how that will be achieved;
- isolation of the work area from gases, liquids and other flowing materials;
- isolation from mechanical and electrical services and/or equipment;
- selection and use of suitable work equipment;
- selection and use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) or respiratory protective equipment (RPE);
- the use of portable gas cylinders and/or internal combustion engines;
- the provision of gas via the use of pipes and/or hoses;
- the equipment and services needed to facilitate safe access and egress (e.g. ropes, harnesses, fall arrest equipment, etc.) including any limitations imposed by the use of PPE and/or RPE;
- fire prevention and action to be taken in the event of a fire or explosion;
- the provision of adequate lighting including any special provisions to account for potentially flammable atmospheres;
- the effects of static electricity, including lightning, and the appropriate precautions needed;
- the risks from smoking and/or smoking related materials (matches, lighters, etc.) and how they are to be managed;
- arrangements to cover foreseeable emergencies, including rescue plans (see below);
- limits for working time in the confined space; and
- the suitability of individuals who will be working in the confined space (e.g. fitness etc.).