Confined Space Regulations 1997

What is a 'Confined Space'

The Regulations determine that “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; (Section 1 part 2) https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/1713/regulation/1/made

In reality any work area that includes one or more of the above, or somewhere with difficult access or egress would fall into the above.

Do I require a 'Emergency Arrangements'

Under section 5 ' no person at work shall enter or carry out work in a confined space unless there have been prepared in respect of that confined space suitable and sufficient arrangements for the rescue of persons in the event of an emergency, whether or not arising out of a specified risk.' https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/1713/regulation/5/made

The Approved Code of Practice mentions 'Reliance on the emergency services alone will not be sufficient to comply with these Regulations.'

What training would rescue staff need to satisfy the legal requirements?

The Approved Code of Practice published by the HSE requires that all Rescue Technicians and Team Leaders should be 'Trained for that Purpose' (s163 of the ACOP)

All of our Rescue Technicians and Team Leaders hold City & Guilds Working In High Risk Confined Spaces and Emergency Rescue and Recovery from Confined Spaces. They also hold advanced First Aid and Casualty Resuscitation competencies to comply with the requirements of the role.

Confined Space Regulations 1997

What is a 'Confined Space'

Do I require a 'Emergency Arrangements'

What training would rescue staff need to satisfy the legal requirements?