UCL Confined Space Procedure
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
CONFINED SPACE PROCEDURE
Version
Date
Nature of Revision
Draft 1
21-06-11
First Issue
Emma Shirbon
Revision 1
27-11-11
Issue for use
Emma Shirbon
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Prepared by
Approved by
UCL Confined Space Procedure
CONFINED SPACE PROCEDURE
CONTENTS
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
Appendix 1
Introduction
Purpose
Scope
Abbreviations
References
Roles and Responsiblities
Risk Assessment
Emergency Procedures
Monitoring and Review
Permit E – Confined Space Permit
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5
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UCL Confined Space Procedure
1.0
INTRODUCTION
A confined space can be “any chamber, tank, vat, silo, trench, pipe, sewer, flue, well or similar space in
which, by virtue of its enclosed nature, there arises a reasonably foreseeable specified risk.”
These are:
 Where there is a risk of serious injury to any person at work arising from fire or explosion.
 Where there is a risk of loss of consciousness of any person at work arising from an increase in
body temperature or from gases, fumes, vapours and lack of oxygen.
 Where there is a risk of drowning of any person at work arising from an increase in the level of
liquid
 Where there is a risk of asphyxiation of any person at work arising from entrapment in a free
flowing solid.
1.1
PURPOSE
The purpose of this procedure is to outline the safe working procedures for confined spaces at UCL.
1.2
SCOPE
UCL has many areas that might be considered a confined space;

Man holes

Sewers

Tanks

Ducts

Open topped tanks

Closed and unventilated rooms.
The definition of a confined space may vary and its potential to cause harm can change from one set of
circumstances to another.
1.3
ABBREVIATIONS
PPE
Personal Protective Equipment
UCL
University College London
1.4
REFERENCES
Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
Confined Space Regulations 1997
Health and Safety Executive Guidance Note INDG 258
2.0 ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
2.1
Authorised Person
The authorised person will be responsible for reviewing the work area to establish if it is a confined
space. If it is a confined space they will establish if the work can be carried out without entering the area.
If this is not possible they will carry out a risk assessment and plan a safe method of working.
2.2
Person in Charge
The supervisor must ensure that procedures laid down in the safety procedure are followed and the
operatives are fully briefed on safety requirements.
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2.3
Individuals
Individuals must be training in confined space entry before they can enter any confined space.
Individuals must advise their supervisor before entering into confined spaces such as manholes, ducts,
tanks, pressure vessels or underground chambers to ensure an appropriate risk assessment is
undertaken.
3.0
Risk Assessment
3.1 The person in charge of the works along with the authorised person will look at the area of works, to
establish if the area is a confined space or not.
3.2 If it is deemed to be a confined space, the person in charge of the works will check to see if the can
be carried out without entering the confined space.
3.3 If there is no alternative, other than to enter the confined space, the person in change of the works,
shall carry out a risk assessment, to identify the hazards of working in that area, taking into
consideration:





The task;
The working environment;
Working materials and tools;
The suitability of those carrying out the task;
Arrangements for emergency rescue;
3.4 The risk assessment shall also identify the likelihood of the hazards occurring and the controls
needed to make the risk of working in that area acceptable. These controls will be identified in the works
method statement. The following must be considered;







Suitability of the person – are they trained to work in confined spaces, do they have
medical conditions that could affect them working in a confined spaces.
Access and egress – is there a safe way in and out of the space
Check the size of the entrance – can people along with their equipment fit.
Isolation – is mechanical or electrical isolation required prior to entry.
Cleaning before entry – do the area not cleaning prior to entry
Provision of ventilation o Adequate ventilation must be provided in every confined space in which a person
has to work, either by natural or artificial means.
o Artificial means of ventilation are essential, where portable gas cylinders and
diesel-fuelled equipment are used inside the space, due to the dangers from the
build up of engine exhaust and toxic gases.
o Petrol fuelled equipment must never be used in a confined space due to the
dangers from the build up of carbon monoxide.
o If adequate ventilation can not be achieved in the confined space breathing
apparatus will have to be used. Do not add oxygen to a confined space as this will
increase the risk of a fire or explosion. A separate procedure will be required for
any works that require the use of breathing apparatus.
Testing the air
o Checks will be carried out to establish that the confined space is free from both
toxic and flammable vapours and that it is fit to breathe.
o Monitoring will be carried out by a competent person using a suitable detector that
has been correctly calibrated.
o Monitoring will take place before anyone enters a confined space. The amount of
time spent monitoring before entry will depend on the size of the confined space
and any previously stored materials. As a minimum 10 minutes monitoring will be
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UCL Confined Space Procedure
o
given prior to entry, with continuous monitoring while anyone is in the confined
space.
If the gas detector sounds indicating that there is a high concentration of a
dangerous gas the following must be carried out:
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4.0
Evacuation the confined space
ensuring that no one enters the confined space
contact authorised person
and re-evaluate the confined space using a second monitor.
Provision of tools and lighting - The following equipment may be used during confined
space working. The required equipment should be specified in the risk assessment.
o
Any plant or equipment that is used in a confined space, will be engineered for
its suitability and regularly maintained. Non-sparking tools and specially
protected lighting are essential where flammable or potentially explosive
atmospheres are likely. In certain confined spaces (e.g. inside metal tanks) an
assessment should be made, to ascertain whether additional precautions are
required to prevent electric shock. Such precautions include the use of low
voltage equipment (typically less than 25 V) and, where necessary, residential
current devices.
o
Materials that could give rise to vapours, or fumes that would render the
atmosphere dangerous, will only be taken into a confined space, subject to
conditions and restrictions required by COSHH assessments.
o
Combustible materials will be removed from the confined space, with the
exception of fire treated timber, as soon as practicable.
o
Personal protective equipment will be considered in all risk assessments for
the operations to be carried out, and issued to all relevant personnel who enter
a confined space.
Provision of breathing apparatus – if the air inside the space can not be fit to breath
because of gas, fume or vapours, breathing apparatus may need to be used. Persons
must be trained in the use of breathing apparatus.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Never attempt a lone rescue of a colleague – go for help.
Adequate communication lines will be set up between the confined space and the out side – top man.
Provision of suitable rescue equipment will depend on the likely emergencies identified. Where such
equipment is provided, training in correct operation is essential.
Plans of the confined space, along with all the identified hazards will be kept on site. Should an incident
occur, the plans can be passed on directly to the emergency services.
5.0
REVIEW
This procedure will be reviewed annually.
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Appendix 1
UCL ESTATES & FACILITIES DIVISION
PERMIT E: TO ENTER A CONFINED SPACE
Part 1. Authorised Person
LOW
Risk Level (please circle)
MEDIUM
HIGH
Location of Confined Space
(building / room number)
Purpose of proposed work
(can the work be done without
accessing the confined space?)
Expected duration of task
Start Time
End Time
Names of Persons Involved in Task
Known Hazards in Area
Safety Checklist ( Circle the applicable box)
Written permission to proceed
YES / NA
Inflows stopped and equipment isolated
YES / NA
Safety Method Statement attached
YES / NA
Clean / Purging / Emptying Complete
YES / NA
Special Precautions or Equipment
YES / NA
Ventilation in Place
YES / NA
Warning Signs / Barriers in Place
YES / NA
Lighting provided
YES / NA
Warning system for rainfall
YES / NA
Safety / Protective Equipment examined
YES / NA
Rescue team informed
YES / NA
Competency of work team checked
YES / NA
Special Instructions or safety
measures
I declare that it is safe to work in the above confined space which is isolated in accordance with the attached method statement. I have explained the
safety method statement. I have demonstrated the extent of the work and safety arrangements at the points and places affecting the person in charge. I
am satisfied that the persons listed in Part 1 are properly equipped and trained and all safety equipment is present and working.
Signed (Authorised Person)
Time
Name (Capitals)
Date
Issued to and only be used by Person in Charge
Part 2. To be completed by person in charge
I declare that all persons listed in Part 1 are familiar with the safety and emergency arrangements and are properly equipped. I am satisfied that the
confined space has been isolated and is safe to work in. I accept responsibility for carrying out / supervising the work listed in Part 1of this permit in
accordance with the safety method statement and confined space procedure.
Initial Atmosphere Test Results
Toxic Gas
Oxygen
Flammable Gas
Other (Specify)
Signed (Person In Charge)
Time
Name (Capitals)
Date
Part 3. To be completed by person in charge
I declare that work listed in Part 1 of this permit has been satisfactorily completed / stopped. That all persons, equipment, tools and instruments under my
control have been withdrawn and the site has been made safe. I have noted overleaf any changes that have occurred in the confined space, reasons for
stopping the work ( if applicable ) and the action taken
Signed (Person In Charge)
Time
Name (Capitals)
Date
Part 4. To be completed by authorised person
I hereby declare that the work described in Part 1 of this permit has been satisfactorily completed* / Stopped *, and that the permit is cancelled. I have
noted any changed and will take any necessary follow up action.
Signed (Person In Charge)
Time
Name (Capitals)
Date
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