A confined space can be defined as any environment that is dangerous due to the enclosed nature of the space. Examples of enclosed spaces include tanks, cellars, pits etc.

The dangers associated with confined spaces include:

1. Toxic or harmful fumes, gasses, or vapours in the space
2. Lack of oxygen that may lead to suffocation
3. Excessive oxygen which could result in increased risk of file
4. High temperatures
5. Free flowing solids of liquids that may lead to drowning, asphyxiation or other injuries
6. Explosive or flammable atmospheres

It is the responsibility of every employer to ensure that any staff who work in confined spaces are aware of the potential hazards associated with confined spaces and the processes and procedures for entering a confined space, raising an alarm if necessary, use of personal protection equipment and rescue.

BMAC safety offers 1 and 2 day Confined Spaces courses for staff. The content of the 1 day course is shown below.

The aim of this course is to:

• Give participants an insight into confined space work and the associated hazards;
• Make sure participants are capable of putting in place a safe system of work for working in confined spaces;
• Ensure participants understand definition of a confined space and can decide on what is and isn’t a confined space as defined in the ICOP 2010 for Confined Spaces;
• Make sure participants know what to do in the event of an emergency in a confined space;
• Make participants aware of legislation with respect to Confined Spaces in the Workplace.

• Legislation with respect to confined spaces
• Case Histories and fatalities with respect to confined spaces
• Pertinent Hazards and risks associated with working in confined spaces
• Safe systems of work, Safe procedures and safe equipment
• Permit to Work Systems and Method Statements, Controlling the space
• Gas detectors, Tripods Winches Harnesses and Ex rated equipment
• Employee responsibility when working in confined spaces
• Atmospheric monitoring, Gas detection equipment
• Gain knowledge of rescue procedures
• Theory and practical exercise

• People who have to enter confined spaces to work
• Supervisors of confined spaces

The confined Space course is relevant to Managers, Supervisors and operators who may need to enter into or supervise entry into Confined Spaces and carried out work in a confined space. For example, maintenance or cleaning operations or Routine inspections, CCTV operations and survey etc. Drain cleaners and repairers, Plant maintenance personnel etc. People who enter Vats, Silos and Storage Vessels and may use breathing apparatus.