CONFINED SPACES - 31.01.2014

Confined space dangers

The accident

Labourer Brian Wilkins was killed when helping to remove redundant cabling at the premises of SheffieldForgemasters Steel Ltd (SF).

To access the area he needed to descend a ladder into the switch-room cellar. Once underground he used a petrol-driven saw to cut through the heavy cables. This triggered the carbon dioxide fire extinguishing system, which caused the atmosphere to become deadly.

Rescue bid

As is common with such gas flooding systems, there was a warning alarm which sounded prior to the gas being released.

Colleagues on the floor above were alerted by the alarm and rushed to help. It was reported in court that several of them attempted a rescue but had to pull out as they struggled to breathe.

Note. Although carbon dioxide is a normal constituent of air, a concentration of 10% to 15% is sufficient to cause unconsciousness within one minute, while levels above 17% can kill in just a few seconds.

Tip 1. If you have a similar fire suppression system installed, make sure that there’s a means of isolating and locking it off when needed.

Tip 2. Use a permit-to-work procedure to check that any pipes and services which could cause a hazard are shut down and secured prior to entry to a confined space (see The next step ).

In court

SF pleaded guilty to a breach of s.2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 . It was fined £120,000 and ordered to pay £125,000 in costs. In addition to the lack of an isolation point for the gas, the company was criticised for failings in its risk assessments, safe systems of work and rescue procedures.

Identifying the risk

The first and most important step in confined space safety is to identify such areas. They may include drains, pits, vessels, silos, sewers, access chambers and, as in this case, cellars. The definition of a confined space is one where there is, “a risk of serious injury from hazardous substances or conditions within the space or nearby, e.g. lack of oxygen” .

Tip. Once you have identified a confined space, display a sign at the entry point. These are readily available from sign suppliers and usually read: “Danger Confined Space. No unauthorised entry. Permit to work required.”

Regulations

The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 set out detailed protection arrangements for those who work in these locations. The requirements include establishing a safe system of work and providing specialist training and equipment. A rescue procedure must also be established in case something goes wrong.

For a free sample permit to work, visit http://tipsandadvice-healthandsafety.co.uk/download (HS 12.10.04).