We’ve got ourselves into some tight spots in our line of work, including silos, sewers and septic tanks. But we’ve always got the job done and got out safely because of our City and Guild training, certification and preparation.
How confident are you that the contractors you’re using for confined space work can say the same?
The Institution of Engineering and Technology reckons that around 15 people are killed in the UK in confined space accidents every year. And US sources believe that 60% of confined space casualties are people trying to rescue someone who’s already been trapped, injured or overcome by fumes.
What is a confined space?
A confined space is anywhere that’s substantially, but not necessarily entirely, enclosed, where serious injury can occur from hazardous substances or conditions within the space or nearby.
In our line of work that can mean man-holes, storage tanks, tunnels, silos, boilers, sewers, pipelines, septic tanks, cisterns, bunkers or trenches.
The dangers
The potential dangers we face show the importance of a proper risk assessment, entry control and emergency rescue planning before we even enter a confined space.
- Toxic atmospheres
- Lack of oxygen
- Flammable and explosive atmospheres
- Free flowing liquid or solids
- High temperatures
What the law says
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 employers are responsible for ensuring the safety of employees and others. So you could be liable for prosecution if the contractors you use aren’t adequately trained or equipped.
Ideally, you’d avoid sending anyone into a confined space if there was another option, but if it can’t be avoided, you want a team that’s aware of all the dangers and knows the Confined Spaces Regulations, 1997, inside out.
Drain and Sewer Services
All of our engineers at Drain and Sewer Services are City & Guild certified in confined space entry, first aid trained and have the right Personal Protective Equipment to do the job safely and professionally, further information is available on our website.
If you’d like any more information please contact us, call us on 01252 312738 or email info@drainandsewer.co.uk