What is a Confined Space?
The Health & Safety Executive defines a confined space as:
A confined space is one which is both enclosed, or largely enclosed, and which also has a reasonably foreseeable risk to workers of fire, explosion, loss of consciousness, asphyxiation or drowning.
It may be small and restrictive for the worker or it could be far larger such as a grain storage silo with hundreds of cubic metre capacity.
Accidents in confined spaces are a major contributor to work place deaths & injuries. Every entry into a confined space offers potential hazards. Failing to identify these hazards increases the chance of an accident occurring due to lack of awareness, poor supervision, poor planning and insufficient training.
Working in confined spaces therefore requires a well trained and professional team. WCC Group can provide this qualified and experienced team for utilisation in your confined spaces project. WC Group's confined space training is carried out by Fulcrum Training Ltd who carry out confined space training within the Glasgow area. Operating since the 2000's they have over 20 years experience within the confined space industry and understand the risks it poses. Our staff are trained to Medium Risk Confined Space Entry along with having the appropriate confined space rescue training. WCC Group have extensive experience working in confined spaces for a range of clients, from public sector, to Ministry of Defence.
WCC Group are confined spaces specialists, with a dedicated confined spaces team to carry out your project. Accidents are avoidable, which is why our confined space operations teams are highly trained to implement confined space safe systems of working with every confined space job we undertake. Our teams are fully equipped with the knowledge, training & experience to utilise the specialist air monitoring instrumentation & equipment. This enables confined space tasks & inspections to be carried out with hazards identified & risks reduced to a minimum. Each task is individually planned an approached in a professional manner including a full compliant rescue plan integral to the schedule of works.
Contact our friendly and professional team today to discuss your confined spaces project. Our experienced project managers will guide you in planning and developing your project to ensure that it is carried out efficiently, correctly and above all safely.
Working at height within a confined space
Safe entry into confined spaces are often more complex than gaining access via a door or from ground level. Hatches, tunnels & drains on occasions have deep shaft access from a limited ground level opening. Lofts & roof voids often include working at height, in these situations access & egress can only be achievable by raising or lowering operatives vertically. If a need for lifting or lowering is identified our specialist IRATA rope access team who also hold training in the management, supervision and entry procedures for confined space environments will plan & control access complying with IRATA International Code of Practice (ICOPs) in addition to the confined space regulations & the management of health & safety at work regulations our confined space team already comply with. Other regulations we comply with are as follows:
Construction Design Management (CDM) regulations.
- PUWER regulations
- LOLER regulations
- PPE regulations
Other regulations we consider are:
- COSHH regulations
- WAH regulations
- Dangerous Substances & Explosive Atmosphere regulations
Complying with the above regulations without deviation from the documented safe system of work ensures our mission to provide competent, compliant teams to deliver a fully comprehensive service confidentially.