Confined Space
Confined Space
June 2000
This Code of Practice is issued free of charge and can be obtained from offices
of the Occupational Safety and Health Branch. Addresses and telephone numbers
of the offices can be found in the booklet The Labour Department Offers You its
Services or telephone 2559 2297.
Contents
1. Introduction
2. Interpretation
3. Responsibilities
10
12
17
Issuance of Certificate
19
25
27
30
33
35
II List of References
Enquiry
42
44
1 . Introduction
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
The statutory provisions to which reference has been made in this code
are in force as at 19 June 2000.
2 . Interpretation
2.1
2.2
The terms used in this Code shall have the same meaning as those in
the Factories & Industrial Undertakings (Confined Spaces) Regulation.
For the purpose of this Code of Practice,
atmosphere ( ) refers to the gases, vapours, dusts, fumes or
mists within a confined space.
hazard ( ) is something with the potential to cause harm (this
could include any atmospheric hazards, hazards from in-rush of mud
or water, hazards from machines, substances or job methods, and
other aspects of work in a confined space).
risk ( ) expresses the likelihood that the harm from a particular
hazard is realized and the severity of the harm.
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
The major hazards associated with the entry into or working in confined
spaces arise through the combination of the confined nature of the place
of work and the possible presence of substances or conditions which,
taken together, could lead to the specified risks which threaten the safety
and health of workers entering or staying in the confined space. The
major hazards in a confined space include the presence of the following:
(a) a flammable, explosive or oxygen enriched atmosphere;
(b) a harmful or toxic atmosphere;
(c) an oxygen deficient atmosphere;
(d) free flowing solids or liquids; and
(e) excessive heat.
The threats against the safety and health of workers include:(a) serious injury arising from a fire or explosion;
(b) loss of consciousness arising from an increase in body temperature
caused by, for example, heat stress in the work environment;
(c) loss of consciousness or asphyxiation arising from gas, fume,
vapour or the lack of oxygen;
(d) drowning arising from an increase in the level of liquid; or
(e) asphyxiation arising from a free flowing solid or the inability to reach
a respirable environment due to entrapment by a free flowing solid.
3 . Responsibilities
3.1
3.2
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
10
4.6
The training provider should not issue a certificate for certified workers
unless the worker has successfully completed a course that has been
approved by the Commissioner for Labour in respect of safety and health
while working in confined space (sec. 4(1) of F&IU(Confined Spaces)
Reg.).
4.7
The training provider should not issue a certificate for competent persons
unless the person has successfully completed a course that has been
approved by the Commissioner for Labour in respect of preparing risk
assessment reports (sec. 4(2) of F&IU(Confined Spaces) Reg.).
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5.2
5.3
The risk assessment should identify the hazards to the workers entering
or working in the confined space, and also, for example, to the workers
in the vicinity who could be affected by the work to be undertaken. The
hazards to be considered should include not only those arising from the
materials and substances present, or likely to be present in the confined
space concerned, its previous uses and the work to be done, but also
those which may be present by its proximity to other plants, processes
and operations.
5.4
5.5
Before carrying out the risk assessment, all information about the confined
space and the work to be taken in it should be gathered. For example,
there may be information from the engineering drawings, working plans,
12
For identifying all the possible hazards which may be present in the
confined space and evaluating fully the extent of all those associated
risks, the risk assessment should cover the following aspects (sec. 5(2)(a)
of F&IU(Confined Spaces)Reg.):
(a) the work method to be used and the plant and materials to be
used in work activities;
(b) whether or not there is any hazardous gas, vapour, dust or fume
present;
(c) whether or not there is any deficiency in oxygen;
(d) the possibility of ingress of hazardous gas, vapour, dust or fume;
(e) the possibility of sludge or other deposits being present that are
liable to give off hazardous gas, vapour, dust or fume;
(f) the possibility of in-rush of free flowing solid or liquid;
(g) the possibility of fire or explosion in the confined space; and
(h) the possibility of loss of consciousness of a certified worker arising
from an increase in body temperature.
5.7
13
5.8
The size and number of access and egress points should be assessed
individually dependent upon the activities to be carried out and the
number of people involved. To determine the locations of manholes or
openings to vessels, tanks, etc., due consideration should be given to
the possible difficulties for access to and rescue from the confined space.
There may be occasions when access and egress is so tortuous that
temporary openings may be needed. Different criteria should be applied
when determining manhole dimensions for a confined space that extends
over a significant length or height, as in the case of sewers, pipes, culverts,
small tunnels or shafts. Measures to improve access such as structural
alterations to the confined space could be considered. The spacing of
manholes on sewers and the absence of such access over considerable
lengths may affect both the degree of natural ventilation and the efficiency
to rescue.
5.9
5.10
14
5.11
During the risk assessment, if the competent person considers that there
is a known possibility of adverse changes of working conditions, he should
recommend a continuous monitoring or periodical monitoring of the
working environment. The purpose is to ensure that the ventilation is
adequate and that the atmosphere remains safe for working inside the
confined space. The exact testing, retesting and monitoring requirement
should be determined by the competent person.
5.12
5.13
5.14
The risk assessment for confined space work should be repeated whenever
necessary. The proprietor or contractor shall appoint a competent person
to carry out a fresh risk assessment and make recommendations whenever
there has been a significant change in the conditions of the confined space
or of the work activities therein to which the previous assessment relates,
or where there is reason to suspect that such change may occur, and that
the change is likely to affect the safety and health of the workers therein
(sec. 5(5) of F&IU(Confined Spaces)Reg.). Such changes may include,
e.g. for sewers, the increase in the level of sewage or storm-water due to
sudden rainfall, the increase in tide level, the evolution of toxic gas due to
disturbance of sludge or deposits in the place, etc. Risk assessment
should also be repeated if there is any reason to suspect that the previous
assessment is no longer valid.
15
5.15
5.16
The competent person should make available the risk assessment reports
and recommendations to the proprietor or contractor within a reasonable
time after the request for the reports and recommendations was made by
the proprietor or contractor (sec. 5(6) of F&IU(Confined Spaces) Reg.),
but it must be given before the proprietor or contractor allows the workers
to enter into the confined space.
5.17
The completed risk assessment report for confined space work should
be submitted to the proprietor or contractor of the industrial undertaking
for his consideration for the issue of a certificate before the confined
space work is carried out. Provisions regarding the issue of the certificate
by the proprietor or contractor are set out in Chapter 6 of this Code.
5.18
16
Entry into a confined space for work should be permitted only after the
issue of a valid certificate by the proprietor or contractor of the industrial
undertaking within which the confined space work is carried out.
6.2
6.3
6.4
17
6.5
6.6
The certificate mentioned above should be kept for one year after the
work in the confined space has been completed and be made available
for inspection at all reasonable time (sec. 6(2) of F&IU (Confined Spaces)
Reg.).
6.7
6.8
18
7.2
Isolation
7.2.1
7.2.2
All the points of isolation should remain fully secure to ensure that the
dangerous materials will not go into the confined space whilst the workers
are working in it.
7.2.3
7.2.4
7.2.5
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7.2.6
7.2.7
7.2.8
7.2.9
7.3
Purging
Having regard to the circumstances of a particular confined space, before
the proprietor or contractor allows workers to enter into and work in a
confined space, the confined space should be adequately purged by
suitable method, such as steam cleaning, inert gas purging, forced
ventilation, etc. to remove all the hazardous substances contained in the
confined space.
20
7.3.1
Steam cleaning
21
7.3.2
7.3.2.1 To avoid the formation of an explosive mixture with air when a confined
space containing flammable gas or vapour is opened up, the confined
space may be purged by an inert gas (e.g. nitrogen, carbon dioxide).
7.3.2.2 If persons have to enter or approach a confined space which has been
purged by an inert gas, the confined space should be purged again by
fresh air so as to provide adequate oxygen into the confined space to
support life. Thereafter, all parts of the air-purged confined space should
then be thoroughly tested against the deficiency of oxygen to make sure
that there is adequate oxygen to support life.
7.4
Atmospheric Testing
7.4.1
7.4.2
7.4.3
7.4.4
The atmospheric testing should include the testing of the oxygen content,
the presence of flammable, toxic or harmful gases, fumes or vapours.
Hazardous gases commonly found in confined spaces such as sewers,
include carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulphide (H2S), methane (CH4)
and other flammable gases.
22
7.4.5
7.4.6
7.4.7
7.4.8
7.4.9
All testing meters and equipment should be properly and correctly used for
the purpose of atmospheric testing for confined space. The manufacturers
instruction manuals on the proper use of those meters and equipment should
be strictly followed. All testing meters and equipment should be suitably
calibrated and properly maintained as per the recommendations of the
equipment manufacturers, with records properly kept.
7.4.10 The percentage of oxygen in a confined space should not be less than 19.5%
by volume nor greater than 23% by volume at normal atmospheric pressure.
7.4.11 For the exposure limits of various dangerous gases, reference should be
made to the publications made by the Labour Department, the Health
and Safety Executive (HSE) of the UK, the American Conference of
Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and other relevant
authorities on occupational exposure limits.
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7.5
Ventilation
7.5.1
7.5.2
In deciding the ventilation air exchange rate, it should take into account
that some work tasks, e.g. gas welding, consume oxygen and some
tasks, e.g. paint spraying, contaminate the atmosphere. It would be
required to provide adequate air change to remove the hazardous
substances evolved and maintain sufficient fresh air supply while work
is in progress.
7.5.3
7.5.4
In all cases of forced ventilation to supply fresh air into a confined space,
the air-line or trunking should be introduced or extended to the bottom of
the confined space, for removal of gases or vapours heavier than air and
for effective air circulation.
7.5.5
7.6
24
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
25
8.6
The standby person should keep the workers inside the confined space
informed of any change in environmental conditions that would adversely
affect their safety in the confined space (e.g. heavy rain leading to
flooding, emergencies such as fires, spillage of toxic, corrosive or
flammable liquids, releasing of dangerous gases, power supply failure,
failure of forced ventilation system, etc.).
8.7
Similarly the workers inside a confined space should keep the standby
person informed should any dangerous situations arise inside the
confined space so that the standby person can call for assistance.
8.8
26
9.2
9.3
27
9.4
9.5
All approved breathing apparatus to be used for entry into and work
inside a confined space should well fit the workers and be properly worn.
9.6
9.7
9.8
9.9
For air-line type of breathing apparatus, the air supply rate should be so
adjusted that a positive pressure is always maintained inside the facepieces.
9.10
28
(c) The air supply equipment used should be designed for supplying
breathing air. Those designed for industrial purposes are not
allowed.
(d) Air hose which may be oil impregnated or otherwise contaminated
should not be used.
9.11
All the breathing apparatus for use in confined spaces should be properly
maintained in good working conditions.
9.12
9.13
9.14
9.15
The safety harness and rescue life-line should be so adjusted and worn
that the wearer could be drawn up with head first through any manhole
or opening of the confined space.
9.16
29
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
All members of the rescue team should have been properly and
adequately trained in the related emergency rescue procedures, including
the detailed particulars of an emergency rescue plan and full knowledge
on how to properly use all those rescue equipment.
30
10.6
10.7
Even in case of emergency, the standby person should not enter the
confined space. He should remain stationed outside the confined space
and summon assistance of the rescue team and public emergency
services (i.e. the Police and the Fire Services). He should stay outside
the confined space and brief the rescue personnel of the relevant
circumstances of the incident upon their arrival.
10.8
10.9
10.10
31
10.11
10.12
32
11.2
All the workers involved in confined space work should be provided with
adequate and suitable safety and health training:
(a) when they are recruited by a proprietor or contractor of an industrial
undertaking; and
(b) when they are exposed to new or increased risks due to change
of responsibilities, introduction of a new work equipment or
introduction of a new system of work.
11.3
33
11.5
11.6
11.7
34
AI.2
AI.3
AI.4
AI.5
35
AI.6
AI.7
AI.8
AI.9
If the work has not yet been completed by the expiry of the Permit-towork certificate, an extension of the certificate is required. The proprietor
or contractor or persons authorized by him should visit the confined space
and satisfy himself (by testing if necessary) that the conditions have not
materially altered since he first issued the certificate. If the conditions
have materially altered, the proprietor or contractor should cause the
competent person to re-assess the situation, specify what further
precautions are required to ensure the safety and health of the workers
and state in the Permit-to-work certificate the extended time of expiry.
AI.10
AI.11
36
AI.12
AI.13
A proprietor or contractor should check that the work covered by the Permitto-work certificate has been properly completed. He should then sign a
final confirmation of cancellation of the certificate to confirm that the work
activities in the confined space have been completed and that another
certificate will be required for entering the confined space again. Effective
measures should be taken to ensure that no worker would enter the confined
space during the period when the completed Permit-to-work certificate is
being delivered to the proprietor or contractor for proper cancellation.
AI.14
37
(3) Contractor/Proprietor :
(4) Workers Assigned: (Names and Identification)
Workers :
Standby Persons :
Associated Hazards
1.
2.
3.
4.
Signed
1/4
38
Atmospheric Testing:
Oxygen content (
%)
Flammable gases test (result:
Toxic/Harmful gases test (result:
Other (specify)
Signed
Signed
Signed
)
)
Fire Precautions:
Evacuation Procedures:
Remarks:
2/4
39
Authorization:
(to be completed by the proprietor/contractor, or his authorized representatives )
I certify that I have personally checked all the above conditions and satisfied myself that all
the above particulars are correct or have been implemented. I certify that:(a)
(b)
(c) the necessary safety precautions for entering into the confined space are:
Signed by :
Position
:
Date & Time:
Acceptance of Certificate:
(to be completed by the supervisor or the person-in-charge of the work)
I have read and understood this certificate and shall undertake to work in accordance with
all the conditions laid down in it.
Signed by :
Position
:
Date & Time:
Request for Extension of Time of the Certificate:
(to be completed by the supervisor or the person-in-charge of the work)
The work has not been completed as scheduled and permission to continue is requested.
Signed by :
Position
:
Date & Time:
3/4
40
Extension of Certificate:
(to be completed by the proprietor/contractor, or his authorized representatives)
I have re-assessed and re-examined the confined space detailed above, and confirm that
this certificate can be extended to expire
subject to:
(a) further safety precautions:
Signed by :
Position
:
Date & Time:
Completion of Work
(to be completed by the supervisor or the person-in-charge of the work)
The work has been completed and all persons under my supervision, materials and
equipment had been withdrawn.
Signed by :
Position
:
Date & Time:
Cancellation of Certificate:
(to be completed by the proprietor/contractor, or his authorized representatives)
(a) This Permit-to-work certificate is now cancelled; and
(b) a new Permit-to-work certificate will be required if work is to be continued.
Signed by :
Position
:
Date & Time:
4/4
41
42
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Enquiry
If you wish to enquire about this Code of Practice or require advice on occupational
safety and health, you can contact the Occupational Safety and Health Branch
through:
Telephone: 2559 2297 (auto-recording after office hours)
Fax
: 2915 1410
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