CASE STUDY
A Matter of Life and Death
Why you need to understand how to deal with confined spaces
QUESTION
Would you consider a slurry tank to be an enclosed
space, a confined space, or neither?
ANSWER
A slurry tank is an example of a confined space; one
where tragically, three people lost their lives.
The first fatality slipped while cleaning on top of the
slurry tank. He fell in and was immediately overcome
by an atmosphere high in carbon dioxide and low in
oxygen. He fell into sludge at the bottom of the tank,
disturbing more noxious gases. The other two fatalities
were attempting to rescue their colleague. who may need to work in confined spaces. However,
following the introduction of the Confined Spaces
Regulations, the number of accidents, injuries and
fatalities did not significantly decrease. This was traced
to the quality of training being provided.
Environmental conditions worsened quickly after the
sludge at the bottom of the tank was disturbed. As
there were no environmental monitors, the people
concerned would have had no idea of the hazards in the
tank, or of the risks they were taking. In truth, once the
two men attempting to rescue their colleague decided
to enter the tank, their fate was sealed. There was no
chance of survival in that environment. ▪
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CONCLUSION
Compliance with these regulations should have
removed the risk of fatalities and injuries to persons
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Know your confined space.
Identify hazards.
Identify risks.
Control risks.
Ensure you have the correct environmental
monitoring system.
Ensure you supply respiratory protection.
Ensure your rescue arrangements are suitable,
sufficient and effective.
Legislation requires you are competent before you
enter a confined space.
There are National Occupational Standards for safe
entry, work and rescue from confined spaces.
Regulation 5 of the Confined Spaces Regulations
1997 requires ‘suitable and sufficient’ emergency
arrangements to be in place for the rescue of any
person entering or working within a confined space.
Remember - it is your confined space. It is your problem
and you have to provide the solution.
HSE INTERNATIONAL
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