HEALTH AND SANITATION 27 rescue . Once you are inside a confined space , there may not be a quick or easy way out . So , it is important to know that work can be carried out safely before you enter , and emergency arrangements are in place .
What then do plumbers need in order to be safe when working in these dangerous situations ? First of all , no plumber should enter a confined space for work if it is reasonably practicable to perform the job without entering . Where there is a presumption or doubt against entry , wherever possible entry should be avoided . Here are the items you should consider when developing a confined space entry programme .
Supervision The degree of supervision should be based on the risk assessment . The supervisor ’ s duties are to ensure that :
• The necessary safety precautions are taken
• Anyone in the vicinity of the confined space is informed of the work being done
• If used , the permit-to-work system operates properly
Inspect the space before entering .
the space , and to dilute and remove gas , fumes or vapour produced by the work . Fresh air may be blown into the confined space using a fan and trunking , or foul air may be drawn from the confined space if there is an adequate supply of fresh air to replace it . Checks should be made to ensure air supplies are not contaminated . Oxygen should not be used because of the fire / explosion hazards posed by an oxygen enriched environment .
CREDIT ?
Competence Competence to work safely in confined spaces requires adequate training and experience in the particular work involved . Ensure that the training provider is registered to provide this specialised type of training .
Communication Adequate systems will be needed to ensure effective communication :
• Between those inside the confined space
• Between those inside the confined space and those outside
• To summon help in case of emergency
The impact of breathing apparatus and the possible presence of flammable or explosive atmospheres will be relevant factors in determining the suitability of the communication system .
Testing / monitoring the atmosphere The atmosphere within a confined space may need testing for hazardous gas , fumes or vapour - or to check the concentration of oxygen prior to entry . Regular monitoring of the atmosphere may also be necessary to check that there is no change in the atmosphere while the work is being carried out . Wherever possible , testing and sampling should be done without entering the confined space .
Gas purging Where it is believed that flammable or toxic gases or vapours are present there may be a need to purge the gas or vapour from the confined space . This can be done with air or an inert gas where toxic contaminants are present , but with inert gas only for flammable contaminants .
Ventilation Mechanical ventilation may be required to provide sufficient fresh air to replace the oxygen that is being used up by people working in
Removal of residues Hazardous gases , fumes or vapour may be released when residues are disturbed or , particularly , when heat is applied to them . Appropriate control measures might include the use of powered ventilation equipment , specially protected electrical equipment for use in hazardous atmospheres , and respiratory protective equipment .
Isolation from gases , liquids , and other flowing materials Confined spaces will often need to be isolated from ingress of hazardous substances . An effective method is to disconnect the confined space completely from every item of plant either by removing a section of pipe or duct or by inserting blanks . If this
cannot be done a lockable valve may be used as long as it cannot be unlocked when people are inside the confined space .
Isolation from mechanical and electrical equipment Unless necessary to enable the task to be undertaken or to provide vital services - such as lighting or communications - the power should be disconnected , separated from the equipment and checked for effective isolation . This may be achieved by locking off and tagging the switch and formally securing the key in accordance with a permit-to-work .
Selection and use of suitable equipment Any equipment provided for use in a confined space needs to be suitable for the purpose , for instance specially protected electrical equipment for use in flammable or potentially explosive atmospheres .
Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE ) and Respiratory Protective Equipment ( RPE ) The confined space should be safe to work in without the need for PPE and RPE . PPE / RPE should only be used as a last resort or for rescue work . The type of PPE provided will depend on the hazards
April 2025 Volume 31 I Number 02 www . plumbingafrica . co . za