Updated HSE guidance on working in confined spaces
February 18th 2009

A revised and updated publication from HSE, containing an Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) and guidance on the duties in the Confined Spaces Regulations has been launched this month.

The revised and updated publication, containing an Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) and guidance on the duties in the Confined Spaces Regulations offers guidance and reference points to a range of industries and businesses that deal with confined spaces.

The HSE said that Agriculture, Brewery, Construction, Maritime, Waste & Water were industries that all contained examples of confined spaces. The health and safety regulator added that whilst potential problems with sewers were recognised, more could be done to manage the risks associated with:

• grain silos, storage tanks & slurry pits

• Brewery Cellars and;

• Ships e.g. holds where shoreside workers are involved

Commenting on the forthcoming publication, Bob Daunton of the HSE, said: "Over the years a simple failure to recognise what is a confined space and not to think about the risks involved in enclosed areas such as ships or offshore structures has led to a number of fatalities ".

The health and safety regulator added that in recent years, there has been 3 fatalities offshore, three on a North Sea standby vessel, one in a ship in a dock, and two in a submersible pontoon.

Mr Daunton concluded: "This guidance will hopefully clarify and highlight the responsibilities that employers have to their employees when they are working in a confined space."

HSE priced and free publications are available by mail order from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA Tel: 01787 881165 Fax: 01787 313995 Website: www.hsebooks.co.uk

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