Confined Spaces

Question 1

What is the definition of a confined space?

Answer 1

A confined space can be any space which is substantially, but not always entirely enclosed, where there is a risk of death or serious injury from hazardous substances or dangerous conditions e.g. a lack of oxygen.

Question 2

Name four examples of a confined space?

Answer 2

Any chamber, tank, vat, pit, flue, well, silo, trench, sewer or pipe

Question 3

What are the 4 principles of a Safe System of Work?

Answer 3

Planned
Organised
Performed
Maintained and revised as appropriate, so far as is reasonably practicable, to besafe and without risk to health

Question 4

What is the maximum period a Permit to Work can be issued for?

Answer 4

Restricted to 8 hours or a full shift.

This answer needs reviewed, a full shift could be a 12 hour shift, therefor should the answer read , restricted to 8 hours or end of shift.

Question 5

What training is required to undertake Confined Spaces Work?

Answer 5

Confined Spaces training.

Question 6

What are the three responsibilities of the Person in Charge of a Confined Spaces work?

Answer 6

Ensure that adequate emergency arrangements are in place before commencing the works.

Ensure that the only work carried out is that for which a standing instruction or permit to work is valid.

Carry out a peak Reading Pre-entry gas test and complete the confined space Gas monitoring Record where agreed.

Question 7

What four pieces of documentation is associated with Confined Spaces work?

Answer 7

Hazard and Work Risk Assessment
Safety Programme (Method Statement)
Permit to Work
Standing Instructions

Question 8

Under what circumstances should a person in charge enter a confined space?

Answer 8

They should never enter a confined space and only be there to control the entrance of the confined space

Question 9

Under what circumstances would a Standing Instruction be used?

Answer 9

A standing instruction can be used for a one off task or repeat tasks and can be issued for a period of up to 12 months after which point it will be reviewed by the AP(CS)

Question 10

Under the Health and Safety Regulations, what is required to be displayed when working within Confined Spaces?

Answer 10

Under the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals)
Regulations there is a requirement for an appropriate
Safety Sign to be displayed, where a “significant risk”
identified under a risk assessment cannot effectively be controlled by any other means.

Question 11

Which Joint Service Publication can you find additional information relating to Confined Spaces?

Answer 11

JSP 375