In order to comply with legislation and fulfil statutory responsibility, C&N Electrical Services Ltd ensures that all confined space works are completed in a professional & safe manner. To do this we ensure:
- Entry to a confined space is avoided if possible.
- A safe system of work is in place if entry to a confined space is unavoidable.
- No employee or contractor is permitted to enter a confined space unless they are competent to perform the specified task.
- A confined space permit to work may be necessary in some instances.
- Emergency arrangements are in place prior work commencement.
- The confined space has been left in a safe condition.
Our scope is that, the Safe Working Procedure (SWP) applies to:
- All managers including headteachers referred to as managers herein
- All employees
- All contractors working on behalf of us
Our responsibilities ensure:
1.1. All work activities carried out in confined spaces are risk assessed; control measures are implemented to reduce the risks to the lowest practicable level and emergency arrangements are in place. Managers are responsible for ensuring compliance with the SWP and must:
1.2. Have risk assessments in place for work carried out in confined spaces.
1.3. Provide adequate level of supervision.
1.4. Ensure that only fit and competent persons who have a combination of training, education, experience, acquired knowledge and skills; enter confined spaces.
1.5. Ensure contractors sign onto the site.
1.6. Monitor activities whilst on site.
1.7. Issue and receive Permits to Work for all activities carried out in confined spaces as defined by The Confined Space Regulations 1997 (Refer to Appendix 1.8. Issue a permit to work if required for work in other confined spaces which may pose a significant risk to employees for reasons other than those defined by The Confined Space Regulations 1997
1.9. Ensure the confined space is left in a safe condition.
1.10. Ensure we, contractors & visitors sign off the site.
We are well aware that A place not usually considered to be a confined space may become one if there is a change in the conditions inside or a change in the degree of enclosure or confinement, which may occur intermittently. For example, an enclosed space may be free of contaminants and have a safe level of oxygen but the work to be carried out in it may change this. Excavations and trenches may also be classed as confined spaces and the same procedures will apply. Please refer to SWP Safety in Evacuations as well as this SWP.
