Confined space toolbox talk

A free confined space toolbox talk for anyone who works in or near tanks, pits, sewers, chambers and similar spaces. It covers what counts as a confined space, the hazards, what has to happen before anyone goes in, and why there is no entry without a rescue plan.

What is a confined space?

A confined space is somewhere substantially enclosed where serious injury could happen from dangerous substances or conditions in or near it. It doesn’t have to be fully enclosed. Work in these spaces falls under the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997. Common examples include:

  • Cellars, pits and chambers
  • Tanks, vats and silos
  • Manholes and sewers
  • Plant rooms, lofts and service tunnels
  • Some excavations and trenches

Confined space hazards

People can be trapped or overcome by fumes, vapours and gases, and in many cases it kills them. The talk covers:

  • Too little oxygen, or too much
  • Toxic, flammable or suffocating atmospheres
  • Hostile conditions inside plant, such as heat or moving parts
  • Biological hazards, including Weil’s disease from rat urine
  • Fire and explosion

Checks before entering a confined space

  • Avoid going in if the job can be done from outside, for example with remote cameras.
  • A competent person must carry out a risk assessment, and everyone involved must be briefed on it.
  • Use a permit to work for most types of confined space work.
  • Test the air for oxygen and for flammable or toxic gases before entry, and keep monitoring it while people are inside.
  • Don’t enter wearing breathing apparatus unless you’ve been trained to use it.
  • Check communications and gas monitors work before anyone goes in.

Working inside and emergency procedures

The permit to work must include the arrangements for rescue. If a trained rescue team isn’t available, the work doesn’t go ahead. No rescue team, no entry.

  • Wear all the protective equipment and clothing provided.
  • Where flammable gas could be present, only use intrinsically safe (Ex rated) electrical equipment.
  • Leave the space straight away if you are told to.
  • Never attempt a rescue unless you are part of the trained rescue team. Raise the alarm and call the emergency services.
  • Know where the nearest phone is and what the emergency procedure says.

Questions to ask your team

  • What areas could be classed as confined spaces?
  • List some hazards found in confined spaces.
  • What must you check before entering a confined space?
  • Name three safety points for working in a confined space.
  • As a rescuer, what must you be wearing?
  • What does intrinsically safe mean?

Run the talk just before confined space work starts, and go through the real permit and rescue plan for that job. Ask everyone to sign the attendance record and keep it on file.

Download the confined space toolbox talk PDF

Free to print and use with your team. It includes the questions above and a confirmation sheet for signatures.

Training and support for this topic

Health and safety consultancy

Our consultants can assess your confined spaces and help write the safe system of work.

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IOSH Working Safely

A one-day course that gives staff at any level a grounding in workplace safety.

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Need help with confined spaces safety?

Our consultants can review your risk assessments and safe systems of work, and our trainers run courses at our Warmley centre between Bristol and Bath or at your premises. Call 0117 958 2070 or email [email protected].

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