Construction Health and Safety Manual Section 23 Confined spaces (incorporating Dec 00, Jun 01 and Dec 01 amendments)

Publication Year

1980

Document Status

Withdrawn

Abstract

For the purpose of safety the term 'confined spaces' covers a great variety of workplaces which have limited access and inadequate ventilation. They are therefore potentially dangerous places in which to work because they may trap hazardous concentrations of toxic or flammable gases or vapours. Confined spaces are also liable to become deficient in oxygen due to the build-up of a gas or vapour which is not itself toxic but which displaces the breathable air. Very often the dangerous atmosphere is a result of the work being done - for instance welding, painting, flame cutting, the use of adhesives and solvents.

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