Legislation Linked with Confined Space Regulations

Overview of Key Regulations

Understanding the legislation that underpins confined space operations is crucial for compliance and safety.

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

The cornerstone of health and safety legislation in the UK, ensuring workplace safety and preventing accidents.

Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1999

Mandates the production of suitable and sufficient risk assessments by competent personnel, essential for all workplace activities.

Confined Spaces Regulations 1997

Specific regulations governing entry and work in confined spaces, introduced to mitigate risks after serious incidents.

Work at Height Regulations 2005

Relates to tasks involving heights within confined spaces, such as vessel entries requiring safety measures for both entry personnel and attendants.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations

Guidelines for handling hazardous substances in confined spaces, ensuring safety alongside other regulatory requirements.

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998

Regulates the use of specialised equipment in confined spaces, necessitating compliance with risk assessments.

Workplace Health and Safety and Welfare Regulations 1992

Ensures basic facilities and welfare provisions for remote workers and specific environments, such as civil engineering sites.

Personal Protective Equipment Regulations

Specifies standards and testing requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) used in confined spaces.

Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) 2002

Applies to sites where confined space entries pose explosion or fire risks, requiring stringent control measures.

Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

Covers electrical safety in confined spaces, relevant for operations involving utilities and services like sewage and gas systems.

Road and Street Works Act 1991

Regulates confined space entries related to infrastructure maintenance and construction, ensuring safety in tunnel and service system entries.

Environmental Legislation

Over 278 environmental regulations can impact confined space operations, particularly in incidents involving spills or environmental hazards.

Compliance and Legal Implications

Adhering to these regulations is vital for safety and legal compliance:

• Failure to comply can lead to severe consequences including fines and imprisonment.
• Employers and employees alike are accountable under the law.

Ensure your organisation meets regulatory standards to protect both personnel and legal standing.