hss 01 090 access to and working in confined...

UK Power Networks HSS 01 090v8.0

Access to and Working in Confined SpacesOwner

Name Peter VujanicTitle Head of Safety, Health & Environment

Signature

Date 02 January 2019

Authoriser

Name Rose MacKinnonTitle Interim Operational Safety Manger

Signature

Date 02 January 2019

This document forms part of the UK Power Networks Integrated Management System and compliance with its requirements is mandatory. Departure from these requirements may only be taken with the written approval of the above authoriser.

Revision Record

Version number 8.0 What has changed?Corrected typos, reviewed appendices. Supporting documents HSS 01 090a (now v4.0) and HSS 01 090b (now v3.0) remain unchanged.

Why has it changed?Periodic Review

Date published 04/01/2019

Next review date 04/01/2022

Prepared by R. MacKinnon

Version number 7.0 What has changed?Few word changes. Supporting documents HSS 01 090a and HSS 01 090b remain unchanged.

Why has it changed?Periodic Review



Prepared by R. MacKinnon

Version number 6.0 What has changed?Reviewed updated design standardsBriefing note applied.

Why has it changed?



Prepared by R. Mackinnon

This printed document is valid at 14/05/23, check after this date for validity. of 14


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Contents

1.0 Introduction and Purpose...............................................................................................32.0 Scope................................................................................................................................33.0 Objective...........................................................................................................................34.0 References.......................................................................................................................35.0 Definitions........................................................................................................................46.0 Responsibilities...............................................................................................................47.0 Records............................................................................................................................58.0 What is a Confined Space...............................................................................................69.0 Classification of Confined Spaces.................................................................................610.0 Training and competence...............................................................................................711.0 Preventing the Need for Entry........................................................................................812.0 Risk Assessment and Planning the Work.....................................................................913.0 Management of Key Hazards and Risks......................................................................1014.0 Safe Access and Working.............................................................................................1115.0 PPE and Equipment.......................................................................................................1316.0 Emergency Arrangements............................................................................................14



1.0 Introduction and PurposeThis procedure defines the process for safe access/egress and working in confined spaces to ensure that all such work is justified on the basis of risk assessment and is carried out safely.

2.0 ScopeThis procedure applies to both the access to and works in confined spaces involving employees and contractors working on behalf of UK Power Networks.

Contractors must ensure and be able to demonstrate that they have procedures, monitoring and control processes in place to comply with the requirements of this procedure.

Note: Dependent on the task being undertaken within the space further safe systems of work may need to be followed where work is being undertaken on the electrical network or on mechanical plant.

Work undertaken on private networks i.e. London Underground, Airports etc., work must be undertaken in line with client’s procedures and processes.

Persons may hold existing competencies to end of December 2011 if they are already booked to receive training and hold a formal written extension signed by their Line Manager.

3.0 ObjectiveThe objectives for this procedure are to ensure that work in confined space is:

avoided or designed out where reasonably practicable; planned, the safe system of work is fully justified and undertaken to a consistently

high standard by trained operatives; and undertaken using approved and inspected equipment that is recorded on an asset

register.

4.0 References

HSS 01 090a Tunnel Entry Document and Daily Log (TED)HSS 01 090b Confined Space Type B Entry Document and Pre Site Assessment

or Site Specific Risk AssessmentGRL 16 Generic Task Risk Assessment – Access to and Work in a

Confined SpaceHSS 01 050 Behavioural Exchanges and InspectionsHSS 01 062a On Site (Point of Work) Assessment FormHSS 01 076 Occupational Health ManagementHSS 01 081 Management of GasesHSS 01 118 Safe Use of Ladders and StepsHSS 41 003 Training Assessment and Certification of PersonsHSS Handbook Section 6

Underground Substations and Cable Basements (Type A Confined Space)Underground Substations, Cable Basements / Pits, Oil / Gas Pits, Vessels, Air Receivers, Platform Inverts (Type B Confined Space)Tunnels and other High Risk (Type C Confined Spaces)



Confined Space Type B and C (Roles and Responsibilities)

5.0 Definitions

Confined Space Any space of an enclosed nature where there is a risk of death or serious injury from hazardous substances or dangerous conditions (e.g. lack of oxygen, gases, fumes etc.).

Topman Person in control of communication, emergency action and access, checks controls are in place and effective. Required for Type C and B.

Authorised Person Specified role for a Person who agrees method of work & issues entry documents for Type C and certain Type B (cable pits & vessels).

PICoS Person In Charge of Safety who is normally a member of the working party and is 1st in and last out. Required for Type C.

Personal Supervision

Supervision by a person (having adequate technical knowledge, experience and competence) such that he/she is at all times during the course of the work in the presence of the person being supervised.

6.0 Responsibilities6.1 Directors shall ensure that:

buildings/locations/equipment are designed to eliminate confined spaces as far as reasonably practicable;

sufficient resources are in place to ensure owned or managed assets are assessed to identify confined spaces and where appropriate access points are labelled to indicate the type of confined space;

adequate training and equipment is provided to employees; and where access is arranged for one off site specific specialist inspections etc., a full

and documented risk assessment is undertaken and suitable emergency arrangements are put in place.

6.2 People putting people to work (including Line Managers/Supervisors/Project Managers/Field Engineers) shall ensure that: work is planned, risk assessed and pre-visited to identify where working in confined

spaces can be avoided and where it can not that a safe system of work is used; where work is unplanned, that a full and comprehensive site specific risk

assessment is undertaken before work commences appropriate for the type of confined space;

the type of confined space and any additional controls are recorded on the on-site (Point of Work) assessment and the necessary documentation issued;

only approved equipment is used which is inspected and maintained; operatives are declared as being fit to access and work in Type B and C confined

spaces by Occupational Health; operatives requiring training are identified and are trained and have appropriate

levels of supervision with adequate access to equipment and PPE; and



where emergency arrangements or personnel are provided by a contractor, that they are suitably trained and follow the requirements of this procedure.

6.3 Designers shall ensure that: the requirement to work in confined spaces is designed out so far as is reasonably

practicable and that this is documented as part of the design risk assessment; where this is not practicable that provisions are put in place for safe access, egress,

ventilation, lighting and communication; and where access is required as part of the designers duties they are trained to the

appropriate level for entry to the confined space.

6.4 Asset Management shall ensure: surveys of assets such as buildings, tunnels and equipment are undertaken to

identify and categorise confined spaces into the different types. the results of survey are recorded on the asset management system; and where appropriate access points shall be labelled to indicate the type of confined

space in accordance with section 13.6.

6.5 Network Operations, Control Room Diagram Administrators are responsible for: Updating CORGIS (Control Graphic Information System), DINIS (Data Network

Information System) and PowerOn with changes to the network as recorded on the SANs (System Alteration Notice).

6.6 Operatives shall: not enter the type of confined space unless in possession of a valid competency that

is appropriate for the type of confined space, for exceptions to this refer to sections 10.5 and 14.1;

identify on the on-site (Point of Work) Assessment form the type of confined space and any relevant additional controls;

where required hold or complete the appropriate entry document; use the methods and equipment specified in the safe system of work; visually inspect all equipment before use and ensure the equipment is used in

accordance with the information, instruction and training given; not circumvent or interfere with any safety measures provided to protect themselves

or others against a fall from a height and hazards associated in confined spaces; and

not use and immediately report any deficiency or defect in any equipment provided to the person in charge of the works.

6.7 In-business HSS Advisors and Occupational Health are responsible for: providing on-going advice and support on risk assessment and use of equipment; monitoring performance via the Behavioural exchange process (HSS 01 050); and completing fitness for work assessments.

Further details of the specific roles and responsibilities of the Topman, Topman Assistant, PICOS and Authorised Person are included within the HSS Handbook Section 6.

7.0 Records7.1 Known areas which are Type A, B and C confined spaces such as basements, tunnels

etc. shall be recorded on the asset management system and the control diagrams. Control diagrams will be updated as new or revised information becomes available.



7.2 Copies of all safety and entry documents must be retained for the duration of the works and held within the project file.

8.0 What is a Confined Space A confined space is any space of an enclosed nature where there is a risk of death or serious injury from hazardous substances or dangerous conditions e.g. lack of oxygen.

Typically within the electrical distribution industry the primary hazards are due to poor ventilation of the work area. There are other physical hazards which can vary significantly dependant on the individual space and task to be undertaken.

8.1 Hazards arising from confined spaces:a. Oxygen deficiency;b. Flammable atmosphere;c. Toxic substances or gases; andd. There may also be access and egress problems, restricted movement within the

spaces and difficulties with regard to the rescue of injured or collapsed entrants.

The above hazards may occur due to: Materials of which the structure is made up (concrete, steel, etc.); The environment around the structure (chalk, limestone, landfill site, marshland

etc.); Other services in the vicinity (sewers, gas mains, etc.); Rotting vegetation, contamination or material within or around the structure (wood,

leaves, paper, food waste, etc.); Dusty environment; Use of solvents or use of heat/flame; Storage of carbon dioxide, Nitrogen, SF6 (Sulphur Hexafluoride) and other gases; Rises in temperature or humidity resulting in gas release/combustion or heat

exhaustion; and Restrictions in physical movement/entrapment when moving equipment into or out

of the space through a small access point. Excavations on land such as brown field sites, contaminated land, marsh land or

where a specific risk has been identified. This could include tasks such as cable freezing where the introduction of gases that could cause oxygen depletion within the excavation.

In addition there may be other hazards present which may cause, Weils disease, tetanus, etc.

9.0 Classification of Confined SpacesConfined Space situations which are likely to be encountered as a result of UK Power Networks activities can be grouped into three types. The types take into account not only the potential for typical confined space hazards but also the difficulty in recovery of an injured person (working at height issues).

The table below describes the types by the access/egress characteristics and typical locations.



Typical Locations Access & Egress CharacteristicsType A Underground substations and

Plant Rooms. Areas where heating boiler

present.

Accessed by stairway. Egress in an emergency is relatively

straight forward and quick.

Type B Underground substations, Cable Pits, Air Receivers and Plant Rooms.

Oil Pits, Vessels inc. conservator tanks.

Areas with height restrictions or obstructions such as cables or plant.

Accessed by vertical ladders, step irons or steep steps e.g. raked / ships ladder.

Recovery of an injured casualty is likely to be difficult.

Type C Tunnels Ducts, Culverts.

Number of access/egress points. Accessed by vertical ladders or step

irons or by other means. Work may be some distance from

egress point and at depth where communication becomes difficult.

Recovery of an injured casualty is likely to be difficult.

9.1 Local Authority / Third Party Service Sub-ways and CablewaysPermit to Enter must be obtained from the third party which will normally include the third party pre-testing the atmosphere prior to allowing access. Irrespective of the result pre-entry and continuous gas monitoring must be undertaken.

10.0 Training and competence10.1 Training

Figure 1 summarises the training requirements which are dependent on the person’s role and the type of space they are required to enter.

All training shall be booked and recorded via Learning Management System.

All those entering confined spaces shall be trained in emergency First Aid.Formal refresher training will be undertaken every 3 years.

On completion of the training a competency certificate will be issued for the Type of confined space trained.

For those requiring the additional authorisation to issue and cancel a Type C Entry Document (TED) a Type C level qualification must be held and an assessment completed by an appropriate confined space Authorised Person. All certifications will be issued in line with (HSS 41 003) Training Assessment and Certification of Persons.

Where designers are required to enter confined spaces as part of their duties they must be trained to the appropriate level for the confined space to be entered. As a minimum they will be trained to Type A standard.

Senior managers with direct responsibility for staff or contractors entering confined spaces shall as a minimum they will be trained to Type A standard.


Senior Managers Responsibilities Half Day – Type A entry qualification

Supervisory Responsibilities One Day – For People who put People to Work, Designers and Inspectors who identify types of confined spaces. (Type A entry

qualification)

Type AConfined Space

Half Day Entry or Work qualification

Type BConfined Space

2 Days Entry or Work qualification. This will also cover Type A

Type CConfined Space (Tunnels)

2/3 Days based on experience

Entry or Work qualificationCovering all types


Figure 1: Training Requirements

10.2 Fit to Work

All employees requiring access to Type B or C confined spaces must be assessed as fit for this work by Occupational Health in accordance with HSS 01 076 Occupational health Management.

No person shall receive confined-space training for Type B and C without first having been designated as medically fit for such work.

10.3 Visitors

All persons requiring Non-essential general access to a confined space must be trained in line with this procedure.

10.4 One off Access for specialists such as civil engineers

Where access is required to undertake emergency non-routine, essential / justifiable specific specialist inspections of a confined space, a full and documented risk assessment must be undertaken.

Such access will require personal supervision by trained competent person in line with this procedure. They must be suitable briefed and competent to follow the safe system of work including the emergency procedures, this will include On-site training in the use of a gas monitor, MSA Self rescue kit where required for the type of confined space to be entered.

11.0 Preventing the Need for EntryDesigners must review the requirements for working in confined space as part of the design process. They must also ensure that the requirement to enter a confined space during construction, operation, maintenance and decommissioning is removed so far as is reasonably practicable.

Further information on design is available in:

EDS 07 - Series Substations (covering civil design including cable basements)EAS 02 - Series Cables (covering tunnels)

If working in confined space is necessary the designer must ensure appropriate measures such as good access and egress, size of openings, ability to force ventilate, sufficient lighting and fire prevention are incorporated into the build and maintenance specifications.


Step 3COMMS

Step 1PLAN

Step 2CHECK

Step 4DO WORK & REVIEW

All work in any type of confined space must be fully justified and assessed with reference to the Generic Task Risk Assessments

Communicate to all within the working party e.g. Task / Work Instruction, Site Specific Risk Assessment and Site Safety Briefing.

Undertake Pre-Site visit to identify Type of confined space the hazards involved, the controls to be applied and confirm type of equipment / PPE to be used appropriate for the task dependent on the type of confined space to be entered

Complete entry documentation for Type B – C confined spaces

Work within the Confined Space is fully justified – Proceed & record on the On-site (Point of Work) assessment

Work within the Confined Space cannot be justified record details On-site (Point of Work) Assessment

Carry Out Work & Monitor Work Progress

Un-Planned Work (Faults)

For Type A Confined spaces Undertake On-Site (Point of Work) Assessment to identify hazards and assess equipment to be used

For Type B Confined Spaces Undertake type B Pre Site Assessment / Site Specific Risk Assessment and Type B entry document. to identify Confined Space hazards and assess equipment to be used

Planned Work

For Type C Confined Spaces work must be fully planned

Determine Whether Work Should Commence


The justification for retaining the need to work in confined spaces and the design provisions put in place to ensure appropriate protection must be documented as part of the design risk assessment.

12.0 Risk Assessment and Planning the WorkWorking in confined spaces will be avoided where possible. Where this is not possible, the work must be planned in advance. For emergency fault repairs in a Type A and B confined space the work should be planned on site before works commence. The overall process is shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2: Risk Assessment and Work Planning



Generic Task Risk Assessment GRL – 16 lists the generic controls required for entry into each type of confined space.

Before accessing or commencing any work in a confined space a task risk assessment will be required. The initial identification of the confined space type and any site or task specific hazards and controls shall be recorded on the onsite (point of work) assessment form.

For Type A the work activity and safe system of work should be recorded on the onsite (Point of Work) Assessment (HSS 01 062a).

The methods and equipment selected will depend on a number of factors including access and egress, type of work, ground conditions as well as environmental conditions on the day. If there is any doubt as to the extent of the control measures to be applied, the confined space type should be raised to the next level type e.g. A to B and referred to your immediate supervisor.

For Type B, the work activity and safe system of work must be recorded on a Type B Pre Site Assessment / Site Specific Risk Assessment and Entry Document (HSS 01 090b).

For Type C a site specific task risk assessment and detailed method statement must be completed prior to works starting. For Type C (Tunnels) this will include the completion of the Tunnel Entry Document and daily logs (HSS 01 090a).

Where the tunnel is owned by a third party, a Permit to Enter must be obtained which will normally include the third party pre-testing the atmosphere prior to allowing access. UK Power Networks procedures for pre entry and continuous testing of the atmosphere apply irrespective of this test result.

13.0 Management of Key Hazards and RisksThe following key requirements must be incorporated into the safe system of work.

13.1 Existing Fire Protection Systems

The automatic control shall be rendered inoperative, the equipment left on hand control and a caution notice attached.

Network Control must be informed that the system has been switched to hand control. On completion of work the automatic facility shall be restored once all persons have left the confined space, all caution notices shall be removed and Network Control informed.

13.2 Ventilation and Atmosphere testing

Good ventilation and a supply of breathable air are essential.

Before entry including opening access and egress points for ventilation purposes it is mandatory to test for presence of gases around the opening. This must be undertaken using an approved 4 gas monitor which is within its inspection date and has been calibrated and tested before use.

Venting of the confined space prior to entry may be achieved by opening access and egress points or by mechanically ventilating. Installing portable air moving equipment to create regular air changes may negate the need for more complicated confined spaces entry systems.

The atmosphere shall be continually monitored throughout the duration of the works.

13.3 Tasks using Flammable Gases

The use of flammable gases and equipment in confined spaces is covered in the Management of Gases procedure HSS 01 081.

Note: Petrol/diesel fuelled engines shall not be used in confined spaces.



13.4 Barriers and Guarding

Where operatives are working at height, including near open access points, permanent fitted barriers or signed and guarded portable barriers must be in place in the work area to prevent fall. Where barriers are not reasonable, then additional control measures will be required to prevent falls e.g. Tripod erected over access for a single man entry point.

13.5 Lone Working

Lone working is not permitted for access and working in Type B or C confined spaces.

13.6 UK Power Networks Assets

Once the asset surveys have been completed and recorded on the Ellipse data base and validated, UK Power Networks owned Type A, B and C confined space access points shall be labelled with the following signs wherever practicable.

Material Code: 21068N

Material Code: 21065J

Material Code: 21066T

Engineering design standard drawing number: EDS 07-0009.125

14.0 Safe Access and WorkingFull details are provided in the HSS Handbook Section 6 (Safe Work Environment) the key points are summarised below.

14.1 Type A

May be entered by a trained person working alone providing the work movements of that individual are known and monitored.

The safe system of work should be recorded on the On-site (Point of Work) Assessment Form (POWA) (HSS 01 062a).

A 4-gas monitor must be used throughout the entry and work in the confined space.

A trained person may give personal supervision to a work party whilst entering / working but must be able to monitor the environment / atmosphere in the area of work at all times which may require the use of additional monitors. All persons must be fully briefed on emergency arrangements and must sign onto the POWA to confirm understanding.

14.2 Type B

As a minimum one trained person may enter but must be supported by a Topman. Additional trained persons may be required to support and undertake the work and this should be considered as part of the pre-site planning or on-site (Point of Work) Assessment.



Due to the exertion required for entry and working in this environment entrants must be deemed fit for work in confined spaces by Occupational Health.

In addition to the 4-gas monitor a range of other equipment may be required.

Entrants and on-site support personnel will need to have agreed and documented a safe system of work on the Type B Entry Document. All will need to be clear on their roles and responsibilities within the team and be competent in the equipment to be used.

Adequate communication systems must be in place to enable communications between people inside and outside of confined space and to be able to summon help in an emergency.

14.3 Type C

Specialist trained teams are required for this type of confined space and a Topman, Person in Charge on Site (PICOS) and Authorised person will need to be appointed.

Task specific risk assessments and method statements and a Tunnel Entry Document (TED) will be required to enter all Type C confined spaces.

As there may be several entry and exit points, adequate communication systems must be in place to enable communications between people inside and outside of confined spaces and to be able to summon help in an emergency. In addition individual movement control systems will also be required.

14.4 Other Sites

Sites not normally designated as a confined space where an incident such as a fire or explosion has occurred may become a confined space.

Two or more trained operatives are required for this type of confined space. Dependent on the location a Topman may be required.

A task specific risk assessment will be required as the safe system of work will depend on the nature of the incident and the hazards presented.

For example for release of carbon dioxide the key element to safe working will be to establish air movement as quickly as possible.



15.0 PPE and EquipmentNote: Only approved equipment must be used (see tool and equipment approved list).

Equipment Description Inspection requirements

Requirement

Multigas Gas monitors (4Gas)

Measures: Oxygen, Carbon Monoxide, Hydrogen Sulphide and Flammable gases

6 monthlyTest -Pre use

M

Lighting Intrinsically safe light source activated by bending the light stick to break an internal capsule to release the activating chemical

6 monthlyVisual -Pre use

O

Small waterproof, high intensity beam hand torch, which can also be fitted, to a safety helmet.

Test -Pre use O

Hand held torch Test -Pre use MRespiratory Protective Equipment

Personal use chemical oxygen generator escape set. Worn on a belt. Provides breathable oxygen for 30 mins (active escape) or 100 mins (passive casualty). (MSA Savox)


M for Type CO for Type B

Personal Movement Detector

Worn on the belt (or other part of the body). Alarm facility is activated by removing a key. After 20 seconds of non-motion - warning alarm lasting for 8 seconds & if no movement followed by high frequency audible alarm – key deactivates.


M for Type CO for A & B

Confined space Safety Harness

Rescue harness with front and rear attachment points for ascent & descent.


M for TypeB & C

Retractable / Fall Arrest device

Equipment designed to safely arrest an uncontrolled fall.



Suitable mounting device and winch

Tripod, davit system or eye bolt with a man riding winch for raising / lowering with operator brake & recovery facility.



Rescue Stretcher

A Semi-rigid roll up man portable stretcher or Rigid frame stretcher



Air Mover Lightweight air mover delivering 1392 m3/hr airflow. 110 v supply.


O

O = Optional based on risk assessmentM = MandatoryNote: For Type C confined spaces mandatory requirements may only be amended

subject to a documented task specific risk assessment being completed which is formally approved by an appropriate Authorised person.



16.0 Emergency ArrangementsNo person shall in any event enter any confined space until a “suitable and sufficient” Emergency Plan has been established.

The complexity of the Plan will depend on the type of the confined space, the risks identified and consequently the likely nature of an emergency rescue. All types of incidents including slips and falls should be considered.

Each Plan will need to cover the following as a minimum:

how the alarm will be raised; who to contact and in what order; what adjacent plant/equipment needs to be isolated; and arrangements for undertaking rescue operations.

In the event of any emergency arising in a Type B or C, the Topman shall remain at the point of access/egress and shall under no circumstances enter the space to enable a rescue.

16.1 Communications

A communication process must be in place to raise the alarm so as those inside the confined space can communicate to people outside and from outside to inside so that rescue procedures can start.

Dependent on distance, background noise and visibility this may include rope signals e.g. tug of the rope, radios or lone worker alarms. In all cases the system used must be tested before and during the entry to ensure its suitability and reliability.

16.2 Rescue equipment

Rescue equipment (including self-rescue) must be available for use in all Type C and for Type B where identified by risk assessment. Users/operators must be trained in the use of this equipment.

Where appropriate due to risk identified by risk assessment a stand-by rescue team may be required.

All members of the work party shall have emergency first aid training. For tunnel construction works a fully trained first aider may be required.

16.3 Local emergency services

Reliance on emergency services to undertake the emergency rescue is not sufficient.

If the emergency services are required to support a rescue, all known information will need to be provided in particular conditions and risks associated with access and egress of the confined space is given to them on their arrival.

For works over three days the local Fire and Emergency must be given prior notification.


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