When working in a confined space you need to consider so much more than the difficulties of how to manoeuvre around tight spaces. To work safely in this most challenging of workplaces, you need to employ a specialist confined space-trained team.

Types of confined spaces

At Drain and Sewer Services, our work takes us to some unexpected places, which can mean both confined space entry and working in a confined space. This means we must have the right equipment to do the job and also the training, knowledge and expertise to conduct confined space work in a safe manner, ensuring that our teams are protected so that they can complete their task well.

Some of the confined spaces you can see us working in include:

  • Chimneys
  • Hoppers
  • Steam condensers
  • Underground utility vaults
  • Storage bins
  • Cisterns
  • Holds on ships

The risks of confined space working

A confined space is defined by IOSH Magazine as “one which is fully or partially enclosed, large enough for a worker to enter, but is not designed for continuous occupation.” These spaces present a risk of physical injury because of the restricted working conditions. Falling in a restricted space is especially hazardous, and workers are also at risk from limited oxygen or breathing toxic fumes or substances, as well as working in the extreme temperatures that can be found in these spaces.

These serious risks to life mean that you must ensure that you don’t put workpeople at risk by using contractors untrained for confined space work.

Safety comes first for our qualified workteams

Our work at the Bombay Sapphire Distillery is a great illustration of our experience of working in confined spaces. Set in a conservation area with over 1,000 years of history, the site is now a state-of-the-art distillery producing the world-famous Bombay Sapphire gin.

With the River Test running under several of their buildings there are also several fish passes that allow fish to move freely, but when these became blocked, Drain and Sewer Services were there to help.

To allow the fish to pass and enable a turbine to be reintroduced, we needed to clear several blocked passages, which meant our teams working in confined spaces with fast running water.

Safety is paramount in these situations and that means our teams needed understand the risks of confined space entry and confined space working. Before starting any job, they make a thorough assessment so they can plan how the work can be conducted safely.

To enable this, our workforce is City & Guilds Certified in staying safe while working in confined spaces. We also have clearly defined operational procedures for confined space entry that are reviewed frequently so that our team and clients can all be assured that not only will the job be done properly, but the team is working in safety.

Do you need help with blocked drains, sewers and confined spaces?

If you would like to talk to Drain and Sewer Services about our confined space work and how our expertise can help you deal with a problem on your property, call us today on 01252 312738 or email info@drainandsewer.co.uk to book in a visit.