Confined Space Entry Permit
The University has spaces across its estate which are deemed to be ‘confined spaces’. A ‘confined space’ must have both of the following defining features: It must be a space which is substantially (though not always entirely) enclosed and one or more of the ‘specified risks’ must be present or reasonably foreseeable. Specified risks include:
- Flammable substances and oxygen enrichment
- Excessive heat
- Toxic gas, fume or vapour which can lead to asphyxia or unconsciousness
- Oxygen deficiency
- Ingress or presence of liquids
- Free-flowing solids which can submerge a person, preventing breathing
- Risk of structural collapse which could entrap a person.
Confined Space Hazard Assessments:
The Estates Office has undertaken a number of Confied Space Hazard Assessments relating to the known hazards within confined spaces for each building and external spaces. The confied space hazard assessments should be referred to when writing and evaluating risk assessments and method statements for entry into these spaces.
Entry into confined spaces should, so far as is reasonably practicable, be prevented. However, where entry into a confined space is unavoidable the following must be in place before work commences:
- Adequate hazard assessments and RAMS
- Appropriate emergency arrangements and safety plans
- The permit to work system must be followed and a permit obtained.
When a permit is applied for, a hazard assessment of the area will be issued by the Permit Office AP. Confined spaces must only be entered by competent trained persons or specialist contractors in accordance with a suitable risk assessment and operating procedures.
A permit is required to be issued on the day of any entry by the AP after the required processes have been followed.
Known confined spaces across the University are available via the link on the right. If you need to access a space that isn’t on the list but you think it is confined, please contact permitrequest@warwick.ac.uk and one of the Confined Spaces AP’s will make contact with you to discuss further.
The University’s Confined Spaces policy and guidance is available on the Health & Safety Services webpages via the link on the right.