Confined Space Services
Confined Space Services UK
What is a Confined Space?
Under the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, a ‘confined space’ is defined by two key features:
- It is a space that is largely (though not necessarily fully) enclosed; and
- It contains, or is reasonably expected to contain, one or more specific hazards.
While some confined spaces, such as sewers or enclosed chemical storage tanks, are relatively easy to identify, recognising confined spaces is not always straightforward. A confined space does not always:
- Have walls on all sides — certain spaces, such as vats, silos, or ship holds, may have open tops or partially open sides;
- Be small or challenging to work within — some confined spaces, like large grain silos or ship holds, can be quite spacious;
- Be hard to enter or exit — some confined spaces have multiple entry and exit points, large openings, or may appear easy to exit; or
- Be an area where people seldom work — certain confined spaces, such as spray painting booths in car repair shops, are regularly used as part of daily tasks.
Do I need to support my working party with a rescue team?
Confined Space Consultancy
Here at Severn Access, we provide highly sophisticated confined space consultancy services that prioritise safety and regulatory compliance for clients across a diverse range of industries.
Severn Access and Rescue Services can carry out site specific audits for all your confined space needs. We can write confined space risk assessments, confined space rescue plans and procedures, and classify your confined space to create a 'Safe System of Work' (SSoW) for your workforce.
Confined Space Risk Assessments
Our experts visit sites to accurately assess each confined space, following the UK’s Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 and the HSE's Approved Code of Practice to provide tailored safety strategies. Our consultancy services are centered around devising robust rescue plans and emergency procedures. We account for all potential risks, including atmospheric hazards and physical obstacles, ensuring that every scenario is prepared for.
Confined Space Rescue Consultancy
This preparation involves establishing rescue protocols, selecting and providing specialized equipment, and clearly defining roles for each team member. Our rescue plans outline procedures for rapid response and safe retrieval, enabling teams to work with confidence in even the most challenging confined spaces.
With a reputation built on expertise and reliability, Severn Access has established itself as a trusted partner for businesses ranging from construction and manufacturing to marine and oil and gas. Our commitment to safety and compliance, coupled with years of field experience, allows us to deliver highly effective, industry-leading confined space consultancy services throughout the UK.
Confined Space Entry Control (Top Man) Services
Severn Access provides expert confined space entry control and top man services to ensure the highest safety standards for confined space operations. A top man, also known as an entry control worker, plays a vital role in protecting those working within confined spaces by monitoring conditions, maintaining communication, and responding immediately to any emergencies. A Severn Access top man ensures confined space safety through the following key responsibilities:
- Pre-Entry Assessment: Review risk assessments and confirm Permit to Work (PTW) is issued.
- Entry/Exit Routes: Ensure clear and accessible routes for evacuation.
- Atmospheric Testing: Verify safe oxygen levels and absence of toxic gases.
- Ventilation and Environmental Controls: Confirm proper ventilation, monitor temperature/humidity.
- External Hazards: Identify and manage hazards like nearby machinery or noise.
- Communication: Set up and test reliable two-way communication with entrants.
- Entry Log: Maintain a log to monitor personnel exposure.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Inspect and ensure proper fit of all PPE.
- Rescue Plan and Emergency Preparedness: Ensure rescue equipment and standby rescue team.
- Continuous Monitoring: Observe entrants and monitor conditions, documenting compliance with regulations.
These measures enable a top man to maintain a safe environment, supporting confined space operations with vigilance and adherence to best practices. Severn Access top men are responsible for establishing a clear emergency rescue plan, ensuring all necessary rescue procedures and equipment are ready for immediate response, safeguarding entrants in case of unforeseen incidents or emergencies.
Confined Space Rescue Teams
Our rescue teams are highly trained and equipped to respond quickly and effectively to a wide range of confined space emergencies. As part of our rescue services, we can offer all of the following:
- Risk and Hazard Assessment: Identify and evaluate potential hazards within the confined space.
- Equipment Preparation: Verify and prepare all necessary rescue equipment, including PPE, harness retrieval systems and fall restraint systems, before entry begins.
- Continuous Atmospheric Monitoring: Conduct and maintain atmospheric testing for toxic gases, oxygen levels, and flammable substances throughout entry.
- Standby and Observation: Stay on standby and continuously observe entrants for signs of distress, fatigue, or hazardous exposure.
- Communication Management: Establish and monitor clear communication channels between entrants and the team, including emergency signals.
- Ventilation Control: Ensure adequate ventilation is in place and adjust as necessary to maintain safe air quality.
- Emergency Response Readiness: Be prepared to execute a rescue quickly and efficiently, with all team members briefed on rescue plans.
- First Aid Provision: Administer first aid as needed and ensure a fully stocked first aid kit is on hand.
- Documentation and Compliance: Record entry details, atmospheric readings, and incidents, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
- Post-Entry Review: Conduct a debrief after each entry to review procedures, address issues, and improve future response readiness.
Severn Access is committed to providing safety-focused, reliable, and compliant confined space rescue services, protecting workers and facilitating secure access to high-risk spaces.
Confined Space Entry and Access Teams
At Severn Access, we understand the critical importance of safety and precision when working in confined spaces. Our skilled Entry/Access teams are fully committed to providing a comprehensive, end-to-end solution for all your confined space access and rescue needs. We ensure that every step of the process is carefully planned, executed, and monitored to maintain the highest safety standards. As part of our services, we can perform:
- Structural Repairs
- Geo-Technical Works
- Jet-washing, cleaning and unblocking
- Silo Cleaning: Safely cleaning and maintaining silos, tanks, and other storage vessels.
- Pointing and Masonry Works: Maintenance and repair work on masonry structures, including brickwork pointing and restoration.
- Chainsaw & Welding: Performing cutting and maintenance tasks using chainsaws and welding equipment
- Bolt Inspection/Testing: Inspecting and testing bolts, fasteners, and other critical components for integrity and safety
- Rope Access for Maintenance and Inspections: Using advanced rope access techniques for inspections, maintenance, and repairs.
- Confined Space Surveys: Conducting thorough assessments of confined spaces to identify hazards and ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Emergency Rescue Operations: Standing by with rescue teams and equipment for rapid response in case of an emergency.
Our experienced Entry/Access teams use the latest equipment and technology to guarantee safe, effective, and efficient operations. e are committed to delivering the highest quality service with a focus on safety and reliability. Whatever your needs may be, we are here to provide expert assistance.
Call Severn Access Today
Here at Severn Access, we pride ourselves of offering a comprehensive, cost-effective solution for our clients across various industries. With our entry and rescue teams, you won't need to hire multiple contractors; we have the expertise to cover all your confined space needs with one end-to-end solution.
As part of our services, our expert Entry/Access team will:
- Develop and Implement Safety Protocols: Prepare and issue a detailed method statement, risk assessment, and safe system of work tailored to your specific project requirements.
- Conduct Pre-Work Site Inspections: Perform thorough inspections of the work environment before any work begins, verifying that the method statement, risk assessment, and safety protocols are up-to-date and effective for the current conditions.
- Deliver Safety Briefings to All Personnel: Provide all site personnel with comprehensive safety briefings to ensure everyone understands the risks and safety measures before starting work.
- Carry Out Equipment Checks: Perform pre-use inspections of all equipment to confirm it is in optimal condition and ready for safe use on-site.
- Oversee and Manage Work Procedures: Supervise all work activities to ensure adherence to safety standards, procedures, and regulations throughout the duration of the project.
Don't delay if you're in need of a confined space specialist, call us today on 07968 967214 or email us at info@severnaccess.co.uk to get started. No job is too big or too small for us; whatever you're access problem, we'll strive to find a solution.