- Published 16 Jan 2025
- Last Modified 16 Jan 2025
5 min

Confined Space Equipment Guide

Confined spaces present unique challenges and hazards that require specific attention and specialised equipment. From ensuring adequate ventilation to using harnesses and fall arrest systems, this guide covers the tools and practices to ensure worker safety.

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This guide provides valuable insights into confined spaces, relevant regulations, and the essential equipment required for safe operations. Whether you work in construction, manufacturing, or any industry involving confined spaces, this guide will help you understand the importance of having the right equipment to ensure worker safety.

Understanding Confined Spaces

What is a confined space? Confined spaces are defined as enclosed or partially enclosed areas that are not designed for continuous occupancy, usually with limited access points and restricted airflow. Examples include storage silos, underground vaults, sewers, and tanks, commonly found in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and utilities. These spaces present various risks, including hazardous atmospheres, limited visibility, and potential entrapment.

Due to the inherent dangers, appropriate equipment is vital for worker safety. Confined space equipment includes gas detectors, ventilation systems, safety harnesses, and communication devices and more.

Working in Confined Spaces

As we have established, working in confined spaces presents a range of risks and hazards. Below you can see some examples what you need to consider when working in these potentially dangerous spaces:

Identifying hazards
- Oxygen deficiency – limited ventilation can deplete oxygen levels, making the space unsafe.
- Toxic gases – harmful substances like carbon monoxide or hydrogen sulphide may accumulate in the area.
- Flammable atmospheres – combustible gases can pose a risk of explosion.
- Physical risks – confined spaces include dangers like narrow passages, unstable surfaces and falling objects.
Pre-entry procedure
- Testing the atmosphere with gas detectors to ensure that the atmosphere has safe oxygen levels and is toxin-free.
- Ventilating the space to maintain breathable air and eliminate harmful gases.
- Isolating energy sources (lockout/tagout) to prevent accidental equipment activation.
Using proper equipment
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) - respirators, helmets, gloves and harnesses should be used to ensure worker safety.
- Monitoring devices – gas detectors and alarm systems for real-time safety monitoring.
- Rescue equipment – tripods, winches and retrieval systems are essential for emergency evacuation.

Confined Space Regulations

In the UK, the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 govern working in confined spaces, ensuring worker safety and well-being in enclosed areas with limited access. These regulations outline the responsibilities of employers and employees, requiring thorough risk assessments before any confined space work. Selecting equipment that is compliant with these regulations is essential.

Essential Confined Space Equipment

Having the right equipment is crucial for safety and efficiency in confined spaces. There are multiple pieces of equipment that are necessary for safe operation in confined spaces, and they all require proper training before handling.

Tripods

Tripods are an essential piece of safety equipment for confined spaces, often used in conjunction with harnesses, winches and retrieval systems to lower workers into or lift them out of confined spaces like manholes, tanks and pits. They provide a stable and secure anchoring point for entry, exit and rescue activities. Tripods usually boast features like adjustable legs for uneven surfaces, rugged construction to withstand heavy loads and harsh environments and great portability due to their compact design.

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Winches

Winches are ideal tools for confined space operations, facilitating controlled entry, exit and rescue. They are equipped with durable cables or ropes and a crank or motorised system to enable smooth lifting and lowering and work in tandem with tripods. Many models feature built-in braking systems to avoid accidental descent, offering more precise control. Winches are perfect for vertical spaces like wells or tanks.

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Breathing Apparatus

In confined spaces where the atmosphere maybe either devoid of oxygen, toxic or otherwise hazardous, breathing apparatus is a necessity. These devices provide a reliable supply of breathable air which allows workers to carry out work safely in these dangerous environments. Common types include Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), which provides an independent air supply for extended work and Emergency Escape Breathing Apparatus (EEBA), designed for quick evacuation in emergencies. Breathing apparatus usually adjustable straps, clear face masks and ergonomic designs.

Fall Arrest Systems

Reliable fall protection is necessary for working at height. Fall arrest systems are designed to prevent falls and minimise injury risks in confined spaces with vertical entry points like manholes, tanks or silos. They ensure that workers are safely restrained and can be swiftly retrieved if they fall, preventing further descent and impact to the worker. Key features of fall arrest systems include full-body harnesses, an anchorage point (like a tripod), and a self-retracting lifeline with a shock-absorbing element. Fall arrest systems are a critical piece of equipment to comply with safety standards and must be regularly inspected.

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Confined Space Equipment Checklist

Ensure safety and compliance in confined spaces with the right equipment. Here is a final checklist of essential confined space equipment:

Gas Detector: Essential for monitoring air quality, detecting hazardous gases, and providing early warnings to prevent accidents.
Ventilation Equipment: Necessary for maintaining a safe environment, using portable fans, blowers, or air movers to improve air circulation and remove hazardous gases.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Vital for protecting workers from hazards, including safety harnesses, helmets, gloves, protective clothing, and respiratory protection like masks or respirators.
Lighting: Good visibility is crucial. Ensure adequate lighting with portable work lights or headlamps to illuminate the area. Explosion-proof lighting is also useful in hazardous environments.
Communication Devices: Reliable communication is essential in emergencies, using two-way radios or intrinsically safe communication equipment.
Rescue Equipment: Necessary for safe and efficient rescues, including hoists, tripods, harnesses, and rescue ropes.
Entry and Exit Equipment: Ensure proper entry and exit mechanisms like confined space entry kits, retrieval systems, and tripods with winches.
Tools and accessories: Lockout/tagout kits to isolate and secure energy sources during operations. Non-sparking tools can be used in flammable atmospheres.

Consult safety experts, trained personnel or authorities to determine specific equipment requirements for your confined space work. RS has an extensive selection of confined space equipment to provide a safe environment for working in these areas.