S.L. 424.27 Art. 12Breathing hazards.

(1) A confined space shall not be certified under regulation 11(2) unless:

(a) effective steps have been taken to prevent any ingress of dangerous fumes or effective steps are taken to protect the workers entering the space from such dangerous fumes; and

(b) any sludge or deposit liable to give off dangerous fumes or which can in any other way cause a risk to health or safety, has been removed, and the space contains no other material liable to give off dangerous fumes; and

(c) the space has been adequately ventilated and tested for dangerous fumes and has a supply of air adequate for respiration; and

(d) steps have been taken to protect workers from the ingress or sudden movement of substances and materials.

(2) In those confined spaces where there is the possibility that the concentration of contaminants or of oxygen may change suddenly or unexpectedly, it shall be the duty of an employer to ensure that workers who enter such confined spaces are provided with, and trained in the use of suitable equipment by which to carry out continuous air monitoring, and to provide the workers with adequate self-contained breathing apparatus which allows the workers to exit the confined space whenever a high risk situation ensues.

(3) No permit to work shall be issued by a competent person in respect of any confined space in which the proportion of oxygen in the air is liable to have been substantially reduced unless -

(a) either recommendations are made regarding the use of suitable breathing apparatus;

(b) or the space has been and remains adequately ventilated and a competent person has tested and certified as safe for entry without breathing apparatus.

(4) No compressed gas cylinders, except those used in conjunction with breathing apparatus shall be allowed inside a confined space.

(5) No oxygen enriched or pure oxygen breathing air, except for the purposes of resuscitation, shall be allowed into a confined space, provided that where this is permissible, the use shall be performed under the guidance of the competent person, who shall make such recommendations as are indicated to ensure health and safety.