1st April 2011 - Confined space - Hand me down that can of beans
At the start of April it was reported the US Navy has ordered their personnel to control themselves and their dining facilities to avoid serving “known gas producing foods.” A petty officer was treated at a military treatment facility after complaining of shortness of breath when working in an enclosed workspace with several other personnel.
Also “the lighting of flatulence with any type of open flame remains prohibited under existing naval safety regulations.”
Of course, a good health and safety professional would have carried out a risk assessment and, where possible, avoided the need to enter the confined space in the first place.
While this case may just be an Internet myth, it is essential to follow a safe system of work where entry to a confined space is unavoidable. This could include isolating equipment which could be operated inadvertently, preventing hazardous gases, etc., from entering, providing mechanical ventilation and supplying protective equipment where explosive atmospheres may occur.
Before entering a confined space, adequate emergency arrangements need to be established, e.g. a communications system to enable help to be requested, provide rescue and resuscitation equipment, ensure people are trained in rescue techniques and have procedures in place for contacting the emergency services.
For more information or if you have any questions surrounding the information in this article please contact Crown House on 01777 861 861 or e-mail Jacky Millard
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