Working in confined spaces at construction sites presents significant risks. The CIS 16:2019 – Guidelines for Works at Confined Space in Construction Site, developed by CIDB, addresses these risks by providing comprehensive safety measures, hazard identification techniques, and procedural standards. This guide ensures that contractors and workers alike understand how to maintain safety and comply with legal obligations during such work.
What is Confined Space?
A confined space in a construction site refers to any space that is:
- Not designed for continuous occupancy – such as storage tanks, tunnels, sewers, silos, or pits.
- Has restricted access or egress – small openings or limited movement within the space make it difficult to exit in emergencies.
- May present hazards – such as dangerous atmospheres, restricted ventilation, or the presence of harmful substances like toxic gases.
Typical examples include storage tanks, ventilation ducts, sumps, lift shafts, and sub-basements.
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRARC)
Before any confined space work begins, employers must identify and assess all potential hazards. Key hazards associated with confined spaces include:
- Atmospheric Hazards:
- Oxygen deficiency (below 19.5%) or enrichment (above 23.5%) due to substances like nitrogen, rust, or combustion processes.
- Toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, or methane.
- Flammable vapors that could lead to explosions.
- Physical Hazards:
- Limited entry and exit points that make evacuation difficult.
- Presence of moving equipment, such as mixers, that could pose dangers if accidentally activated.
- Slippery surfaces, extreme temperatures, and poor lighting.
Risk assessment should focus on evaluating these hazards and determining control measures to mitigate them. This involves using equipment like gas detectors, portable lighting, and PPE (personal protective equipment), which must be inspected and tested before use.
Safety Procedures for Confined Space Entry
A confined space entry permit system must be in place before workers are allowed to enter the area. The permit ensures that all safety checks have been performed and that proper communication and rescue plans are in place.
Key safety procedures include:
- Entry Permit System:
- The entry permit should specify the confined space’s location, purpose, and work duration. It should also list the hazards, control measures, required PPE, and the names of authorized entrants and stand-by personnel.
- The permit must be signed by the supervisor before work begins and be valid for a specific period, typically 8 hours.
- Ventilation and Atmosphere Testing:
- Before entry, the space must be ventilated using forced air to remove hazardous gases. Continuous monitoring of oxygen levels and explosive or toxic gases must be carried out during the work.
- Representative atmosphere sampling is required at different levels within the space to detect stratified gases.
- Stand-by Personnel:
- A trained stand-by person must remain outside the confined space at all times to monitor the workers inside and initiate rescue procedures if necessary.
Emergency Response and Rescue Procedures
Confined spaces are high-risk environments, and emergency preparedness is essential. The employer must develop a clear emergency response plan that includes:
- Communication:
- Workers inside the confined space must maintain continuous communication with the stand-by person via radios or other reliable devices.
- Rescue Procedures:
- Rescue equipment such as lifelines, harnesses, winches, and breathing apparatuses must be readily available. Workers performing rescue must be trained in confined space entry and equipped with appropriate PPE.
- First Aid:
- First-aid-trained personnel must be available on-site, and a designated assembly point for evacuation should be clearly marked.
Employer and Worker Responsibilities
The CIS 16:2019 guidelines clearly outline the responsibilities of both employers and workers to ensure safety during confined space work:
- Employer Responsibilities:
- Ensure all workers have completed confined space safety training.
- Provide the necessary PPE, safety equipment, and continuous supervision.
- Perform regular equipment inspections and maintain proper documentation, including permits, risk assessments, and rescue plans.
- Worker Responsibilities:
- Workers must be medically fit and certified by an occupational health doctor before entering confined spaces.
- Authorized entrants must follow all safety procedures, use PPE correctly, and alert the stand-by person if they experience any signs of distress or exposure to hazards.
Maintenance Inspection in Confined Spaces
Maintenance inspections within confined spaces are critical for ensuring the integrity of equipment and the safety of workers in construction sites. Regular inspections help identify potential hazards, structural weaknesses, and equipment malfunctions before they lead to serious incidents.
Importance of Maintenance Inspections
- Preventing Accidents: Early detection of issues such as corrosion, leaks, or faulty equipment can prevent accidents that may result in injuries or fatalities.
- Compliance with Regulations: Adhering to the CIS 16:2019 guidelines and other legal requirements ensures that construction sites operate within the law, avoiding penalties and work stoppages.
- Operational Efficiency: Well-maintained equipment operates more efficiently, reducing downtime and increasing productivity on construction projects.
Procedures for Maintenance Inspections
Conducting maintenance inspections in confined spaces requires careful planning and execution:
Pre-Inspection Planning
- Risk Assessment: Perform a detailed Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Risk Control (HIRARC) specific to the maintenance activities to be conducted.
- Entry Permit: Secure a confined space entry permit that outlines the scope of work, identifies potential hazards, and lists required safety measures.
- Equipment Check: Ensure all inspection tools and safety equipment are tested and in good working condition. This includes gas detectors, communication devices, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
During the Inspection
- Atmospheric Monitoring: Continuously monitor the air quality for toxic gases, oxygen levels, and flammable vapors using calibrated gas detectors.
- Use of PPE: Inspectors must wear appropriate PPE, such as helmets, gloves, safety harnesses, and respiratory protection if necessary.
- Communication: Maintain constant communication with the stand-by personnel outside the confined space through reliable communication devices.
Post-Inspection Procedures
- Reporting: Document all findings, including any defects, irregularities, or safety hazards discovered during the inspection.
- Decontamination: If exposed to hazardous substances, workers and equipment should undergo proper decontamination procedures.
- Permit Closure: After the inspection, the entry permit should be signed off to indicate that the work is completed, and all personnel have exited the confined space safely.
Safety Considerations
- Stand-by Personnel: A trained stand-by person must be present to monitor the safety of the workers inside and initiate emergency procedures if needed.
- Emergency Equipment: Ensure that rescue equipment, such as lifelines and retrieval systems, is readily available and that rescue plans are in place.
- Training: Only qualified and trained personnel should perform maintenance inspections in confined spaces to ensure they understand the risks and safety protocols.
Conclusion: Enhancing Safety in Confined Space Operations
The CIS 16:2019 – Guidelines for Works at Confined Space in Construction Site provides a detailed framework for ensuring safety in these high-risk environments. By following the guidelines, employers can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure that both workers and equipment operate within safe conditions. The implementation of proper safety protocols, continuous monitoring, and emergency preparedness is essential to safeguarding lives and complying with Malaysian safety regulations.
