RAMS and method statement for confined spaces

Confined spaces kill a small number of people every year, and often they kill in pairs, because a colleague goes in to help and becomes the second casualty. A risk assessment and method statement for confined space entry is built around one idea first: avoid entry if the work can possibly be done another way. Where entry cannot be avoided, the document sets out a safe system of work and, just as importantly, the emergency rescue arrangements that must be ready before anyone goes in. This guide sets out what a confined space RAMS should cover on a UK site under the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997.

What a RAMS for confined space entry needs to cover

Be specific about the space and confirm it is a confined space in the legal sense: substantially enclosed, with a foreseeable specified risk such as a lack of oxygen, toxic gas or engulfment. Tanks, sewers, manholes, ducts, silos, pits and some cellars and voids all qualify. The first thing the document should answer is whether entry can be avoided altogether, for example by doing the work from outside. If it cannot, the RAMS covers the atmosphere, the isolation of anything that could flow in, the permit and the rescue plan.

The main hazards of confined space entry

• Lack of oxygen, from rusting, displacement by other gases or biological activity.
• Toxic gas, fume or vapour, such as hydrogen sulphide in drainage or solvent vapour in tanks.
• Flammable or explosive atmosphere from gas, vapour or dust.
• High temperature leading to heat stress in an enclosed space.
• Engulfment by a liquid or a loose flowing solid such as grain or sand.
• Restricted access and egress, making escape and rescue difficult.
• The second casualty, where an untrained rescuer enters without protection and is also overcome.

The control measures a reviewer expects

A confined space reviewer looks first for whether entry has been avoided, and then for the rescue plan.

• Avoid entry where possible, doing the work from outside with tools, cameras or remote methods.
• Atmosphere testing for oxygen, flammable gas and toxic gas with a calibrated monitor before entry, and continuous monitoring during.
• Forced ventilation to make and keep the atmosphere safe where it can be.
• Isolation and lock-off of anything that could flow in: pipes, services, feeds and moving parts.
• A permit to work confirming the controls, the atmosphere results and the rescue arrangements before entry.
• Competent entrants and a trained attendant outside at all times, with a reliable means of communication.
• Emergency rescue arrangements and equipment in place before entry: a rescue plan, tripod and winch, harnesses and lines, and breathing apparatus where needed.
• Breathing apparatus where the atmosphere cannot be made and kept safe by ventilation alone.

The method statement sequence for confined space entry

1. Confirm it is a confined space and that entry cannot reasonably be avoided.
2. Isolate and lock off every service, pipe and feed that could introduce a hazard or flow in.
3. Test the atmosphere for oxygen, flammable and toxic gas, and ventilate the space.
4. Issue the permit to work, recording the atmosphere results, the controls and the rescue plan.
5. Set up the rescue equipment at the entry point and brief the attendant, who stays outside throughout.
6. The entrant goes in wearing a harness and personal gas monitor, with continuous communication.
7. Monitor the atmosphere continuously and keep the attendant in contact at all times.
8. Complete the work, exit, account for everyone, and close the permit.

Where confined space RAMS usually get rejected

• No consideration of whether entry could be avoided altogether.
• No atmosphere testing or continuous monitoring regime.
• Inflows and services not isolated and locked off.
• No emergency rescue arrangements, or "call 999" offered as the rescue plan.
• No trained attendant or top man staying outside the space.
• Entrants not competent, and no breathing apparatus where the atmosphere cannot be made safe.

Frequently asked questions

What counts as a confined space?

A confined space is a place that is substantially enclosed where there is a foreseeable risk of a specified danger, such as a lack of oxygen, toxic or flammable gas, or engulfment. It is about the risk, not just the size, and includes tanks, sewers, manholes, ducts, silos and some cellars and voids.

Can I rely on the emergency services for confined space rescue?

No. You must have your own suitable and sufficient emergency arrangements and rescue equipment in place before anyone enters. The fire service is not a substitute for a planned rescue, and calling 999 is not an acceptable rescue plan on its own.

Do I need to test the atmosphere before confined space entry?

Yes. Test for oxygen level, flammable gas and toxic gas before entry using a calibrated gas monitor, and usually monitor continuously during the work, because the atmosphere can change once the work starts.

Is this legal advice?

No. This is a plain-English working summary to support site teams. For the detail see the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 and HSE guidance L101.

Related guides: permit to work for construction, RAMS for hot works, RAMS for excavation and groundworks, and the COSHH assessment for construction guide.