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1  Introduction
1.1  There are many incidents where Brigade personnel may be required to enter into what may be
determined as a confined space.
1.2  The confined spaces regulations 1997 came into force on 28 January 1998. There are no
exemptions for the emergency services and therefore the Fire and Rescue Service is required to
make provision to comply with these regulations and the approved code of practice (ACoP).
1.3  The definition of a confined space, according to the confined spaces regulations 1997 is, “Any
place, including any chamber, tank, vat, silo, pit, trench, pipe, flue, wel , or other similar space in
which,  by virtue of its enclosed nature, there arises a reasonably foreseeable specified risk.”
1.4  For fire service purposes a confined space maybe defined as having the following characteristics:
•  Limited or restricted means of entry or exit.
•  Is large enough for a person to enter to perform tasks.
•  A place which is substantial y enclosed although not always entirely and where serious injury
can occur from hazardous substances or conditions within the space or nearby.
•  A dangerous or potential y dangerous work area with only restricted openings for entry and
exit that would make emergency escape difficult.
1.5  Some places fall within the definition of confined space, but only on the occasions when a
process is being carried out, or prior to it being ful y ventilated e.g.  a purpose built room that is
used for spray painting.
1.6  Places not usual y considered to be confined spaces may also become so because of a change in
conditions inside the space or a change in the degree of enclosure or confinement. This may
occur intermittently, for example a basement room becoming flooded.
1.7  There are therefore a wide range of incidents that have the potential to incorporate a confined
space, these incident types al  have procedures that should be read in conjunction with this
instruction. This is to ensure the correct safe system of work is employed along with any alternate
or additional control measures not specified in this policy, examples include:
•  Policy number 793 - Compartment Firefighting
•  Policy number 773 - Firefighting in basements
•  Policy number 633 - High Rise Firefighting
•  Policy number 557 - Urban Search and Rescue Policy
•  Policy number 302 - Collapse structures
•  Policy number 807 - Incidents involving silos
•  Policy number 121 - Safety in sewers and sewer rescues
•  Policy number 796 - Hazmats; fires and incidents involving hazardous substances
•  Policy number 581 - Water rescue and safety when working near, on or in water
•  Policy number 547 - Line operations
•  Policy number 467 - Breathing apparatus sub surface procedures
2  Hazards
2.1  The hazards in a confined space arise through the combination of the confined nature of the work
place and the possible presence of substances or conditions which taken together could increase
the risk to the safety or health of personnel.
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2.2  When attending a confined space incident, especial y where an entry within the space is required
to resolve it, incident commanders should determine what the greater hazard to crew safety is:
•  The physical characteristics and restrictions of the confined space
•   or the hazard that has been introduced within that space.
2.3  When the hazard has been assessed, the appropriate control measures can then be
implemented. It should also be pointed out that more than one control measure may need to be
adopted to ensure that a safe system of work is implemented
2.4  The hazards listed below can reasonably be expected to be encountered when attending
incidents in confined spaces however the list is not exhaustive and IC’s should always be aware of
additional hazards when conducting their own risk assessment and formulating their objectives
and plan:

Hazard within the
Risk to firefighters
Cause
Control Measure
confined space
involved in the
rescue of persons
trapped
Oxygen deficiency.
Death by oxygen
This can result from
Do not enter unless to
starvation.
purging of the confined  save a saveable life.
space with an inert gas
Other life changing
Use of gas monitors for
injuries such as brain
to remove flammable or
toxic gas fume or
atmospheric monitoring.
damage due to
Initiate and maintain
oxygen starvation.
vapour.
Cordons.

Biological processes
consuming oxygen
Deploy sector
such as sewers or
commanders and safety
fermentation in sealed
Officers where applicable.
silos, where crops have  Breathing apparatus
been or are being
procedures.
stored.
SavOX Escape set (where
Burning, welding and
appropriate).
grinding operations
within the confined
Minimum personnel
space may also create
within the hazard zone.
an oxygen deficient
atmosphere.
Flammable
A range of injuries
This can arise from
Do not enter unless to
substances.
including death and
previous processes that  save a saveable life.
severe burns that may  have taken place in the
be sustained through  confined space, leading  Use of gas monitors for
atmospheric monitoring of
being burnt.
to the ignition of
airborne particles e.g.
Lower Explosive Limit
(LEL) levels.
flour in silos or
flammable substances
Initiate and maintain
that have leaked from
Cordons.
other areas, see Policy
Deploy sector
number 807 Incidents
Commanders and safety
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involving Silos
officers where applicable

Sufficient firefighting
There is also a
media selected and
possibility that gas may  deployed.
be introduced into a
confined space due to a  Adopt the appropriate
gas main becoming
firefighting procedure for
damaged, leading to a
the situation.
flammable/explosive
Use sprays instead of
atmosphere.
main jets on substances

such as dusts and flour.

Isolate processes to
prevent movement of
dust/powder/flammable
material.
Ventilate the premises
correctly.
Toxic gas fume or
Death by suffocation
Fumes / vapours may
Do not enter unless to
vapour.
or ingestion of toxic
remain from previous
save a saveable life.
material.
processes, from
Use of gas monitors for
disturbed sludge or
Other life changing
atmospheric monitoring.
injuries including
build up in sewers,
manholes or
Initiate and maintain
brain damage
Cordons.
through inhaling or
contaminated ground.

ingesting toxic
Deploy Sector
material.
Fumes/vapours can
Commanders and Safety
also be produced by
Officers where applicable.
work inside the
confined space such as  Breathing apparatus
welding, spray painting  procedures.
or the use of adhesives  SavOX Escape set (where
or solvents.
appropriate).

Gases such as
Minimum personnel
Hydrogen sulphide,
within the hazard zone.
carbon monoxide and
Isolate processes where
hydrogen cyanide are
possible.
particularly prevalent in
sewers; see Policy
Turn off appliance
number 121 Incidents
engines.
involving sewers and
Ventilate the premises
sewer rescue.
correctly.

Gases can also be

entrained into a

confined space by
other factors such as a

broken gas main, an
appliance engine left
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running or a change of
wind direction.
Hazardous materials Death by ingesting or Typical y from
Do not enter unless to
contamination by
laboratories or research save a saveable life.
biological hazards.
establishments where
biological hazards are
Use of gas monitors for
Other life changing
atmospheric monitoring.
stored for research in
injuries in the long
the cure for disease, or
Initiate and maintain
medium and short
in hospitals where
Cordons.
term including brain
patients are isolated in
damage through
Deploy sector
their treatment of
inhaling or ingesting
commanders and safety
infectious/contagious
biological hazards.
officers where applicable.
disease.

Obtain advice from on site
specialists.
Additional PPE (GTCPS)
Breathing Apparatus
procedures.
SavOX Escape set (where
appropriate).
Minimum personnel
within the hazard zone.
Isolate processes where
possible.
Adopt procedures
detailed in the Hazmat
policies.
Decontamination
procedures.
Radiation.
Death through
From establishments
Do not enter unless to
contamination by
where radioactive
save a saveable life.
radioactive material.
material is kept in
Use of gas monitors for
Other life changing
machinery such as x-
atmospheric monitoring.
ray equipment or at
injuries in the long
Use of Electronic Personal
medium and short
other research
establishments.
Dosimeter (EPD).
term including brain
damage through

Additional PPE (GTCPS).
inhaling or ingesting
Initiate and maintain
radioactive material.
cordons.
Deploy sector
commanders and safety
officers where applicable.
Obtain advice from on site
specialists.
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Breathing apparatus
procedures.
Minimum personnel
within the hazard zone.
Isolate processes where
possible.
Time, distance, shielding.
Decontamination
procedures.
Liquids and Free
Death from
The ingress of liquids
Do not enter unless to
flowing solids.
drowning.
that flow into a
save a saveable life.
confined space can
Death from
potential y drown or
Use of gas monitors for
suffocation.
atmospheric monitoring.
lead to other serious
Death from crush
injuries depending on
Initiate and maintain
injuries.
its quantity, toxicity or
cordons.
corrosiveness,
Other Life changing
Deploy Sector
see Policy number 796
injuries as a result of
commanders and safety
HAZMATS; fires and
being engulfed by the
officers where applicable.
incidents involving
free flowing
hazardous substances.  Obtain advice from on site
substance.
specialists.
An engulfment hazard
also exists with free
Breathing apparatus
flowing solids. A free
procedures.
flowing solid is any
SavOX Escape set (where
substance consisting of  appropriate).
solid particles and
which is capable  of
Minimum personnel
flowing, such as flour,
within the hazard zone.
grain, sugar or sand.
Isolate processes where
Free flowing solids
possible.
such as grain can also

partially solidify or
bridge in silos forming
an unstable structure
that can collapse
unexpectedly.
Metabolic Heat
Death in extreme
Temperatures inside
Do not enter unless to
Stress.
circumstances.
the confined space,
save a saveable life.
arduous working
Loss of
conditions and the
Minimum amount of time
consciousness.
spent in hazard zone.
wearing of PPE and
Inability to function
respiratory protective
Appoint safety officer to
rational y/correctly.
equipment (RPE) can
monitor crews.
lead to a dangerous rise  Regular monitoring of
in core body
crews.
temperature, see Policy
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number 284 Metabolic  Rotation of crews.
heat stress
Water to rehydrate crews.
Collapse of
Death due to crush
Collapse due to
Do not enter unless to
structure/trench/pit/  injuries.
structural failure.
save a saveable life.
Sewer.
Death due to
Minimum personnel
suffocation.
within the hazard zone.
Life changing injuries
Initiate and maintain
sustained due to
cordons.
collapse of
Deploy sector
structure/confined
commanders and safety
space.
officers where applicable.

Use trench trained LFB
personnel to create a safe
system of work.
Minimum movement of
appliances and plant
machinery close to trench.
Risk of further
Death due to crush
Collapse of structure
Do not enter unless to
collapse of structure  injuries.
due to external
save a saveable life.
Death due to
influences on the
Minimum personnel
structure /confined
suffocation.
within the hazard zone.
space.
Life changing injuries
Initiate and maintain
sustained due to
Cordons.
collapse of
Deploy sector
structure/confined
commanders and safety
space.
officers where applicable.
Consider the use of USAR
crews and USAR Adviser.
Minimum movement of
appliances and plant
machinery close to trench.
Exposure to the
Hypothermia.
Working in some
Do not enter unless to
elements.
Hyperthermia.
confined spaces for
save a saveable life.
long periods may lead
Minimum personnel
to exposure to weather  within the hazard zone.
conditions that have an
adverse affect on
Deploy sector
personnel’s health,
commanders and safety
whether through heat
officers where applicable.
or cold.
Regular monitoring of
crews.
Rotation of crews.
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Seek suitable cover from
the elements.
Water to rehydrate.
Regular planned reliefs.
Exposed utilities,
Death by
Coming into contact
Do not enter unless to
gas, electricity and
electrocution,
with utilities that have
save a saveable life.
water.
drowning or
been exposed by other  Minimum personnel
asphyxiation as a
external influences
within the hazard zone.
direct consequence
such as collapse of the
of exposure to the
structure/confined
Use of gas monitors for
hazard.
space.
atmospheric monitoring.
Other life changing
Seek specialist advice
injuries caused by
from on site engineers.
contact with these
Initiate Cordons.
utilities.
Deploy sector

commanders and safety
Officers where applicable.
Working at Height.
Death and other life
Some confined spaces
Minimum personnel to
changing injuries
may necessitate the
work in the hazard zone.
sustained by fal ing
need to work at height
Utilise tactical adviser
from height.
by ascending or
rescue.
descending fixed
ladders, or accessing
Utilise appropriate
using a line rescue
resources as advised by
system. I.e. silo entry or  the tactical advisor.
effecting entry into
Deploy sector
sewers.
commanders and safety
officers.
Restricted working
A range of
Working in smal
Do not enter unless to
within the confined
musculoskeletal
confined spaces with
save a saveable life.
space.
injuries, from strains
limited room for
Minimum personnel to
and sprains to life
personnel to move
changing injuries.
within the
work in the hazard zone.
compartment .
Regular monitoring of
crews.
Restricted access and
egress.
Rotation of crews.
Deploy sector
commanders and safety
officers.
Consider the use of USAR
crews and USAR adviser.
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3  Pre-planning
3.1  At premises where it is reasonable to assume that confined space workings may be taking place
or where it is known that people are working within a confined space, a familiarisation visit should
take place ( 7(2) (d) ) and be recorded as per Policy number 800 - Management of operational
risk information.
3.2  It is vital y important for officers to obtain all relevant information available from the premises
owner or site manager, or the contractor’s responsible person. This is to enable the correct
information to be recorded on the Operational Risk Database (ORD), along with any specific
operational plans or tactics, as wel  as additional appliances or specialist resources.
3.3  The type and detail of information required wil  vary from premise to premise, and wil  be
dependant on the type of process being carried out, the nature of the confined space and the
number of personnel involved.
3.4  The list below gives officers guidance on the type of information required, it is not a definitive list
and there may be other considerations dependent on the nature of the hazard and the associated
risks that are involved.
•  Contact details of site engineer/responsible person, including both in and out of hour’s
information.
•  Any specialist processes that are relevant to the site or premises.
•  The number of any on site personnel that may work within the confined space.
•  The type of process or work being undertaken and any significant hazards and risks that
firefighters may encounter.
•  Any on site Control measures or procedures available for Fire Service use.
•  The location of any control room that can initiate or isolate any on site control measures.
•  Rendezvous point where the Brigade wil  be met by site personnel with incident information.
•  Industry standard safe system of work in place fol owing the premises owners risk assessment.
•  Control measures/procedures required to be taken if on site control measures fail.
•  Isolation points for machinery and utilities.
•  Access and egress points for personnel and equipment with reference to restrictions or
obstructions in regard of width and weight of vehicles.
•  Site plans of the premises.
•  Water supplies or automatic suppression systems.
•  Provision for the removal of fluids.
•  Provision for the removal of gases/fumes.
•  Provision for forced ventilation.
3.5  Once this information has been gathered it must be entered on the mobile data terminal (MDT)
database and on  the ORD.
3.6  Once the information has been entered, al  watches should undertake regular visits to ensure that
they are familiar with the site, any process carried out and then review the information to ensure
that it remains current and fit for purpose.
3.7  Station and borough training plans should take into consideration and specifical y address
premises where work is carried out and where there is a potential life risk in confined space
working.
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4  En route
4.1  Appliance commanders must ensure al  personnel are rigged in ful  structural firefighting personal
protective equipment, Policy Number 693 Structural firefighting personal protective equipment
(PPE).
4.2  Information received en route and any pre planning that may effect on arrival tactics must be
passed on to al  relevant personnel.
4.3  Ful  use must be made of all available information systems such as the MDT and ORD
(operational risk database) in order to inform on arrival tactics.
5  On arrival
5.1  If not already part of any pre- planning arrangements a rendezvous point (RVP) must be
nominated at the earliest possible opportunity, and al  oncoming appliances should adhere to this
instruction.
5.2  Appliances should park safely at incidents especial y if this in on the roadway, and the instructions
contained within Policy number 754 - Working on roadways must be followed.
5.3  If crews are not immediately required for deployment on the incident ground they should await
instructions for deployment in a place of safety, which wil  be designated by the IC, until they are
deployed on the incident ground. This is to ensure entry into the confined space is not made in
an uncontrol ed manner.
5.4  Appliance commanders must consider the need to position appliances to al ow additional LFB,
and other emergency service vehicles, sufficient access and egress.
5.5  To prevent the ingress of exhaust fumes into a confined space, vehicles that are not required for
operational tasks such as pumping are to switch off the engine. The IC should also take into
account the direction of the wind where exhaust or other fumes could be introduced into a
confined space.
5.6  At known confined space incidents, or where the IC is informed that the incident involves a
confined space, the IC must maintain strict control over personnel and appliances to ensure that
their operational plan is strictly adhered to, and no additional hazards are introduced to the
incident. Officers should refer to Policy number 341 Decision making model and Policy number
342 - Dynamic risk assessment.
5.7  If preplanning has taken place, and there is a confined space action plan for the premises, this
should be conveyed by the incident commander to al  relevant personnel at the incident,
5.8  The IC should gather relevant information at the earliest opportunity this should include:
•  Location  and nature of incident.
•  Persons involved/work being carried out.
•  Access/egress points.
•  Hazards.
•  Contents of the confined space and any process carried out within that space.
•  Utilities isolation.
•  Ventilation systems.
•  Fixed instal ations.
•  Plans of site.
•  Isolation from ingress of liquids /free flowing solids.
•  Availability of specialist machinery/subject matter experts.
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6  Personal Protective equipment
6.1  For Incidents involving confined space, the minimum level of PPE that is required is full structural
firefighting PPE.
6.2  There is a progressive approach to the level of protection available to crews. The IC, dependant
on the situation and prevailing conditions, wil  determine the appropriate level.
6.3  Al  crews deploying into the confined space should carry an active gas detection monitor as soon
as one is available.
6.4  Gas detection monitors are carried on al  FRU’s. A Rescue Centre FRU forms part of the
predetermined attendance (PDA) for confined space incidents.
6.5  Where personnel are required to enter a confined space this function should ideal y be carried
out by USAR confined space trained FRU personnel.
6.6  The IC wil  need to carry out a risk assessment to determine which of the following levels of PPE
are to be implemented, as part of the safe system of work.
6.7  Firefighters or confined space trained FRU crews wearing ful  structural firefighting PPE. This is
only appropriate:
•  When the casualty is within sight of the entrance, and an active gas detection monitor is
deployed.
•  It is confirmed that the atmosphere within the confined space is safe to enter.
•  Delaying the rescue operations could lead to an immediate risk to human life i.e.  where life
threatening or life changing conditions are likely to result.
6.8  Firefighters or USAR confined Space trained FRU crews wearing ful  structural firefighting PPE
with SDBA/EDBA.
•  Must be used when it cannot be confirmed that the environment to be entered has a safe
breathable atmosphere, or there is no active gas detection monitoring system in operation.
6.9  USAR confined space trained FRU personnel wearing dry suits, gloves and USAR helmet with
headlight, equipped with EDBA or SDBA.
•  Must be used when the incident dictates that dry suits are required, for example a sewer
rescue and crews are entering an atmosphere that cannot be confirmed as safe and
breathable.
6.10  USAR trained FRU crews wearing the appropriate level of USAR PPE. This is only appropriate:
•  When the IC has determined that the incident is a USAR incident and that USAR procedures
are applicable  rather than the confined space policy.
6.11  USAR confined space trained FRU personnel wearing appropriate PPE (Dry suit, USAR or
firefighting) equipped with SavOX escape set.
•  This level is only to be considered when it is confirmed that there is a safe atmosphere present
within the confined space.
•  Where it can be confirmed that the atmosphere is safe and breathable a SavOX set, which is
carried on USAR module 2, wil  be carried by crews as an additional safety control measure.
The set is to be used in the event that the atmosphere deteriorates so rapidly that crews need
to return to a place of safety outside of the confined space.
•  If deploying with SavOX crews must carry an active Gas Detection Monitor.
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6.12  FRU personnel who have undertaken the USAR confined space operators course have been
trained in the use of the SavOX Escape set, which is carried on USAR module 2.  Only those
personnel who have been trained in its use can use it in an operational environment. Refer
to Policy number 861 - MSA SavOX escape set.
6.13  The SavOX escape set is only to be used for the withdrawal of crews in an emergency situation; it
does not enable the crew to undertake work within a confined space with oxygen deficient/toxic
atmospheres.
6.14  If personnel have to enter a confined space without gas detection equipment to save a saveable
life, it must be assumed that toxic/explosive gases are present. In these circumstances
SDBA/EDBA must be worn and intrinsical y safe lighting used. Once it has been confirmed that
there is no longer a life risk, crews are to remain outside of the area until an FRU with Gas
Detection monitors is in attendance
7  Operational procedure
7.1  Entry into a confined space may be undertaken:
•  To save a saveable life.
•  If the incident cannot be resolved safely unless entry into a confined space is made. This could
simply be passing through a confined space that requires no additional control measures, as
there are no hazards present, or may require specific control measures such as the actuation
of purging systems.
7.2  Whenever an entry into a confined space is made it is imperative that a planned safe system of
work is initiated and maintained, where possible this should be documented and recorded on the
key decision log on the CU.
7.3  As part of this plan  a risk assessment of the incident must be carried out by the IC and where
possible recorded on the key decision log on the CU.  The IC  must determine as a result of the risk
assessment:
•  What safe systems of work are required to be implemented immediately and what resources
are available to the IC immediately.
•  What additional systems of work and resources are required, and how long wil  these
additional resources take to arrive.
•  What actions can be taken immediately. (For example the need to rescue casualties from the
confined space, and the urgency of that rescue)
•  What actions wil  require additional control measures.
•  The nature of the hazard and extent of the risks that the hazard presents.
7.4  The IC must ensure that any site engineer/responsible person is located and is requested to
remain on site, in order to provide information that wil  assist the IC in the development of an
incident plan.
7.5  The IC must consider the early deployment of Safety Officers and Sector Commanders. Confined
space incidents have the potential to be very high risk and it is essential that the IC implements a
robust incident command structure at the earliest opportunity.
7.6  The IC must consider the early request for additional resources to ensure a safe system of work
e.g. FRU with line capabilities, DIM equipment, Scientific Advisors/HMEPO, Tactical Advisers
(USAR Advisers, USAR Trainer Responders).
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7.7  The IC must ensure an effective communication system is initiated and maintained on the incident
ground, in particular communications must be maintained with any crew deploying into the
confined space.
7.8  Where there is a risk of fire and explosion the IC should ensure that sufficient Firefighting media
is deployed and consideration is given to early ventilation, where appropriate, to assist in making
the area safe.
7.9  Personnel must not enter the confined space without breathing apparatus, unless atmospheric
testing has confirmed the atmosphere is safe and breathable. Regular testing and monitoring of
the atmosphere within the confined space is required to confirm this, and al  atmospheric
readings must be recorded.
7.10  Whenever an entry is made into a confined space, even if crews are not wearing breathing
apparatus.  The IC must agree and initiate a strict method of entry control, recording the following
information:
•  The names of the personnel entering
•  The time they enter
•  The task they wil  be undertaking
•  Where available, gas monitor readings
•  The location where they wil  be working
7.11  There are a range of methods available for the recording of this information. These are:
•  If wearing breathing apparatus, the entry control board.
•  If not wearing breathing apparatus the Forward Information Board (FIB), which is carried on all
Pump Ladders in the early stages of the incident.
•  If not wearing breathing apparatus the Confined Space Board, which is carried on USAR
module 2. As soon as a Confined Space Board becomes available al  information recorded on
the FIB must be transferred to the Confined Space Board as this equipment is incident
specific.
7.12  Safe access and egress must be maintained at al  times and crews should be kept to a minimum in
these areas.
7.13  Essential electrical supplies must be maintained, but non essential electrical supplies and other
mechanical power systems such as generators should be isolated. This should be tasked to onsite
staff and if appropriate a firefighter is to remain at isolation point  to ensure power is not reinstated
inappropriately.
7.14  The IC must consider the use of ventilation systems, fixed instal ations, and gas purging systems
where available, to minimise the hazards within the confined space. An on site specialist/site
manager, if present, should be able assist the IC with this information.
7.15  Potential hazards such as gas, liquid or other free flowing solids should be isolated where
appropriate, but advice from the on site specialist or site manager should be sought as they wil
be able to provide the IC with information on the consequences of this action.
7.16  When working in a confined space that contains free flowing solids, additional safety measures
may need to be applied such as line operations. The  IC must request the attendance of a tactical
adviser rescue for advice.
7.17  The IC should also consider the need for decontamination procedures when crews enter a
confined space, where they may be contaminated by fluids such as stagnant water or sewage,
further advice can be given by the duty Hazardous Materials and Environmental Protection
Officer (HMEPO).
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8  After the incident
8.1  After completion of the incident, the incident commander may be asked to assist other LFB
departments and partner agencies, such as the Police and the Health and Safety Executive with
any investigation into the incident that is required.
8.2  Any PPE or equipment that has become contaminated from the incident wil  need to be
decontaminated, as per Policy number 584 Firefighter decontamination & Policy number 693
Structural firefighting PPE before being placed back into service. Specialist advice can be
obtained from the duty HMEPO or if in attendance, the Scientific Adviser.
8.3  The IC should review any existing site information held on the MDT/ORD, and if appropriate,
forward it to the relevant station ground’s station manager, this wil  enable the station manager to
implement familiarisation visits and any subsequent changes that may be required.
9  Further reading
9.1  Associated policy documents that should be considered when reading this policy, including:
•  Confined space regulations 1997
•  Policy number 513 - Premises information box systems.
•  Policy number 341 - Decision making model.
•  Policy number 342 - Dynamic risk assessment.
•  Policy number 518 - Messages from incidents.
•  Policy number 408 - Incident command.
•  Policy number 284 - Metabolic heat stress.
•  Policy number 466 -Respiratory protective equipment – Breathing apparatus operational
policy.
•  Policy number 861- MSA SavOX escape set.
•  Policy number 467 - Breathing apparatus sub-surface procedure.
•  Policy number 557 -Urban search and rescue policy
•  Policy number 662 - Hydration of personnel at operational incidents and training events.
•  Policy number 488 - Incident communications.
•  Policy number 700 - TSR2000 UHF transportable radio repeater.
•  Policy number 121 – Safety in sewers and sewer rescue and
•  Policy number 807 - Incidents involving silos.
•  Policy number 302 - Col apsed structures.
•  Policy number 584 - Firefighter decontamination.
•  Policy number 693 - Structural firefighter Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
•  Policy number 796 -HazMat; Fires and incidents involving hazardous substances
•  Policy number 793 – Compartment firefighting
•  Policy number 773 – Basement firefighting
•  Policy number 633 – High rise firefighting
•  Policy number 581 – Water rescue and safety when working near, in on or near water
•  Policy number 547 – Line operations

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Appendix 1
Appendix 1 – Key point summary  - Incidents involving
confined spaces

Information on task or event
Information about resources
Information about risk and

benefit
• Attend main entrance or pre
•
Onsite ventilation systems, fixed
determined RVP.
installations .
Hazards :
•
• Nominate RVP, if required.
•
Liquids and free flowing solids
Onsite specialised

•
Metabolic heat stress
• Liaise with responsible person,
personnel/information.
•
Working at height
gather information.
•
Availability of onsite specialist
• Conduct  initial assessment of
machinery.
•
Oxygen deficiency
building/scene of operations
•
A additional resources/Tactical
•
Flammable substances
• Location and nature of incident.
advisors/scientific advisor.
•
Toxic gas fumes and  vapour

• Persons involved/process being
• FRU’s for line ops or DIM
•
Collapse of structure
carried out.
• USAR resources, where required.
• Utilities, electricity/gas/water
• Access /egress points.
• Utilities on site
• Slips, trips, falls

• Plans of site.
• MDT for site specific information.
• Falls from height


Gathering and thinking

Objectives
Plan
• Save life

• IC will carry out RA to determine the level of PPE:
• Crew safety - Safe systems of work
1. Full structural firefighting PPE
•
Others associated with the incident
2. Full structural firefighting PPE with SDBA/EDBA.

3. Confined space trained FRU personnel wearing Dry suit,
Communicating
gloves and USAR helmet and EDBA/SDBA.
•
Information received en route must be passed to all
4. USAR trained FRU personnel wearing the appropriate level
personnel and other take appliances.

of USAR PPE.
•
Set up and maintain effective incident ground
5. Confined space trained FRU personnel wearing appropriate
communication systems, in particular communications
PPE (full structural Firefighting PPE/USAR PPE/ dry suit) for
must be maintained with any crew deployed into the

type of incident and SavOX sets (this is an emergency
confined space.
escape set, only to be used by FRU/USAR trained

personnel). In addition  they must carry an active gas
detection monitor.

Controlling
• Following a RA the level of PPE stated in 1above is only
• Early deployment of Sector Commanders/safety

appropriate when:
officers.
o
The casualty is within sight from the entrance, and the
•  When working in a confined space that contains free
immediate area has an active gas detection monitor
flowing solids additional safety measures should be

deployed
applied, i.e. request the attendance of tactical adviser
o
It is confirmed that the atmosphere within the confined
technical rescue for advice
space is safe to enter
• Strict entry control protocols are to be followed to

o
Delaying the rescue operations could lead to  an
record and monitor all those entering the confined
immediate risk to human  life.
space.

• A DRA of an incident should be carried out which must
• Safe access and  egress must be maintained at  all times

weigh the benefits of immediate action against the potential
and crews should be kept to a minimum.
risk to personnel which should consider:
• Personnel should not be committed until the risk of

o
the need for rescues and urgency of  those rescues,
fire and explosion has been eliminated except where

o
what  resources are immediately available and how long
to delay would result in the loss of life.
additional resources will take to arrive
• Personnel must not  enter a confined space without

o
and the nature and extent of the hazards and risks
BA, unless atmospheric testing has confirmed the
involved.
atmosphere is safe. Regular testing of the atmosphere
must be carried out.
• Essential services/utilities must be maintained.

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Issue date: 14 September 2015
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Document history
Assessments
An equality, sustainability or health, safety and welfare impact assessment and/or a risk assessment was
last completed on:
EIA  10/07/2013
SDIA  10/07/2013
HSWIA

RA
15/06/2013
Audit trail
Listed below is a brief audit trail, detailing amendments made to this policy/procedure.
Page/para nos.  Brief description of change
Date
Page 9 para 3.5  Link to ‘PN748 - MDT’s’ removed as policy has been withdrawn.
26/01/2016
Page 7
Right hand column of table updated. “Use online shoring if
07/11/2016
available” changed to “Use trench trained LFB personnel to create
a safe system of work”.

Subject list
You  can find this policy under the following subjects.

Freedom of Information Act exemptions
This policy/procedure has been securely marked due to:
Considered by:
FOIA exemption
Security marking
(responsible work team)
classification

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Issue date: 14 September 2015
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Document Outline