The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 are UK regulations made under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 that set out duties on employers and the self-employed in relation to work in confined spaces, including deeper drainage manholes, large sewers, septic tanks and certain pumping station chambers. The regulations require that work in confined spaces should be avoided where possible, and where unavoidable, carried out under a safe system of work including risk assessment, gas monitoring, ventilation, communications and rescue arrangements. Enforcement is by the Health and Safety Executive, with major incidents reportable under RIDDOR. Practical implications for drainage contractors across Greater London include the need for current confined space training, calibrated detection equipment and competent rescue planning. The formal reference is the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 (SI 1997/1713) and accompanying HSE guidance L101.
Confined Space Regulations 1997
UK regulations setting out duties and safe systems of work for entry into confined spaces.
