Confined Space Access

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) determines a Confined Space to be any space of an enclosed nature where there is a risk of death or serious injury. Some enclosures with limited openings include silos, vessels and drains. Others may be less obvious and can include ductwork, vats and open-topped chambers.

Confined Spaces are inherently dangerous to access due to their enclosed nature. Wherever possible, working in confined spaces must be avoided.

Conversely, if access is mandatory, it is crucial that confined spaces are only accessed by competent people trained to adequately manage the associated risks.

BES Group is competent provider of independent professional inspections, surveys and audits. Our expertise extends to remedial, maintenance and rescue operations.

We pride ourselves on advanced training, regulation compliance and specialist support tools that facilitate safe access.

Our time-served engineers are available to support across a range of sectors, get in touch with our specialist access team for bespoke support.

Low risk confined spaces have minimal or no immediate hazards. These spaces are well-ventilated, and lack any physical dangers such as moving parts or stored energy. Examples include: Crawl spaces, open tanks, or trenches where the air quality is stable and there are no significant environmental or physical hazards.

Medium risk Confined Spaces present potential atmospheric hazards which may include oxygen deficiency and the presence of toxic gases. Control measures can be implemented to reduce these risks to an acceptable level.

Examples include: Underground vaults or storage tanks where hazards like gas buildup are possible, but continuous atmospheric monitoring and ventilation can mitigate the danger.

High risk Confined Spaces host multiple or severe hazards that could pose a threat to life or cause serious injury.

Examples include Chemical tanks with residual substances, spaces with moving machinery or areas with high voltage energy sources.

High risk confined spaces are inherently dangerous and should only be accessed by trained personnel. Due to the complex layout of these spaces, there is an increased risk of entrapment or engulfment.

Storage and Vessels: Large scale marine vessels and storage units   

Water management systems: Pumping houses, sumps and inspection pits, industrial piping systems, sewers, enclosed drains, tanks, and vats.   

Infrastructure systems: Bridges (box girders or other sealed elements), tunnels (Drainage and ventilation headings), excavations and culverts.  

Routine Visual Inspection: Simple visual checks to determine signs of defects.   

Routine Tactile  Inspection: This requires close and direct interaction with the surface to detect the physical signs of fatigue in assets. 

High-risk rescue operations within Confined Spaces are inherently dangerous and require meticulous planning, specialised equipment, and trained personnel to execute safe access and exits.   

As infrastructure specialists, we’re proud to facilitate high risk rescue operations across Confined Spaces which may include:  Underground tunnels, Drainage systems , Hollow bridge sections, Cathedral abutments alongside Shafts and Adits.