HSE Press Release: E109:04 - 29 July 2004
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a warning to the manufacturing industry, following a recent triple fatality, that entering confined spaces is extremely dangerous, particularly waste and recycling companies.
Three employees working on a farm near Thetford were asphyxiated in a slurry tank. They were overcome by carbon dioxide; this, compounded by a lack of oxygen, resulted in the workers drowning in less than one metre of liquid. A fourth worker, who also entered the tank, was very fortunate to escape with his life.
The danger of asphyxiation from entering confined spaces is well known. A lack of oxygen, and in some instances the build up of hazardous gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide, can result in people being quickly overcome with little or no warning before they become unconscious.
Reflecting on the recent tragedy, James Barrett, Head of HSE's Manufacturing Sector, said:
"In the last four months alone, three people from manufacturing industries have died as a result of entering confined spaces. This latest incident highlights the risks common to all industries and everyone; employers, trade unions, and workers themselves, need to be alert to the dangers."
He added:
"It is not as if the risks from confined spaces are new. Workers need to stop and think before they enter any confined space, even those with an open top. Toxic gases can build up or the space may contain little or no oxygen.
"It is no good managers implementing a safe system of work and assuming employees will follow it. Workers need to be carefully trained and supervised by a competent manager. Senior management must carry out regular checks to be sure the correct procedures are always followed. Anything less is just not good enough and people will continue to die".
1. A double fatality occurred in Hereford on 14 June 2004, two employees died due to lack of oxygen whilst working in a 'pit' associated with a high-pressure special atmosphere furnace. On 29 April 2004 a worker in West Thurrock died whilst welding the inside of a petrol tanker.
2. HSE's manufacturing sector covers a wide range of industries, including engineering, shipbuilding and repair, motor vehicle repair, textiles, printing, wood working, paper, rubber, plastics, metals, foundries, ceramics, quarries, glass, concrete, cement, and waste recycling - in all employing around 4 million working people.
3. The numbers of fatal accidents occurring in industry are published on the HSE web site: http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics
4. HSE published the statistics of fatal injuries for 2003/04 on 29 July 2004, http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2004/c04037.htm
5. In industries covered by the manufacturing sector, fatal accidents have totalled 46 in 2000/2001, 47 in 2001/2002, 41 in 2002/2003, and 44 in 2003/2004. The highest rate of fatality has been amongst those working in the recycling/waste industry where 5 people have died in the last year alone.
6. Under the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 employers must first try to avoid the need to enter a confined space. Where this is not possible, they must:
7. HSE guidance includes Safe work in confined spaces INDG258, Managing confined spaces on farms Agriculture Information Sheet no 26, Safe work in confined spaces. Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 L101, price £7.50, ISBN 0 7176 1405 0. Copies are available from HSE Books.
All enquiries from journalists should be directed to the HSE Press Office
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