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Confined Spaces
Common Questions

We wish to film inside a crypt which is completely enclosed and probably poorly ventilated but the church wardens say it is safe to enter what should we do?
It is rarely possible, even for an expert, to determine just by looking what hazards may be present in an enclosure. Unless the crypt has many repeated entries (and successful exits!) within recent times, it should be treated as suspect and competent advice sought speak to BBC Safety before going further.
 
We wish to film in a man-hole with the local water authority and, under their permit system, they won't let us take our cameras in unless we can prove they are safe for use flammable atmospheres (i.e. BS 5501 complaint) we can't, what should we do?
Cameras are not generally BS 5501 compliant i.e. protected to prevent any internal short-circuit igniting flammable atmospheres. If it is not possible to agree to immediately stop filming when flammable atmospheres are detected, you will need to investigate the use of specialist housings to make them BS 5501 compliant or find an alternative location.
 
We wish to film some child actors playing in an old storage tank left on the site of an old army barracks the tank is empty and has a good ladder for access is this ok?
No. Whilst the tank may look benign, if it is steel or cast iron, it may be corroding inside and the formation of rust will be taking oxygen out of the atmosphere. If the tank is also poorly ventilated (e.g. has a sealed swing lid), the oxygen levels within the tank may be too low to sustain life. Two children have died in such circumstances.

When completing my Risk Assessment I regularly tick the Confined Space hazard box when filming in a small office/room environment. Is this applicable?
Not strictly as rooms of this type do not usually pose any high risk. However, if there was a risk of death or serious injury from working in such an environment due to lack of oxygen or lack of adequate ventilation, it may then be classed as 'confined'.  A Risk Assessment will be required.
 
Can I enter a confined space on my own whilst on a recce?
No. Lone working in confined spaces is not permitted. There must be at least two people working together and at least one more outside of the confined space in case of emergency.
 
Is it acceptable to accept someone's word that a confined space is safe to work in as they are familiar with it?
No. It may be necessary to carry out further detailed checks to ensure that there are no toxic or flammable vapours present, that your equipment is suitable to use, that all personnel are suitably fit for the work.
 
Before deciding on working in a confined space, what should I consider?
Initially you should ask yourself if the work is unavoidable in the confined space. i.e. can it be done from outside by other means? If it is filming work, can it be cheated? Can Design department help in a re-creation of a confined space? If none of this is possible you will have to implement a safe system of work ensuring that adequate safety and emergency arrangements are in place.
 
Who do I approach in order to determine if I need air monitoring in a confined space?
Initially speak with your Safety Advisor who will provide further guidance.
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