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Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Confined Spaces) Regulation

The Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Confined Spaces) Regulations were first made in 1973 and subsequently amended in 1981 and 1989. To provide better protection to workers in a confined space, a new set of regulation has been made to replace the existing regulations. The new Regulation was approved on 20 January 1999 and has come into operation on 19 June 2000.

Apart from defining more clearly what constitutes a confined space, the new regulation requires proprietors or contractors to take the following safety measures :

  • Appoint a competent person to conduct a risk assessment and make recommendations on measures in relation to safety and health at work before the entry of any person is allowed. The assessment and recommendations should include identifying the hazards likely to be present in the confined space and evaluating the extent of the risks involved. A fresh assessment should be made whenever there is a significant change in the conditions of the confined space or of the work activities therein;
  • Certify that all necessary safety precautions to be taken before confined space work begins and when the work is being undertaken;
  • Ensure that workers entering or working in a confined space are certified workers;
  • Provide and ensure that workers entering or working in a confined space wear an approved breathing apparatus and a suitable safety harness connected to a lifeline with its free end held by a person outside the confined space;
  • Have in place emergency procedures to deal with any serious and imminent danger to workers inside a confined space and ensure a sufficient number of persons are present who know how to use the safety equipment in emergency;
  • Provide the necessary instructions, training and advice to all workers involved in the work related to confined space;

The new regulation also requires a certified worker to observe all necessary instructions, advice provided and emergency procedures implemented as well as make full and proper use of any safety equipment or emergency facilities provided.

A code of practice has been issued for the guidance of proprietors and contractors.