Confined spaces on farms include indoor silage clamps, sealed moist grain tower silos, slurry storage systems and forage tower silos. The ACOP requires work in confined spaces to be avoided if reasonably practicable. If the work cannot be avoided then a risk assessment and safe system of work must be put in place for the work. The ACOP also covers emergency procedures and requirements for plant and equipment to be used in confined spaces. Read more about managing confined spaces on farm.
The HSE is consulting on proposals designed to bring the document up to date with regulatory and other changes and to make the understanding and use of the document easier, particularly with clarifying the definition of a confined space.
The NFU drafted this response which has been sent to HSE.
Members can send their comments on the above consultation to YmVuLmVsbGlzQG5mdS5vcmcudWs= by no later than 17th September.