NEBOSH Diploma · CertIOSH · 35 Years UK Construction

Confined Space Working Method Statements & Risk Assessments

Confined space RAMS are rejected on rescue arrangements more than anything else. The Confined Spaces Regulations require suitable and sufficient arrangements for rescue to be in place before entry, and a document that names no rescue team, no equipment and no trigger will not be accepted by any competent reviewer.

24–48hr turnaround
18-point compliance standard
Resubmission included
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Activities covered

Each document is written for the specific activity, site and programme — not adapted from a template for the trade.

Chambers, manholes and drainage systems
Tanks, vessels and silos
Deep excavations meeting confined space criteria
Risers, ducts, voids and roof spaces
Basements and undercroft areas
Sewer and culvert entry
Plant rooms with restricted access
Inspection, cleaning and maintenance entries

Hazards the assessment must address

  • Oxygen deficiency or enrichment
  • Flammable and explosive atmospheres
  • Toxic gases — hydrogen sulphide, carbon monoxide, methane
  • Engulfment by liquids, grain or free-flowing solids
  • Restricted access impeding escape and rescue
  • Heat stress in unventilated spaces
  • Drowning and rising water levels
  • Isolation failure and inadvertent introduction of substances
  • Rescuer casualties — the majority of confined space deaths

Regulations that apply

Confined Spaces Regulations 1997Avoid entry where reasonably practicable; safe system of work and rescue arrangements if not.
L101Safe work in confined spaces — the ACOP and the reviewing benchmark.
CDM 2015Contractor planning duties and coordination with the principal contractor.
DSEAR 2002Where flammable or explosive atmospheres may be present.
COSHH 2002Substances present in or introduced into the space.
PUWER / LOLERTripods, winches and man-riding equipment used for entry and retrieval.

Why confined spaces RAMS get rejected

These are the findings that come up repeatedly on the reviewing side for this trade. If your document has been returned, the reason is very likely in this list.

Rescue arrangements limited to calling the emergency services — not a suitable arrangement under the Regulations
No named rescue team, equipment list or rescue trigger
Atmospheric monitoring stated without gas types, alarm levels or continuous-versus-spot detail
No entry permit system, or one referenced but not included
Top-man or attendant role not named and not given authority to abort
Isolation of inflows and services not described
Escape breathing apparatus not specified where the risk assessment implies it
Space not properly classified — treated as a general work area

Already been rejected? Send the document and the reviewer's comments. We diagnose exactly why it failed, rewrite it against your site information, and support the resubmission until it is accepted — at no extra charge.

The lifting element people miss

Tripods, davits and winches used for entry and retrieval are lifting equipment for lifting persons under LOLER 1998, which brings a six-monthly thorough examination requirement and a higher factor of safety. That is frequently missed.

See our lift plan writing

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Other trades we write for

Method statements and risk assessments across the full range of construction activities.

Groundworks →Demolition →Roofing & work at height →M&E installation →Steel erection →Concrete & temporary works →All trades →

Need confined spaces RAMS that get accepted?

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