Balance tanks are confined spaces and require specialist safety and access equipment, and trained personnel.
Commercial and Specialised Diving are confined space experts as well as diving experts. Many swimming pool managers are unaware that confined space trained specialists are required to clean, inspect or service areas that are enclosed, such as a balance tank. Please also be aware that many undercrofts are categorised as confined spaces.
According to the confined space regulations 1997 a “confined space” means any place, including any chamber, tank, vat, silo, pit, trench, pipe, sewer, flue, well or other similar space in which, by virtue of its enclosed nature, there arises a reasonably foreseeable specified risk.
It also states that every employer shall ensure compliance, for as far as is reasonably practicable, with the provisions of these regulations in respect of any work carried out by persons other than his employees insofar as the provisions relate to matters which are within his control.
This means that swimming pool managers must ensure that anyone working in their centre in a confined space must be trained, otherwise there could be repercussions!
Balance tanks should be cleaned, surveyed and maintained on a regular basis by a confined space expert. And remember – if you can’t drain the tank – we can dive it!
Consult Commercial and Specialised Diving for further guidance on any area that needs maintenance that may be classed as a confined space. Contact us on 01202 580007 and visit our website at www.specialised-diving.co.uk
