Legislation, standards, roles and responsibilities
Legislation, standards, roles and responsibilities
This domain tests the legal basis for gas testing and the boundary between the Authorised Gas Tester (AGT), the permit issuer and the entry supervisor.
Legal framework (UK)
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 - general duty to protect employees and others.
- COSHH 2002 - assessment and control of hazardous substances; workplace exposure limits (WELs) are published in EH40 and include 8-hour TWA, 15-minute STEL and ceiling values.
- DSEAR 2002 - risk assessment of flammable atmospheres, hazardous area classification and the explosion protection document.
- Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 - avoid entry where reasonably practicable; otherwise a safe system of work and emergency arrangements. The definition covers places where the atmosphere may be hazardous or where there is a risk of engulfment or asphyxiation.
- PUWER 1998 - gas detectors are work equipment and must be suitable, maintained and inspected.
- BS EN 60079 series and IEC 60079-29-1 cover flammable gas detector performance; BS EN 45544 toxic gas detectors; BS EN 50104 oxygen detectors.
Roles
The AGT is competent and authorised to carry out gas tests, interpret results and complete the gas test record. The permit issuer/issuing authority authorises the work. The entry supervisor controls the entry and supervises entrants. The standby person remains outside, maintains communication and initiates rescue. The entrants follow the permit and evacuate on alarm. The AGT does not, by signing a gas certificate, authorise the work unless the permit system explicitly gives that authority.
Worked example
An AGT completes a gas certificate showing 20.9% O2, 0% LEL and 0 ppm H2S, then signs the permit as issuer. Reasoning: the gas certificate records atmospheric conditions; authorisation is a separate duty held by the permit issuer. Unless formally delegated in writing, the AGT has exceeded their role.
Traps
Treating a permit as a substitute for a risk assessment; confusing WEL types (TWA, STEL, ceiling); assuming the AGT authorises entry; ignoring the requirement to avoid entry first.