Confined Spaces Regulations 1997

Provisions the documents cite: regs 1(2), 4(1), 4(2), with ACOP L101 (3rd edition, 2014); reg 5(1) and 5(2)(a) and (b) (emergency arrangements; ACOP L101 paras 147 and 161)

What it requires

reg 4(1) — no entry where the purpose can reasonably be achieved without it. reg 4(2) — a safe system of work. L101: a permit system "is usually required where there is a reasonably foreseeable risk of serious injury"; the permit is an extension of the safe system, not a replacement. ACOPs carry special evidential status.

The instrument itself: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/1713. The summary above is our plain-English reading, not the text of the instrument — always work from the source.

How this entry is kept current

Citation status: cited from the primary source.
Watched by: legislation.gov.uk Changes to Legislation tab; HSE L101 page for ACOP edition changes.
Source last checked by the automated scan: 2026-09-01.

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The 17 documents that cite it

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