Why Confined Space Safety Regulations Matter in Tank Work

• Key Takeaways
• What Is Considered a Confined Space?
• How FRP & PE Tanks Fall Under Confined Space Regulations
• Common Tank-Related Work That Requires Compliance
• Mandatory Procedures According to DOSH
• Cost and Compliance: What You Need to Know
• Why It Matters: Case of Septic Systems & Hazardous Atmosphere
• Summary and Compliance Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • Is a water tank always considered a confined space?
  • What training is required for workers to enter confined spaces?
  • Can we perform FRP panel tank installation internally without compliance?
  • What gases are commonly found in septic tanks?
  • Who issues the Permit to Work (PTW)?

Key Takeaways

• DOSH regulations in Malaysia govern confined space work under ICOP 2010.

• These regulations may apply to tasks like installing, inspecting, cleaning, or repairing FRP/PE tanks.

• Non-compliance can lead to legal penalties and serious health risks.

• Outsourcing to certified professionals may be required and could affect your project budget.

• Understanding these procedures helps project planners prepare for safer and smoother execution.

Working inside a tank?

That might be a confined space, and that means serious safety rules apply. Whether it’s installing FRP panel tanks, cleaning water tanks, or servicing septic systems, you may face hazards like toxic gases, low oxygen, and tight access. That’s why DOSH Malaysia has strict regulations under ICOP 2010.

If you’re using FRP or PE tanks in your project, knowing these rules isn’t just smart — it’s critical for safety, and may even affect your costs and compliance.

What Is Considered a Confined Space?

According to DOSH Malaysia, a confined space is any partially or fully enclosed space that:

• It is not designed for continuous occupancy,

• Has restricted entry or exit, and

• Poses risks like a harmful atmosphere, engulfment, or oxygen imbalance.

Examples include:

• Panel tanks during internal assembly

• Closed top water tanks requiring internal repair

• Septic tanks and small sewage treatment systems (SSTS) during maintenance

How FRP & PE Tanks Fall Under Confined Space Regulations

FRP Panel Tanks, Closed Top Tanks, Septic Tanks, and FRP SSTS meet many criteria outlined in the ICOP 2010 for confined spaces:

Common Tank-Related Work That Requires Compliance

You may unknowingly be entering a regulated confined space when performing:

• Internal FRP panel tank bolting

• Leak fixing or baffle adjustments

• Desludging or inspecting septic systems

• Installing internal ladders or partitions

• Cleaning residues from chemical storage tanks

Each task above poses chemical, oxygen-deficiency, and ergonomic risks—covered in DOSH’s ICOP.

Mandatory Procedures According to DOSH

Below are the 10 compulsory steps as per DOSH:

1. Permit to Work (PTW) preparation

2. Isolation of the tank area and system

3. Initial cleaning & purging

4. Ventilation for safe oxygen levels

5. Gas testing at the top, middle, and bottom

6. Continuous clean air supply

7. PPE preparation (helmets, gloves, fall arrest, etc.)

8. PTW Issuance (Max 8 + 4 hours)

9. Only trained entrants allowed (AE, ES, AGT)

10. Work completion protocol

Outsourcing to certified confined space professionals (with AESP/AGTES certification) may be legally required depending on the job.

Cost and Compliance: What You Need to Know

Project budgets may increase when confined space procedures are involved due to:

• Hiring of certified gas testers and entry supervisors

• Equipment like oxygen monitors and forced ventilation

• Permit to Work documentation and training

• Delay buffers for safety protocols

It’s crucial to factor in these items early in your planning process.

Why It Matters: Septic Systems & Hazardous Atmosphere

Septic tanks and SSTS often contain toxic gases such as:

• Methane (explosive risk)

• Hydrogen sulfide (poisonous)

• Ammonia and CO

These gases exceed PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) and are immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH).

Hence, confined space entry protocols are non-negotiable in septic system repair, inspection, or installation tasks.

Summary and Compliance Tips

• Always assess if the work qualifies as a confined space

• Refer to ICOP for Safe Working in Confined Spaces (2010)

• Train your workers or outsource to certified professionals

• Ensure proper permits, testing, and PPE before work begins

• Work with manufacturers (like Mui Fatt) familiar with compliance needs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a water tank always considered a confined space?

No. It depends on the access restrictions and whether the work environment meets the confined space hazards defined by DOSH.

What training is required for workers to enter confined spaces?

Authorized Entrant and Standby Person (AESP) training and AGTES certification are required depending on their role.

Can we perform FRP panel tank installation internally without compliance?

Only if the conditions do not meet confined space criteria. However, most internal work in tanks is safer with full compliance.

What gases are commonly found in septic tanks?

Methane, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, and ammonia—many are flammable or toxic at low concentrations.

Who issues the Permit to Work (PTW)?

Only a trained and certified Permit Issuer (PI) as defined by DOSH Malaysia.

#confinedspaceMalaysia #DOSHregulation #FRPtanksafety #PEtankcleaning #SSTSmaintenance #paneltankinstallation #confinedspacework

Disclaimer:-

The content on this site is for general information and entertainment purposes and does not constitute legal counsel. We strive to keep our information as accurate as possible. However, we make no warranties about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information contained on this page. You should rely on this information at your own risk. This website may include links to other third-party sites. These links are provided as a convenience to you as a reader, user, or browser only. We make no representation, warranty, or guarantee, nor do we endorse or take responsibility for any of the content of such sites.

Stay in touch with us if you’re interested in hearing from us promptly.

1. Website - https://www.muifatt.com.my/home/
2. Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/muifattmarketing
3. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/muifattmarketing/
4. Google - https://goo.gl/maps/WxVY13gNcaRTS7Jp6
5. Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@MuiFattMarketing
6. TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@muifattmarketing
7. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/mui-fatt-marketing-sdn-bhd-
8. Linktree - https://linktr.ee/muifattmarketing
9. Shopee - https://www.shopee.com.my/muifattmarketing
10. Lazada - https://www.lazada.com.my/shop/mui-fatt-marketing