For an area to be defined as a confined space under Confined Space Regs 1997, there must be a ‘reasonable foreseeable specified risk.’
To make it simple, we have included a flow chart from HSE ACOP 2014 https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l101.pd
By following the above, this will help you define whether your area is, or isn’t, a confined space under Confined Space Regulations 1997.
Remember – even if the area isn’t classed as a confined space and ‘subject to the regulations’ it still needs to be risk assessed effectively and control measures put in place to ensure worker safety.
To adequately risk assess a confined space, you must be trained and competent to do so. You can also check out or blog post here on How to Risk Assess a Confined Space
If you would like more advice, feel free to get in contact with one of our specialists.