05 Jan Confined Spaces

Confined Spaces

A confined space can present serious and potentially fatal hazards. These spaces may have limited or restricted means of entry or exit and can include tanks, vessels, pits, vaults, manholes, silos, excavations, and other spaces—including some with open tops.

Recognize the Hazards

Conditions inside a confined space can be very different from conditions outside. Never assume a space is safe simply because it is open or appears harmless.

Potential hazards include:

• Oxygen deficiency – The atmosphere may not contain enough oxygen to support life.
• Oxygen enrichment – Excess oxygen can greatly increase the risk and severity of fire.
• Toxic atmospheres – Hazardous gases, vapors, fumes, or other contaminants may accumulate inside the space.
• Flammable or explosive atmospheres – Flammable gases or vapors may accumulate and ignite if exposed to a spark, flame, or other ignition source.
• Engulfment and physical hazards – Workers may also encounter flowing materials, moving equipment, electrical hazards, falls, extreme temperatures, or other dangerous conditions.

Never Trust Your Senses

You cannot reliably determine whether a confined-space atmosphere is safe by sight or smell. Some hazardous gases are colorless and odorless, and oxygen-deficient atmospheres may provide no warning before a worker becomes disoriented or unconscious.

Never enter a confined space unless you are authorized to do so and all required entry procedures have been completed.

Before entering:

• Check with your supervisor.
• Determine whether the space requires a confined-space entry permit.
• Identify and control potential hazards.
• Test the atmosphere with approved monitoring equipment.
• Provide ventilation when required.
• Isolate hazardous energy and materials.
• Use required PPE and retrieval equipment.
• Ensure an attendant is stationed outside when required.
• Confirm that an emergency and rescue plan is in place before entry begins.

Never Attempt an Unauthorized Rescue

If a worker collapses inside a confined space, do not enter the space to rescue them unless you are specifically trained, authorized, properly equipped, and following the established rescue procedure.

The same hazardous atmosphere or condition that incapacitated the first worker can quickly overcome an unprotected rescuer.

Immediately summon the designated rescue service and use non-entry retrieval equipment when provided and when it can be safely used.

Remember

Confined spaces can kill without warning. Never trust your senses, never enter without authorization and proper precautions, and never enter to rescue a downed worker unless you are part of a properly trained and equipped rescue operation.