What is a Confined Space?
Although
they are not necessarily intended for people, many workplaces contain areas
that are referred to as "confined spaces" because they are large
enough for workers to enter and perform certain tasks. Additionally, a confined
space is not intended for continuous occupancy and has limited or restricted
entry and exit options. Tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults,
pits, manholes, tunnels, equipment housings, ductwork, pipelines, and others
are examples of enclosed spaces.
Nearly every workplace has restricted areas. Underground or above-ground confinements are options. Despite its name, a confined space is not always small. Silos, hoppers, vats, utility vaults, tanks, water supply towers, sewers, pipes, access shafts, truck or rail tank cars, aircraft wings, boilers, manholes, pump stations, digesters, manure pits, and storage bins are all examples of confined spaces. Even though they still have "blue sky" above them, ditches, wells, and trenches may also be confined spaces when access or egress is restricted. Additionally, fish holds, shipping containers, and barges are thought to be potential confined spaces.
Examples of Confined Spaces
- Manholes
- Sewers
- Storage tanks
- Excavations
- Trenches
- Tunnels
- Lift and access shafts.
- Ducts
- Pipes
- Chambers
- Silos
- Hoppers
- Wells
- Unventilated areas and rooms
- Poor air quality
- Chemical exposures
- Fire hazard
- Physical hazards
- Safety hazards
- Vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
- Shifting or collapse
- Visibility
- Biological hazards
How do we
control Hazards in Confined Spaces?
Through a risk assessment, the hazards and risks of a confined space must first be identified. A program for hazard control can be implemented after this is finished. In regular workplaces, the hierarchy of controls-based traditional hazard control methods can be effective in confined spaces. Elimination and substitution are the most effective controls; engineering controls should be considered if these are not feasible or if there is still risk. In addition to the other controls, administrative controls ought to be implemented. Personal protective equipment is the final option to take into consideration.
However,
depending on the hazard and the confined space, special precautions that are
not typically required at a typical worksite may also be required. Substitution
replaces a hazard with a safer one (for example, using cold work methods
instead of hot work) and elimination removes the risk (for example, finding another
way to finish a job without entering a confined space). Mechanical ventilation
is a common engineering control used in tight spaces. An example of a
confined-space administrative control is the entry permit system. Equipment for
protecting one's self, such as gloves, hearing protection, and respirators is
also frequently used in tight spaces. However, wearing PPE may occasionally
result in increased heat and mobility loss. Those circumstances require careful
consideration. Always use PPE as part of a PPE program, and evaluate all
potential risks and hazards associated with PPE use.