Confined Spaces
OSHA defines confined spaces as spaces that are not designed for people, but often people must enter these spaces to perform work. Confined spaces have limited entrances and exits and are not intended for people to occupy them all the time. Some confined spaces include tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, pits, manholes, tunnels, equipment housings, ductwork, and pipelines.
Incident Prevention
- Label all confined spaces. This allows workers to identify confined spaces and take the proper measures before entry.
- Evaluate all confined spaces to determine if they contain any potential hazards.
- Provide workers with the proper training on determining if a confined space is hazard free and allows adequate entry and exit.
- Test the air quality before entering a confined space. Most incidents occur because of low oxygen levels, combustible gas in the air, or toxins. In the event of an incident, never go in after the person. Call local responders to perform the extraction.
- While a worker is in a confined space, contact is always kept with them.
