Introduction to Confined Spaces: Understanding The Hazards
A Guide to Working in Confined Spaces: Part 1
Introduction
Working in the construction industry can often involve facing dangerous environments, including confined spaces. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from 2011 to 2018, 1,030 workers reportedly died from occupational injuries involving a confined space. These tragic statistics highlight just how crucial it is that construction workers are equipped with adequate education on how to safely navigate working in these dangerous conditions. Understanding the hazards involved when working in confined spaces is the first step towards mitigating risks and preventing illness, injuries and fatalities from occurring.
In this article, we will cover:
What confined spaces are
What the hazards are and;
What steps can be taken to work safely
What is a confined space?
A confined space can be any enclosed space where there is a risk of death or serious injury from hazardous substances or dangerous conditions such as a lack of oxygen.
Examples of confined spaces include but are not limited to:
Storage tanks, silos, manholes, sewers, excavations and trenches.
Some confined spaces are relatively easy to identify for instance enclosures with limited openings however, others may be less obvious, such as unventilated or poorly ventilated rooms
Understanding The Risks of Working in Confined Spaces: What are the hazards?
There are various hazards associated with working in confined spaces. Some hazards may already be present but others may arise due to the nature of the work being carried out, for instance, heat and sparks being generated due to welding activities.
Hazards include but are not limited to:
Lack of oxygen
Liquids and solids (e.g. a burst mains water pipe suddenly filling the space)
Hazardous substances (e.g. poisonous gas, fume or vapour)
Temperature extremes
Poor visibility
Restricted access and egress
Falling objects
Working Safely in Confined Spaces: What steps can be taken?
When planning a work activity, it’s important to consider whether the work can be carried out differently to avoid entry or work in confined spaces.
Question: Is the intended work really necessary? Or could you:
Alter the confined space itself so that entry is not required or;
Have the work done from outside of the confined space e.g. via remotely operated equipment
If it is not reasonably practicable to avoid entering the confined space altogether, suitable control measures must be put in place. Some examples include:
Risk Assessments: Carrying out detailed risk assessments before entering confined spaces to identify any hazards specific to the environment or work activities.
Engineering Controls: Putting appropriate engineering controls in place e.g. installing ventilation systems where there is a hazard of oxygen deficiency.
Administrative Controls: Ensuring suitable administrative controls are carried out, e.g. ensuring workers fill out a work permit, providing sufficient training and appointing a competent supervisor.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing workers with PPE that is suitable for the hazards associated with the atmosphere and the work being carried out e.g. fall protection equipment such as a harness if there is a risk of falling from heights.
Conclusion
Chapter 1 of this series covers some of the hazards associated with working in confined spaces and the first steps towards developing a safer work environment. The statistics on occupational fatalities serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of education and training when dealing with these treacherous environments. Understanding the risks associated with confined space work is essential to safeguard workers and prevent accidents. As we move forward in this blog series, we will continue to explore what steps and strategies are required to help us navigate these spaces safely and competently.
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