Not all confined spaces are obvious, so here are 20 examples of confined spaces (with explanations below) to help you spot them: Perhaps you've needed to work in a confined space in your workplace or a recent project. Now we know what a confined space is, maybe you have come up with some examples yourself. A confined space permit to work will often be used to control entry, due to the high-risk nature of the work, and the hazards it can present. Examples of confined spacesĬonfined spaces are not usually intended for occupancy by people, but during maintenance work or other activities, entry into the space may be required. And if this blocks the escape, you may be trapped, crushed or drowned.įind out more about the hazards in confined spaces in our blog post 7 hazards that make confined spaces dangerous places. Or, if oxygen gets used up through breathing or other activities within the confined space, there may not be enough ventilation to provide fresh oxygen when needed.Ĭonfined spaces can also quickly flood with water or other materials. There may not be enough oxygen present in the space to start with. Hazardous substances can get trapped in a confined space and cause the atmosphere to become unsafe. Because the space is enclosed, there can be ventilation issues too. This makes it difficult to communicate when you need help, or if problems occur.Īccess and communication aren't the only hazards in confined spaces. ![]() People outside the confined space might not be able to see those inside. Restricted access will also mean it is difficult for someone to rescue you. This increases risks because, if something was to happen, it will be hard for you to escape. Increased risks in confined spaces can be because of restricted access and exit. a place that is enclosed (not always entirely).If we are looking for a confined space then, we are looking for: The HSE website also includes a useful definition, which means the same thing but uses slightly different wording:Ī confined space is a place which is substantially enclosed (though not always entirely), and where serious injury can occur from hazardous substances or conditions within the space or nearby (e.g. We will expand on a few more examples shortly. The definition also includes a few helpful examples, like chambers, tanks, vats, silos and pits. So the official definition of a confined space is any place which, because of its enclosed nature, there is a reasonably foreseeable risk. “confined space” means any place, including any chamber, tank, vat, silo, pit, trench, pipe, sewer, flue, well or other similar space in which, by virtue of its enclosed nature, there arises a reasonably foreseeable specified risk The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 Citation, commencement and interpretation Where better to look for an official definition of a confined space than the confined space regulations themselves: The definition of a confined space can vary slightly depending on where you look, but it all boils down to the same thing - an enclosed place with increased risks. A confined space might only be partially enclosed, but enclosed enough that means risk is increased. They also don't need to be entirely enclosed. Other people might not be able to get in and rescue youĬonfined spaces can be above or below ground.You might not be able to communicate for help.Other people might not be able to see if you get into difficulties.You might not be able to escape in an emergency.Because confined spaces are enclosed they have increased risks. ![]() In simple terms, a confined space is any enclosed place with limited access. In this blog post, we are taking it back to basics and looking at what a confined space is, with definitions and examples. But what if you don't know you are in a confined space until it's too late? It is not always obvious when you are working in a confined space. We recently wrote about what makes confined spaces dangerous places. Every year, people die and are seriously injured in confined spaces.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |