Confined Space Safety

Work Smart, Stay Safe
Working in a confined space may be a regular part of your job, or it may be a one-time emergency. Always think of confined spaces as dangerous. You can protect yourself. Learn their hidden hazards and use safe practices. It's the smart way to stay safe.

Few Openings
Confined spaces have few or very small openings. They're not meant for workers to stay in. Ventilation is usually poor.
Boilers, storage tanks, pipelines: they don't have to be small to be confined.

Four Dangers
There are four main dangers in confined spaces. First, there may not be enough oxygen to breathe. Rust, sewage, or chemicals can use it up. Even if there's enough oxygen when you enter, it can be used up by your presence and your work more quickly than you might think.

Second, fire and explosions can both use up oxygen quickly enough to prevent escape and cause death within minutes. Chemicals and gases can explode suddenly, from cigarettes, static electricity, sparks, or heat.

Third, in confined spaces there is the danger of poisonous ("toxic") elements in the air. They can harm your breathing and nervous system. Often, you cannot see or smell them.
Some gases, vapors and dusts can burn or smother you quickly. Others don't have obvious effects and so are especially dangerous.

Fourth, there are physical dangers such as loud noise, intense heat, and falls. These can be very hazardous in confined spaces.

Class A, B or C

• Confined spaces are classified by how dangerous they are for your health. This depends on oxygen levels, fire dangers ("flammability"), and poison dangers ("toxicity"). Class A confined spaces are very dangerous. Their oxygen levels may be low. Explosions may be likely. They may have high levels of toxic gases or chemicals.
• Class B spaces present dangers if proper safety steps are not followed. Class C spaces have possible hazards, but special work procedures are not necessary.
• Only trained people should decide whether a space is Class A, B or C.

Prepare Carefully

• Always prepare before entering a confined space, no matter how great an emergency it is. Use the right ventilation and Personal Protective Equipment. Make sure all equipment is tested and grounded.
• Cut off gas, power, steam or water lines into the confined space. Post a permit stating that you are inside.
• Have a qualified person test the air for oxygen, flammability, and toxicity. Test high, low and in the corners.
• Have at least one "buddy" outside, connected to you by lifeline. Your buddy should know cardiopulmonary resuscitation ("CPR"), first aid, and how to use safety equipment. Stay in contact with your buddy.
• Stay alert and don't smoke or eat while in a confined space.

For more information about our safety services go to http://www.endure-inc.com/