Confined Space Safety

Each year, many individuals in the UK lose their lives or suffer serious injuries in confined spaces across various sectors. These incidents occur in environments ranging from complex industrial facilities to simple storage units and often involve not only workers but also untrained rescuers attempting to help without the necessary skills or equipment.

What is Considered a Confined Space?

A confined space refers to any enclosed or partially enclosed area where dangerous conditions, such as toxic substances or low oxygen levels, pose a serious risk of harm or fatality. These spaces are sometimes easy to identify, such as:

• Storage containers
• Silos
• Processing vessels
• Enclosed drains
• Sewage systems

However, some confined spaces are less apparent but equally hazardous, including:

• Open-topped chambers
• Tanks
• Furnace combustion areas
• Air ducts
• Poorly ventilated or sealed-off rooms

It’s important to note that a confined space isn’t always permanent. Certain areas can become confined spaces during construction, repairs, or modifications, making it critical to identify and address these dangers with proper training and equipment.