Hazard Guide
Identifying, Assessing, and Controlling Hazards

Confined Space Hazards


A confined space is an enclosed or partially enclosed area that is big enough for a worker to enter. The space may be enclosed on all sides (for example, a bin or tank), or as few as two sides (for example, an enclosed conveyor). Confined spaces are not designed for someone to work in regularly. They are places where entry may be needed from time to time for inspection, cleaning, maintenance, or repair.

Confined Space Hazards
Construction Industry Examples
  • Risks from being in deep excavations, containers, storage units, HVAC plenums, tunnels, silos, sumps, shafts or holes, crawl spaces, cellars, lift stations, etc. High risk when there is diminished oxygen or poor air quality, hazardous atmospheres, chemical vapours, gases, fumes, or dust or risk from entrapment or engulfment.
Tips on Identifying
  • Confined spaces in the workplace pose a significant risk of injury and death. Hazards in confined spaces can result in fire, explosion, unconsciousness, asphyxiation, or drowning.
  • Confined space incidents can happen suddenly, often without any warning that something is wrong. Employers must take the necessary steps to ensure worker safety around confined spaces.

Control Method Examples:

More Effective

Elimination

Complete work from outside space

Substitution

Engineering Controls

Forced air ventilation, intrinsically safe equipment

Administrative Controls

Identification and assessment of all hazards in a confined space, warning signs posted, gas monitoring, safety watchers

PPE

Intrinsically safe PPE; non-entry tripods and self retracting lifelines

Less Effective