Confined Space Awareness

• Hazardous atmospheres or oxygen deficiency
• Toxic gas accumulation
• Limited entry and exit access
• Engulfment or flooding hazards
• Unexpected equipment startup or flow
• Communication and rescue difficulties

Confined spaces may include manholes, vaults, tanks, pits, wet wells, lift stations, utility structures, trenches, and other enclosed or partially enclosed areas where hazardous conditions can develop quickly.

Many confined space incidents occur because workers assume the area is safe based on previous entries or because the space appears normal from outside. Atmospheric conditions can change rapidly and may not be visible.

Hazardous atmospheres may contain toxic gases, flammable vapors, oxygen deficiency, or oxygen enrichment. Conditions may change during the job because of nearby operations, chemical reactions, flow changes, equipment movement, or weather conditions.

Confined spaces often have limited entry and exit points that slow evacuation during emergencies. Congestion, hoses, cables, tools, ladders, and piping can further reduce escape access inside the space.

Water intrusion, sewer flow, product movement, stored materials, mechanical systems, or energized equipment can create engulfment, crushing, or entrapment hazards during entry operations.

Communication between entrants, attendants, supervisors, and nearby crews is critical during confined space work. Workers should know who is inside the space, what hazards are present, and what emergency procedures are required.

Ventilation systems, atmospheric monitoring, lockout/tagout procedures, retrieval systems, and entry permits may all be necessary depending on the conditions and work being performed.

If atmospheric conditions change, alarms activate, communication fails, or hazards cannot be controlled safely, workers should exit the confined space immediately until conditions are reassessed.

• Test atmospheric conditions before and during entry.
• Maintain communication with attendants and nearby crews.
• Control energized systems and unexpected flow hazards.
• Keep entry and exit paths accessible.
• Use ventilation and monitoring equipment properly.
• Do not enter confined spaces without required procedures.
• Exit immediately if conditions become unsafe.

• Could atmospheric conditions change during the operation?
• Are workers protected from engulfment or flow hazards?
• Can entrants exit the space quickly during an emergency?
• Are communication systems functioning clearly?
• Have all energy and movement hazards been isolated properly?