4 risks related to confined spaces

Remember, each confined space is unique and so are its hazards, so it's impossible to think of a risk assessment that works for everyone. However, there are four main categories of risk that most spaces share. Knowing them is essential.

RISK 1: RESTRICTIVE AND CLOSED DESIGN

Mainly, confined spaces are not designed or intended for continuous human activity. They usually have a limited entry/exit and, once inside, are often difficult to move. The obvious danger lies in the fact that it is difficult to escape quickly in an emergency. A restrictive design can also complicate emergency rescue from outside. This is why deaths often occur among people who come to the rescue without proper training by rushing into a confined space to rescue a companion. In addition, the very closed nature of these spaces limits airflow, meaning that natural ventilation will often not be sufficient to maintain adequate oxygen levels.

RISK 2: UNPREDICTABILITY

When you work in a confined space, circumstances can change very quickly, leading to risks that you may not have anticipated from the start. For example, activities such as welding can reduce oxygen concentrations to a dangerous level while cleaning with chemicals can contaminate the air with toxic substances. Conditions can also be dangerous due to external factors. For example, a sewer can flood due to heavy rains, exposing users to life-threatening hazards. This high level of unpredictability is why a detailed risk assessment is so important on every occasion.

RISK 3: TOXIC AND EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE

The nature of these spaces makes the presence of any toxic fumes, reduced oxygen levels or combustible gases especially dangerous. Some gases or vapors can be immediately deadly even after a brief exposure. For example, as soon as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) reaches a concentration of 1000 ppm (parts per million), the equivalent of 0.1 percent of the atmosphere of a confined space, it can kill a worker. Another reason why pollutants can be especially dangerous in a confined space is that even if they are not life-threatening, they can cause dizziness or unconsciousness, hindering your ability to escape or call for help. Lack of oxygen, or asphyxiation, is another silent killer that should always be kept in mind. Low oxygen levels cannot be detected by sight or smell, so an air test is vital. Too much oxygen can also be extremely dangerous as it greatly increases the risk of fire or explosion, which are often produced by the ignition of gases or vapors. Remember that two or more chemicals can also interact with each other and become explosive.

RISK 4: FALLS FROM A HEIGHT

It may not be the first risk that comes to mind, but falls are a major threat to workers in confined spaces. They often occur when workers lose their grip (e.g. when climbing a damp or greasy ladder) or lose balance when accessing unstable structures (e.g. a broken ladder). Another important reason for falls in spaces is that workers may underestimate the severity of the risk. Because they tend to operate at relatively low heights, which do not seem particularly dangerous, workers in confined spaces are often less attentive and negligent to some safety measures. Falling from a height of 13 feet would mean hitting the ground in less than a second and suffering irreversible or even fatal injuries.