The Most Common Hazards of Confined Spaces
Confined Space Safety | November 29, 2022
If you are going to be working on a job site with confined spaces, it is crucial to understand how to stay safe in these areas. In addition to ensuring that you are properly equipped and trained, you should be aware of the most common hazards of confined spaces to minimize the risk of injury or death. As a leading provider of confined space equipment rentals and safety training solutions, the team at United Scaffold Supply knows how dangerous confined spaces can be without proper preparation. That is why we have compiled a list of the most common confined space hazards to help you understand what to watch for while on the job and maintain a high level of safety.
Learn how to determine if you need confined space training.
4 Common Confined Space Hazards
The following hazards are among the most common and most dangerous when working in a confined space:
1. Oxygen Deprivation
Oxygen can be removed from the atmosphere within a confined space through naturally occurring reactions. For example, a reaction between certain soils, groundwater, or limestone can produce carbon dioxide to displace oxygen. Rust forming inside tanks can also cause a lack of oxygen, so it is crucial to ensure that these tanks are well-maintained and cared for. Before working in a confined space, the oxygen level should be measured, and workers should be supplied with respiratory equipment and other safety supplies. Workers should also immediately exit the space if they feel lightheaded or short of breath.
2. Access Restrictions
Since confined spaces are difficult to enter and exit, it can be extremely difficult for workers to quickly escape from a hazardous situation. Emergency rescues are also difficult to perform, especially if no other personnel are properly equipped to enter the space. Workers should always ensure that the entrance and exit to the confined space are clear of obstructions to make emergency exits as smooth as possible. Nearby workers should also be trained in safe rescue procedures to maximize the chance of rescuing the employee while minimizing the risk of harm to themselves.
3. Gases and Fumes
A lack of ventilation can cause poisonous gases and fumes to accumulate in confined spaces. If you or another worker will be painting, welding, or handling toxic substances in a confined space, proper respiratory equipment must be worn and the space must be as ventilated as possible.
4. Fire and Explosions
Flammable liquids, fumes, and dust can gather within confined spaces and drastically increase the risk of fire or explosions. This risk is further increased during hot weather or when performing tasks such as welding. To minimize these risks, it is crucial to ensure that every confined space on the job site is thoroughly cleaned before performing any work.
To learn more about confined space safety or to inquire about our selection of scaffold rentals, get in touch with the team at United Scaffold Supply. We can be reached through our online contact form or by phone at 1-866-820-6341 and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our products or services.
If you are going to be working on a job site with confined spaces, it is crucial to understand how to stay safe in these areas. In addition to ensuring that you are properly equipped and trained, you should be aware of the most common hazards of confined spaces to minimize the risk of injury or death. As a leading provider of confined space equipment rentals and safety training solutions, the team at United Scaffold Supply knows how dangerous confined spaces can be without proper preparation. That is why we have compiled a list of the most common confined space hazards to help you understand what to watch for while on the job and maintain a high level of safety.
Learn how to determine if you need confined space training.
4 Common Confined Space Hazards
The following hazards are among the most common and most dangerous when working in a confined space:
1. Oxygen Deprivation
Oxygen can be removed from the atmosphere within a confined space through naturally occurring reactions. For example, a reaction between certain soils, groundwater, or limestone can produce carbon dioxide to displace oxygen. Rust forming inside tanks can also cause a lack of oxygen, so it is crucial to ensure that these tanks are well-maintained and cared for. Before working in a confined space, the oxygen level should be measured, and workers should be supplied with respiratory equipment and other safety supplies. Workers should also immediately exit the space if they feel lightheaded or short of breath.
2. Access Restrictions
Since confined spaces are difficult to enter and exit, it can be extremely difficult for workers to quickly escape from a hazardous situation. Emergency rescues are also difficult to perform, especially if no other personnel are properly equipped to enter the space. Workers should always ensure that the entrance and exit to the confined space are clear of obstructions to make emergency exits as smooth as possible. Nearby workers should also be trained in safe rescue procedures to maximize the chance of rescuing the employee while minimizing the risk of harm to themselves.
3. Gases and Fumes
A lack of ventilation can cause poisonous gases and fumes to accumulate in confined spaces. If you or another worker will be painting, welding, or handling toxic substances in a confined space, proper respiratory equipment must be worn and the space must be as ventilated as possible.
4. Fire and Explosions
Flammable liquids, fumes, and dust can gather within confined spaces and drastically increase the risk of fire or explosions. This risk is further increased during hot weather or when performing tasks such as welding. To minimize these risks, it is crucial to ensure that every confined space on the job site is thoroughly cleaned before performing any work.
To learn more about confined space safety or to inquire about our selection of scaffold rentals, get in touch with the team at United Scaffold Supply. We can be reached through our online contact form or by phone at 1-866-820-6341 and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our products or services.