What is a confined space?

It can be any space of an enclosed nature where there is a risk of death or serious injury from hazardous substances or dangerous conditions (e.g. lack of oxygen). Some confined spaces are fairly easy to identify, e.g. enclosures with limited openings:

• storage tanks

• reaction vessels

• enclosed drains

• sewers

Others may be less obvious, but can be equally dangerous, for example:

• open-topped chambers

• vats

• combustion chambers in furnaces etc

• ductwork

• unventilated or poorly ventilated rooms

What are the dangers from confined spaces? Dangers can arise in confined spaces because of many reasons; these include many relating to the atmosphere e.g.:

•  A lack of oxygen Poisonous gas, fume or vapour

• Fire and explosions (e.g. from flammable vapours, excess oxygen)

• Residues left in tanks vessels etc, or remaining on internal surfaces which can give off gas, fume or vapour

• Gas, fume or vapour can arise from welding

• or by use of volatile and often flammable solvents, adhesives etc