When preparing for work in a confined space, did you miss a critical hazard? Which one do you think is most often overlooked?
If you speak with employees, managers, and health and safety advisers, you might believe that the only dangers in a confined space are explosions or hazardous gases. However, if you ask someone familiar with the Confined Space Regulations 1997, they’ll likely point out that drowning and extreme temperature increases are also significant risks.
So, what hazards are often overlooked?
Falling. Falling objects or falling into the space itself.
Imagine falling headfirst into a pitch-black hole. No amount of steel-toe boots or hi-viz vests will help.
How often have you seen someone open a manhole cover, then stand next to it with their hands on their knees, bending over to see inside? They might even be checking gas levels, which is necessary, but they are still at risk of falling in! In fact, it’s not uncommon for a health and safety manager or trainer to be lecturing staff about the dangers of traffic, weather, and proper PPE, all while standing next to an open hatch with a 4- or 5-meter drop below. There may be no harness or safety barrier in sight, and the group might be leaning in to peer inside a cramped space, not fully aware of the fall risk.
Many businesses operate in such confined spaces, from silos and vessels to valve chambers and other tight areas.
There are seven critical hazards that make confined spaces dangerous.
If working in these environments is unavoidable, you must exercise the utmost caution. Getting into trouble in a confined space can be fatal. Proper training, whether through hands-on practice or virtual learning tools like safety animation and eLearning, can significantly improve your team's awareness and competence in confined space work. For now, here are the top 7 hazards to be aware of in restricted spaces.
1. Low Oxygen Levels
In confined spaces, organic reactions can deplete oxygen levels. For example, certain soils, groundwater, or chemicals like chalk and limestone may react to produce carbon dioxide, displacing oxygen. The rust that forms in tanks can also cause oxygen levels to drop.
In 2014, three crew members tragically died after entering a cargo hold at Goole Docks. Research found that the oxygen levels in the compartment were only between 5% and 6%, likely due to the lumber load.
2. Vapours, Fumes, and Gases
Poor ventilation in confined spaces can lead to the buildup of toxic gases or vapours. These could come from hazardous leaks, such as from polluted land or broken gas pipes, or they could be produced by the work itself, like welding fumes, adhesives, or paint vapours.
Without proper ventilation or extraction systems, these gases pose a serious risk in tight spaces.
3. Flooding
Liquids, such as in drainage or sewer operations, can quickly flood confined areas, trapping workers inside and potentially leading to drowning. But the risk doesn’t stop with liquids—solids, like soil or debris, can also flood confined spaces, such as trenches, causing potential collapse and burial.
In tight spaces, flooding can happen in an instant, leaving little time for escape.
4. Dust
Dust accumulation, whether naturally occurring or generated by work activities like drilling or grinding, can cause serious health problems. Inhaling excessive dust can lead to lung diseases, and some types of dust can even be deadly.
Additionally, dust buildup in poorly ventilated areas increases the risk of fires or explosions.
5. Explosions and Fires
The risk of fire or explosion in confined spaces is high, especially when flammable materials, gases, or vapours are present. Using hot tools, working with combustible materials, or even having a high oxygen concentration can trigger explosions.
Remember, too much oxygen is as dangerous as too little—elevated oxygen levels increase the risk of fire.
6. Extreme Heat
Working in confined spaces, especially under physically demanding conditions or in hot environments, can lead to dangerous increases in body temperature. The limited space exacerbates the problem, trapping heat and making it difficult to escape even under ideal circumstances.
Heatstroke, exhaustion, and collapse are all potential consequences of excessive heat buildup.
7. Access Limitations
In addition to the inherent dangers, confined spaces can be difficult to enter and exit, which complicates emergency rescue efforts.
Once inside, workers may find it impossible to escape, making it crucial to assess the situation before entry and ensure that emergency plans are in place.
A Step Away from Fatality: The Overlooked Fall Hazard
While explosions and hazardous gases remain significant threats, another often-overlooked risk is the possibility of falling. In fact, this is one of the most common causes of workplace fatalities.
Imagine a situation: A group of workers is accessing a confined space via a manhole that’s about 10 feet deep. The area is equipped with a tripod and fall protection, and the atmosphere has been tested for gases. The workers wear harnesses, but here’s the issue—nothing is attached to their harnesses.
They may be safe while descending into the confined space, but because they are positioned too close to the edge, there’s nothing to stop them from falling in. It only takes one wrong step.
This is a major safety breach.
Regulations specify that employers must take reasonable precautions to prevent workers from falling an unsafe distance. The law is clear, but often, precautions aren’t properly implemented.
How Can We Prevent Falls?
- Barriers
Barriers are an effective means of preventing workers from falling into confined spaces. Workers can enter through a gate after attaching to a fall arrest device, and barriers provide protection for everyone in the vicinity. The major benefit of barriers is that they provide collective protection, shielding everyone, not just the person closest to the hazard.
However, barriers may obstruct rescue operations, so they should be used thoughtfully. - Lanyards
Lanyards, which provide personal fall protection, are also an option. They can be used with a tripod to secure individual workers. While they only protect one person at a time, they allow for more flexibility in emergency situations and may be helpful during rescues.
Conclusion
The hazards in confined spaces are numerous, and the risks should not be underestimated. While the presence of gases and explosions is well-known, falling is often the most overlooked danger. The use of barriers, proper lanyards, and ensuring all workers are properly secured are crucial steps in protecting employees from harm.
To better prepare your team, consider integrating virtual learning tools like safety animation and eLearning to enhance their knowledge and skills in confined space safety. For more information on safety animation training, visit Core EHS Safety Animation.
Would you consider revising your confined space safety procedures after reading this?