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Confined Space Recommendations

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a confined space is an area that has a restricted entry or exit point, but is big enough for a person to work in on a temporary basis. Confined spaces pose several safety and health risks for workers who have to perform tasks in them because they are not typically well-ventilated. Safety guidelines have been established to deter harmful situations and promote healthier work environments in confined spaces.

  1. Testing Air Quality Levels

    • Confined spaces are not exposed to normal atmospheric conditions because they are enclosed in some way. Therefore, proper air testing equipment is necessary to measure toxic gas levels and ensure worker safety. Test all levels of atmosphere in a confined space to determine toxicity levels in addition to what gases are present. Tests for hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide and dioxide, methane and oxygen levels, among others, should be administered before entering. Toxic gases are often odorless and not easily detectable by human senses alone so proper testing equipment is necessary. Furthermore, according to the CDC, oxygen must be at a minimum of 19.5 percent and should not exceed more than 21 percent.

    Proper Ventilation

    • A confined space should be properly ventilated if harmful levels of gases are present. Repeated testing should take place to determine when it is safe for a worker to enter the area. Additionally, suitable respiratory air-supplying equipment should be accessible and worn by workers who enter oxygen-deficient environments. Additional entry and exit points can also be installed to further ventilate spaces and blowers and fans are other alternatives in certain situations.

    Necessary Equipment

    • Proper clothing and equipment are often necessary prior to entering a confined space. Rescue and communication equipment, special boots, chemical suits and respiratory instruments are important to deter health and safety risks.

    Emergency Personnel

    • A standby worker should remain just outside of a confined space at all times. The attendant should also have continual and repeated contact with the workers inside the confined space, either visual or auditory, until the workers inside the space exit the area. Unless properly trained in rescue efforts, however, a standby worker should not attempt a rescue until specialized and trained rescue teams arrive. Standby personnel should have all necessary emergency contact information and instruments on hand should an emergency arise.

    Machinery and Pipe Lines

    • All machinery and gas lines within a confined area should be disconnected and bled out, prior to entry. Whenever possible, electrical circuits should be "locked out" as well to prevent any mishaps and to reduce noise levels that are often amplified in enclosed areas.

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