Working in confined spaces is a fact of life, and, for some, a daily reality, and such work can pose real and dangerous risks. However, what regulations define as ‘confined spaces’ is specific, often misunderstood, and can potentially allow due safety procedures to be overlooked.

Officially, a ‘confined space’ refers to any enclosed or partially enclosed space that fulfils various criteria. First, the space must not have been designed or intended to be occupied by a person. A water tank, while able to occupy a person, perhaps for maintenance, was not designed for that purpose, and so would fulfil this first criterion.

Second, the space must be, or be meant to be, at a normal atmospheric pressure while a person is in that space.

Third, and most importantly, the space must possibly, or even be likely to, pose a health risk to any potential occupant due to one or more of the following four factors.

1. The space does not contain a safe oxygen level. This could be the result of a chemical reaction, displacement of the air by a heavier-than-air gas, internal combustion engines, or any number of things.
2. The space contains elements or contaminants that could cause a fire or explosion. Flammable gases, liquids, chemical compounds, coatings, or combustible dusts can all pose this kind of risk.
3. The space contains any potentially harmful airborne contaminants, like natural gas, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide, or solvents, paints, or cleaners.
4. The space puts an occupant at risk of engulfment by either water, mud, earth, or anything which could cause crushing or suffocation.

Regulations covering identified confined spaces call for an immediate assessment of what risk those spaces might present. If it is uncertain, the space must be assessed to determine whether it fulfils the above criteria.

Identifying confined spaces and taking appropriate action is a crucial aspect of workplace health and safety. Confined spaces training and skilling is available to all members of any at-risk workforce, and may be considered a vital part of certain occupations.

All aforementioned hazards can cause serious injury or death, and, as such, it is of the utmost importance to observe the relevant protocols. It is the responsibility of supervisors, managers, and workers to protect themselves and others from serious harm. This not only ensures the health and safety of those working in potentially hazardous environments, but also protects them from liability.