Confined Spaces

Confined Spaces

Welcome to another HSI Safe in Sixty.

A confined space is big enough to enter, but it's not designed to be occupied continuously and has limited ways to get in and out – think sewers, water drains, and more.

Permit-required confined spaces may contain or have the potential to contain: a hazardous atmosphere, a material with the potential to engulf someone who enters the space, a setting that could trap or asphyxiate an entrant, or any other recognized serious safety or health hazards.

Before you go in, ask if it is safe to enter. If so, think about how you'll get out. If you don't have an exit strategy and a rescue plan, don't go in.

Some gases rise, others fall, so test the air at different levels. If the air isn't safe, or your work will degrade the atmosphere, ventilate and continuously monitor the space.

Check your equipment before beginning any sort of confined space entry work. Has your gas detector been bump-tested or recently calibrated? Have all lanyards and lifelines been checked for wear? Have harnesses been properly stored?

Bring lighting and communication devices. And while these tools are helpful, you are required to have a designated attendant or stand by worker, outside the space.

Until next time, remember: Your safety is worth the extra minute.