A Brief Introduction to Confined Space Hazards

What are Confined Space Hazards?

Confined space hazards are safety risks associated with substantially enclosed places. In construction, this usually refers to vessels, tanks, containers, bunds, drains, sewers, chambers, cellars, and other spaces of similar structure that increase the likelihood of an accident or injury.

Moreover, some areas including trenches, unventilated rooms, and building voids may also become confined spaces during the construction work being carried out and present unique hazards that threaten worker well-being.

Importance of Practicing Confined Space Safety

Recognizing and addressing the hazards present in enclosed spaces is an integral part of confined space safety. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that 44 workers died in confined spaces in 2022, a 41% increase from a decade earlier. An earlier report from 2020 also stated that 1,030 workers died from occupational injuries involving a confined space from 2011 to 2018.

Construction work comes with inherent risks, but the limited or restricted space limits proper ventilation, which could produce dangerous air contaminants and complicate emergency response activities. As such, construction companies are encouraged to implement confined space safety practices to protect workers and address the hazards present in their line of work.

6 Types of Hazards in Confined Spaces

In order to properly address confined space hazards, it is crucial to know the risks workers can be exposed to. Common types of hazards in confined spaces you should know about include the following:

6 Types of Hazards in Confined Spaces

Reduced Oxygen

Enclosed spaces have limited ventilation, making it difficult to get adequate oxygen. Restricted airflow and improper circulation produce excess carbon dioxide and are dangerous for workers in a confined space. This can lead to oxygen deficiency (hypoxia), which is a medical emergency that can prompt memory loss, problems with motor functions, seizures, and coma.

Poor Air Quality

In addition to a lack of oxygen, confined spaces are exposed to poor air quality from gasses, fumes, and vapors. Without proper ventilation, gasses from busted pipes or contaminated areas can leak into the limited space and bring harm to workers.

Additionally, the nature of work being done in the confined space can produce poor air quality. Dust build-up from drilling or chemical hazards from the use of adhesives and paint also pollute the air and create a toxic atmosphere.

Biological Hazards

Confined spaces such as sewers and other similar places expose workers to biological hazards. This includes viruses, bacteria from fecal matter, fungi, and mold, all of which can significantly affect an individual’s physical well-being.

The common health effects of biological hazards include respiratory illnesses, skin rashes, allergic reactions, and flu-like symptoms. Moreover, it can affect productivity and increase absences at work, which can affect the progress of a construction project.

Flooding

Liquid substances can quickly fill up a confined space, especially in drainage or sewer work. This could potentially trap and drown workers in these spaces or expose them to contaminated substances that threaten their well-being. Additionally, certain solids like earthworks surrounding tunnels can collapse and flood the limited space, making it difficult to escape.

Extreme Temperatures

Severe temperatures can be observed in confined spaces due to improper ventilation. Hotter environments increase body temperature and can cause heat stress and lead to fatigue, collapsing, nausea, muscle cramps, and dizziness.

On the other hand, cold temperatures can cause frostbite, hypothermia, trench foot, and chilblains. Working in the presence of ice or snow also increases the likelihood of numbness in the body and loss of coordination, which can cause other injuries.

Access Restrictions

Confined spaces are difficult to access and pose a significant threat to emergency rescue operations in the event of an accident. Since entry and exit points are restricted or difficult to reach, workers are at risk of suffocation, injuries, and exposure to other threats they cannot easily escape from.

How to Reduce Confined Space Hazards

Some construction work comes with inherent hazards, but it is important to implement preventive measures to reduce the risk of accidents. Here are some elements to consider:

• Safe System of Work: It is crucial to have a safe system of work procedures in place, as it helps establish a standard approach to ensuring worker safety in confined spaces. This procedure identifies the hazards involved with a particular task and communicates safety strategies across the board to reduce risks.

• Atmosphere Testing: It is typically required to conduct atmosphere testing in a confined space to determine the presence of toxic gasses, flammable or explosive substances, and oxygen. This helps workers understand their working environment and to ascertain whether it is safe for them to proceed with their task.

• Protective Equipment: Using the proper protective equipment that suits the nature of construction work is vital, as these are designed to protect the wearer from risks of injury, infection, and exposure to other hazards present.

• Emergency Protocols: Having an emergency response plan for work done in confined spaces is crucial, since it can be a delicate situation and may need specific strategies that account for the limited space.

• Training: Workers should also be equipped with the proper knowledge to help them navigate work done in a confined space. They should know about the risks involved and how to protect themselves using the right equipment and safety instructions to prevent injury.