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Confined spaces - What are the OHS risks?
Confined spaces have limited means of entry and exit, poor ventilation and the presence of toxic gases and vapours. Workers also run the risk of being suffocated or crushed by materials stored in the space.
Examples of confined spaces include:
- vats, tanks and silos
- pipes and ducts
- ovens, chimneys and flues
- reaction vessels
- underground sewers or wells
- shafts, trenches, tunnels and pits.
Some of the risks are:
- loss of consciousness, injury or death due to contaminants in the air
- fire or explosion from the ignition of flammable contaminants
- suffocation caused by a lack of oxygen
- enhanced combustibility and spontaneous combustion
- suffocation or crushing after being engulfed by loose materials stored in the space, such as sand, grain, fertiliser, coal or woodchips.
Incidents involving confined spaces can often result in multiple fatalities. Other workers may not realise an additional hazard exists. They may enter a space to rescue a victim and be overcome by toxic vapours or gases.