Chambers may be fully or partially enclosed and sealed, but can often be confined spaces.Pipes move liquids and gases from one area to another, both vertically and horizontally (often at a gradient).Ducts conduits, passages and pipe systems used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.Lift and access shafts a vertical shaft that often extends below ground but even at the floors above ground it still forms a confined space.Tunnels these underground passageways are often what springs to mind when thinking if a confined space.Pits vehicle inspection pits, industrial pits and mining pits.Trenches as above, trenches are usually dug for short term work, but can often be enclosed and form confined spaces with restricted access.Excavations often for temporary access or construction below ground, excavations can quickly flood or collapse.Storage tanks and vats containers used to hold liquids and gases.Sewers underground pipes and tunnel systems carrying drainage water and waste matter.Manholes this is usually an opening or access to a confined space, which is also a confined space itself!.Maybe you have come up with some examples yourself. Now we know what a confined space is, by definition. Entry to this place would be at an increased risk because of the access issues, or hazardous substances or conditions within the space.Ī confined space is a place which is substantially enclosed Examples of confined spaces If we are looking for a confined space then, we are looking for a place that is enclosed (not always entirely). The HSE website also includes a useful definition, which means the same thing, but uses slightly different wording.Ī confined space is a place which is substantially enclosed (though not always entirely), and where serious injury can occur from hazardous substances or conditions within the space or nearby (e.g.

We will expand on a few more examples shortly. It also includes a few helpful examples, like chambers, tanks, vats, silos and pits. Any place which, because of its enclosed nature, there is a reasonably foreseeable risk. “confined space” means any place, including any chamber, tank, vat, silo, pit, trench, pipe, sewer, flue, well or other similar space in which, by virtue of its enclosed nature, there arises a reasonably foreseeable specified risk The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 Citation, commencement and interpretation Where better to look for an official definition of confined spaces than the confined space regulations themselves. The definition of a confined space varies slightly depending on where you look. A confined space permit to work will often be used to control entry, due to the high-risk nature of the work, and the hazards it can present.įind out more about the hazards in confined spaces in our blog post 7 hazards that make confined spaces dangerous places. Confined spaces can also quickly flood with water or other materials.Ĭonfined spaces are not usually intended for occupancy by people, but during maintenance work or other activities, entry in the space may be required. There may not be enough oxygen present, and not enough ventilation to provide fresh oxygen when needed (oxygen has been used up through breathing or other activities within the confined space). Hazardous substances can get trapped in the space and cause the atmosphere to become unsafe. Because the space is enclosed, there can be issues with ventilation. This makes it difficult to communicate when you need help, or problems occur.Īccess and communication aren't the only hazards in confined spaces. Those outside the space might not be able to see those inside the space. It will also mean it is difficult for someone to rescue you. This increases risks because, if something was to happen, it will be hard for you to escape. Increased risks in confined spaces can be because of restricted access and exit. They might only be partially enclosed, but enclosed enough that means risk is increased. They also don't need to be entirely enclosed. Confined spaces can be above or below ground. In simple terms, a confined space is any enclosed place with limited access and increased risks due to that. In this blog post, we are taking it back to basics and looking at what exactly a confined space is, with definitions and examples. But it is not always obvious when you are working in a confined space. We recently wrote about what makes confined spaces dangerous places. Every year, people die and are seriously injured in confined spaces.

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