At Stratus, we all know entering a confined space is strictly prohibited, but how do you know if your work area is a confined space? Here is another refresher.

A confined space does not necessarily mean a small, enclosed space. It could be rather large, such as an excavation, a fuel tank, or a well vault.

One of the first defining features of a confined space is it’s large enough to allow an employee to enter and perform work. The second defining feature is it has limited means of entry or exit. Entry may be obtained through small or large openings and usually there is only one way in and out. The third defining feature is that confined spaces are not used for continuous or routine work.

Why are confined spaces hazardous? Here is a short list with a few reasons.

• Lack of adequate ventilation can cause the atmosphere to become life threatening because of harmful gases.
• The oxygen content of the air can drop below the level required for human life.
• Sometimes a confined space is deliberately filled with nitrogen as a fire prevention technique creating an oxygen deficient atmosphere.
• Many gases are explosive and can be set off by a spark.
• Even dust is an explosion hazard in a confined space. Finely-ground materials such as grain, fibers and plastics can explode upon ignition.
• Confined spaces often have physical hazards, such as moving equipment and machinery.
• Tanks and other enclosed confined spaces can be filled with materials unless the flow process for filling is controlled.

What confined spaces do we have around our project sites? Have you identified these in your WRA and are you staying clear of and notifying others of these spaces and that entry is prohibited?