Watch Out for These 20 Confined Space Examples

Getting trapped in a confined space can have lasting impacts. Even if there are no physical injuries, confined spaces cause consequences to deal with for years.

CARSON, CA, UNITED STATES, April 25, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Getting trapped in a confined space comes with multiple risks that can leave a lasting impact. This article reviews what a confined space is and provides confined space examples so that quick action can be taken in the event someone gets stuck in a similar situation.

What Is a Confined Space?

We can define a confined space¹ as an enclosed space that is hard to access. A confined space can exist below or above the ground. Despite what the name suggests, a confined space isn’t necessarily entirely enclosed. Instead, it may only be partly enclosed or enclosed to the extent that it increases the risk of getting stuck.

Watch out for These 20 Confined Space Examples

1. Manholes
A manhole is typically an average-sized opening leading to a confined space. Working in a manhole can expose one to a number of potential dangers that can lead to a serious accident. Some common examples include slips and falls, oxygen depletion, fire or explosion, gas poisoning, drowning, heat stress, exposure to fumes, vapor, and gas, leading to asphyxiation.

2. Storage Tanks and Vats
A storage tank or a vat container is used for holding liquids and gases. There are several hazards associated with these types of confined spaces. More often than not, any potential hazards are also a result of the materials stored inside the storage tank or container. These materials may be toxic, explosive, or flammable.

3. Sewers
Sewers are underground tunnel systems and pipes that carry waste matter, drainage water, and other hazardous substances that can pose a health risk.

4. Trenches
Trenches are included as confined space examples that are above the ground. You usually dig them to conduct short-term work. However, they tend to be enclosed and have restricted access, thereby posing several risks.

5. Excavations
Excavations are carried out to gain temporary access to things below the ground. They may also be made for construction purposes. Excavations tend to be unstable and are prone to collapsing or flooding.

6. Pits
Pits are hollow indentations made into the ground. There are various types of pits that you can consider. They are usually open at the surface, but extracting people from them can be difficult.

7. Lifts and Access Shafts
These confined spaces consist of a vertical shaft that can extend both above and below the ground. It qualifies as a confined space due to the limited access and difficulty exiting. They present a high risk of slips/falls and other injuries.

8. Tunnels
Getting trapped in a tunnel can pose various dangers since it might be difficult to find a way back to the surface. There is also the possibility of floods, cave-ins, and other dangers.

9. Pipes
Pipes are narrow spaces used to move gases and liquids from one area to the next. They tend to run both horizontally and vertically.

10. Chambers
A chamber is a small room that can be partially or fully sealed and enclosed. Due to the limited access, they often serve as a confined space that is difficult to escape.

11. Ducts
Ducts, conduits, pipe systems, and passages are narrow spaces used to transmit heat and air for ventilation, heating, and air conditioning.

12. Silos
A silo is a partially or fully enclosed structure that is used to store materials in bulk amounts. Common examples include grain, cement, sawdust, silage, etc.

13. Boilers
Boilers and boiler rooms are used for large-scale industrial applications. These confined spaces pose a variety of risks, and it is necessary to take precautions when venturing inside for maintenance and repair purposes.

14. Flues
A flue is a pipe, a duct, or an opening present at the top of the chimney. It is used to convey exhaust gases released by a furnace, boiler, water heater, fireplace, or generator and release them into the environment.

15. Vaults
A vault is an underground storage area that is enclosed to limit access. It is normally entered using a maintenance hole.

16. Wells
A well is a type of vertical excavation created in the ground to gain access to liquid resources. A water well is the most common example of this type of confined space.

17. Hoppers
A hopper is a large container shaped in the form of a pyramid or a cone. It is utilized in industrial processes for holding particulate matter or things like gravel, dust, seeds, etc. It can also dispense these materials outward using a chute.

18. Vessels and Voids
These confined spaces usually work as containers to hold something, or they may be completely empty spaces that surround other structures. Access may be needed to them for maintenance and other work during construction.

19. Unventilated Rooms and Areas In a Building
These confined spaces tend to exist below ground level. However, they may also be found on the upper floors.

20. Cargo Holds Within Ships
The cargo hold is a part of a ship where goods are stored. They tend to be enclosed spaces and have a hatch at the top to restrict access.

If planning to carry out maintenance, repair work, or confined space planning² for any of the examples mentioned above, get in touch with a qualified confined space rescue team³ today to learn more!

Lance B
DCS Rescue
+1 562-595-3002
lanceb@anconservices.com
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¹ https://dcsrescue.com/definition-of-confined-space-and-rescue-team-requirements/
² https://dcsrescue.com/why-do-you-need-confined-space-planning/
³ https://dcsrescue.com/confined-space-rescue/