Under the relevant Regulations, a confined space is defined by two key features: (a) it must be a space that is substantially (though not always completely) enclosed, and (b) one or more specified risks must be present or reasonably foreseeable. While some confined spaces, such as sewers and closed chemical storage tanks, are relatively easy to identify, others can be more challenging. A confined space need not be enclosed on all sides; for example, vats, silos, and ship holds may have open tops or sides. Additionally, a confined space is not necessarily small or difficult to work in; areas like grain silos and ship holds can be quite large.
Furthermore, access may not always be a concern, as some confined spaces possess multiple or large entrances/exits, appearing deceptively easy to escape. It is also important to note that spaces where people work regularly, such as spray booths in car repair centres, can still qualify as confined spaces.
Moreover, a location typically not categorized as a confined space can become one due to changes in conditions or the degree of enclosure. For instance, an area may initially be safe, but activities such as welding, spray painting, or using cleaning chemicals can introduce hazards, thus transforming it into a confined space until conditions improve through ventilation and the removal of contaminants. Some confined spaces, like hypoxic environments, may be created intentionally to reduce oxygen levels and prevent fire ignition in areas such as archives or for fresh food preservation. The status of a space as a confined space can change depending on situational factors, meaning that risks like drowning from heavy rain may arise even in locations not usually classified as confined.
Most incidents that occur in confined spaces are a result of insufficient planning and execution.
This is where AMS can step in.
Common Types of Confined Space Incidents Include:
❌ Ducts, culverts, tunnels, boreholes, bored piles, manholes, shafts, excavations, trenches, sumps, inspection and under-machine pits, and cofferdams.
❌ Freight containers, ballast tanks, ships’ engine rooms, and cargo holds.
❌ Buildings and building voids.
❌ Enclosed rooms, particularly plant rooms, and compartments within them.
❌ Enclosures used for asbestos removal.
❌ Areas designated for storage of materials likely to oxidize, such as storerooms for steel chains or wood pellet hopper tanks.
❌ Unventilated or inadequately ventilated rooms and silos.
❌ Structures that become confined spaces during fabrication or manufacturing processes.
❌ Interiors of machines, plant, or vehicles.
This is not an exhaustive list; there may be other types of confined spaces as well.
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