What is Confined Space?

 

 

25,000 organizations in Ontario alone have some type of confined space.  A silo, tank, sewer, tunnel or a crawl space, The possibilities are endless, but the results are pretty much the same. So confined spaces come in all types of shapes and sizes.

Question:  “Why do people go into these places?”  Well it’s to fix something, check on the process or take a measurement.  It seems that we create confined spaces so that a worker(s) can have access for short time periods to perform work (eg. cleaning operations or maintenance) that supports the work process that normally occurs in the area.  We really don’t intend to occupy the area for long periods of time.  They are temporary work areas as opposed to permanent work stations.

Permanent work areas occupied by people are governed by regulations.  These codes/standards require equipment manufacturers and building constructors to make these areas with features that limit or control the hazards to those living and/or working in these environments.  Confined spaces were not intended as living or working space and therefore lack “safe occupancy” features.   For instance the Building Codes specifically address exiting from an area.  They really don’t care how you got in, they look to getting you out if there is a problem.  These codes require your “occupied area” to have a minimum exit width 790 mm (2′ 7") wide by  1980 mm (6′ 6") high with a flat surface leading going through it.  This doorway standard not only enables manufacturers to create products that fit but enables you to get out quickly.  Confined spaces don’t have this type of doorway which limits the speed at which you can escape.  No or limited lighting, floor surfaces are uneven, or that 2′ high ceiling are just some of the indications that signal the designer never intended the area to be used as a living area and expose those inside to hazards.  These hazards have causes many injuries and deaths over the centuries we have sent workers into confined spaces.

So a confined space is just a temporary work area.  Being temporary, designers haven’t provided as many safeguards as would be present in a permanent area.  Therefore there is a higher risk of injury and/or death.  Using the “temporary work area” definition describes most traditional examples of a confined space including tanks and vats. It would also includes hoppers, equipment enclosures, roofs and a variety of other areas.  Even trenches would be a confined space with this definition.  If we look at the hazards or what “safe occupancy features” are missing to determine the rules for working inside we do a better job at injury prevention.  Guidelines to control specific hazards are best achieved by specific legislation or standards (eg. guarding, ventilation, lighting, or personal protective equipment regulations).  Many of the actions asked for in the Confined Space Regulations are already required elsewhere, so why the need?  Well, the one area not specifically covered by many regulations is the isolation.  With permanent work areas, someone is usually around to grab a part for you or to help lift a heavy or bulky item.  If we need emergency aid someone nearby would see our condition and call 911.  A confined space is isolates the worker(s) inside and help is not always readily available.  Combine this with the shortcuts we took in the design of the area (meaning standard tools may not work) and you can see the need for regulatory guidance.

Vehicles are much like confined spaces when used incorrectly cause significant harm.  But we need both.  Working with confined spaces is just like working with a vehicle.  Figure out what vehicle you have (those temporarily occupied work areas), get a license (training), follow the rules (specific hazard control laws) and buy the options that customize your ride (interim remedies to compensate for the lack of safe design).  When they don’t work right, don’t you find a good mechanic to fix them?