Confined Space

Confined Space

A tank, a manhole, a boiler, a ship's double bottom, a vault. Big enough to enter, not designed to stay in, with limited ways out.

The danger you cannot see. Too little oxygen. Toxic gas: hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide. Flammable vapour. Engulfment in grain or sludge.

The rule. OSHA 1910.146 and 1926 Subpart AA: a permit-required confined space needs a written permit, air testing before and during entry, an attendant outside at all times, and a rescue plan ready before anyone goes in.

The pattern. A worker collapses. A co-worker climbs in to help and collapses too. Many confined-space deaths are would-be rescuers.

The trades. Water and wastewater operators, shipfitters, welders, industrial maintenance, HVAC, plumbers, utility workers.

Try it. Read the four-gas meter: oxygen, LEL, H₂S, CO. Decide: enter or not?

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