DEFINING CONFINED SPACES AND ASSESSING RISK POTENTIAL

Confined spaces are defined as “a fully or partially enclosed space that is not both designed and constructed for continuous human occupancy” with the potential for risk “because of its construction, location or contents … or work that is done in it.”

Confined spaces include:

• Tunnels
• Tanks & Silos
• Wells
• Manholes
• Culverts & Open Ditches

… and many other spaces that are part of a variety of jobs and work sites. Confined spaces are thus a key focus of safety management. Your organization has a legal and ethical responsibility to identify the confined spaces on your premises or job sites; establish confined space entry management procedures; train all staff who may be involved with confined spaces; and establish safety prevention and emergency response measures.