Confined space are critical aspect of workplace safety, encompassing areas not designed for continuous human occupancy often posing significant risk. This PDF will provide more information about the Confined space.

1. Confined Spaces: An Industrial Work
Guide
Table Of Contents
● Introduction
● What are Confined Spaces?
● How to Identify a Confined Space?
● Industries where work is done in Confined Space
● Types of Work Done in Confined Spaces

2. ● Procedure for Entering a Confined Space - Planning To Mitigate
Risk
● Dangers of Working in Confined Spaces
● Confined Space Equipment
● Confined Space Inspection Drones
● Confined Space Training and Permit Requirements
● Confined Space Work Standards and Codes
● Conclusion
● Key Takeaways
Introduction
Three crew members tragically lost their lives after accessing a cargo
hold in 2014 at Goole Docks in the United Kingdom.
They were overcome by toxic gases while working in a confined
space.
What could have possibly gone wrong that led to this fatal accident?
How can we safely access confined spaces? Read on to learn more.
This blog explores confined spaces, their significance in workplace
safety, the industries involved, types of work within, entry procedures,
risks, Confined Spaces Equipment, drones, training, and standards.

3. What are Confined Spaces?
Confined spaces are a critical aspect of workplace safety,
encompassing areas not designed for continuous human occupancy,
often posing significant risks due to their design, contents, or
associated work activities.
These spaces can vary in size and location, from underground vaults
and tanks to Aircraft wings and manholes.
They are characterized by limited entry and exit points and may
harbor hazardous atmospheres or materials.
Understanding the concept of confined spaces and their potential
dangers is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of workers
in various industrial settings.
How to Identify a Confined Space?

4. Identifying a confined space involves several factors beyond just
physical dimensions.
Most confined spaces are typically indoors and satisfy three criteria:
● Large enough for a person to enter
● Not meant for continuous human occupancy
● Has limited entry/exit points.
These are relatively easy to recognize. However, some instances
demand a more creative perspective.
For instance, a ditch may be considered confined if it's challenging to
enter or leave.
Similarly, the inside of an airplane's wing, requiring periodic
Inspections, might qualify as a confined space.
One critical aspect to consider is safety implications.
Confined spaces often pose life-threatening conditions, like toxic
gasses or hazardous materials, but these elements aren't always
present.
For example, Large sewer pipes might house hazardous substances.

5. In essence, identifying a confined space goes beyond physical
dimensions and involves assessing safety risks and access challenges.
Industries where work is done in Confined Space
Work in confined spaces is prevalent across various industries due to
the unique nature of their operations.
Here are industries where confined space work is common:
● Oil & Gas
The Oil and Gas Industry involves operations in facilities like
refineries, storage tanks, and offshore rigs.
Workers often enter confined spaces such as chimneys, tanks, and
jetties for maintenance and inspections.
Safety is paramount due to the presence of flammable materials.
● Chemicals
Chemical facilities house fermenter tanks, Pressure Vessels, and
heat exchangers, all of which require regular inspections.
Safety protocols are rigorous because of potential exposure to
hazardous chemicals.

6. ● Mining
Mines have confined spaces like stops, ore passes, and crushers.
Miners may enter these areas for excavation and maintenance.
These spaces pose risks like cave-ins and gas exposure, demanding
stringent safety measures.
● Power Generation

7. NDT Techniques in Power Plants, including coal-fired boilers and
nuclear facilities, have confined spaces like recovery boilers and
chimneys.
Workers enter for maintenance, inspections, and repairs,
necessitating safety precautions due to the potential for electrical
hazards.
● Wastewater Treatment
Sewers, pipes, and manholes in wastewater systems require
maintenance.
Workers enter to conduct repairs and inspections. Hazards include
toxic gases and drowning, demanding thorough safety training.
● Maritime Industry
Shipping yards and marine vessels have ballast tanks, shipping
containers, and fish holds.
Workers enter these confined spaces for maintenance and cargo
handling. Safety is critical due to potential gas and suffocation risks.
● Construction

8. In construction, confined spaces include crawl spaces, vaults, and
tunnels. Workers may enter for installations and repairs.
Safety protocols are essential to prevent accidents in these tight
spaces.
Confined spaces can also be found in various other contexts like bins,
silos, vats, and aircraft wings.
Each presents unique challenges and safety concerns, requiring
specialized NDT Training and equipment.
Across these industries, confined space work demands strict
adherence to safety standards, including permits, continuous
monitoring, and specialized training to mitigate risks and ensure
worker well-being.
Types of Work Done in Confined Spaces

9. Confined space entry encompasses various types of work, each
demanding specific precautions and safety measures due to the
inherent risks involved.
Here are common types of work conducted in confined spaces:
● Inspections and Testing
Regular inspections are crucial in confined spaces like storage tanks,
Pipelines, and sewers to identify defects, corrosion, and structural
integrity.
In these inspections, these techniques are generally called
Non-destructive Testing (NDT).
Here are the most common types of NDT Methods that inspectors
use in confined spaces:
Ultrasonic Testing
Visual Testing
Radiography Testing
Acoustic Emission Testing
Eddy Current Testing

10. Leak Testing
Magnetic Particle Testing
Testing may involve assessing air quality for hazardous gasses.
● Maintenance and Repairs
Confined spaces often require maintenance tasks, such as Welding,
painting, or equipment repairs.
This work ensures that facilities continue to function correctly.
● Cleaning and Decontamination
Some confined spaces, like chemical tanks and sewers, must be
cleaned regularly to remove debris, residue, or hazardous materials.
Decontamination of surfaces is also common.
● Rescue and Emergency Response
In the event of an accident or injury, confined space workers must be
rescued quickly and safely.
This involves specialized training and equipment.
● Welding and Cutting

11. Welding and cutting may be necessary in confined spaces like
Pipelines and tanks for repairs or modifications.
● Construction and Installation
New construction or installation work may require confined space
entry for foundations, Pipelines, or utility installations.
● Material Handling
Workers may enter confined spaces for material handling tasks, such
as loading, unloading, or arranging stored items.
Regardless of the type of work in confined spaces, comprehensive
training, continuous monitoring, adherence to safety protocols, and
emergency preparedness are paramount to mitigate risks and
ensure the well-being of workers.
Procedure for Entering a Confined Space - Planning
To Mitigate Risk
Before embarking on a confined space operation, it is imperative to
follow a well-structured plan, encompassing meticulous preparation
and hazard mitigation.

12. Here is a comprehensive procedure, following the necessary training
and permits:
1. Preliminary Survey and Hazard Assessment
● Identify Hazards:
Start with an exhaustive survey of the confined space, pinpointing
potential hazards inherent to the work environment.
● Risk Assessment:
Execute a risk evaluation, systematically documenting the
probability, magnitude, and possible repercussions of each identified
hazard.
● Workforce Documentation:
Record the count of personnel scheduled to work within the
confined space.
● Anticipate Changes:
Document any foreseeable alterations or activities that may transpire
within the confined space.
2. Formulate and Execute a Plan
● Signage and Barricades:

13. Erect conspicuous signage, clearly indicating ongoing confined
space work, and barricade entry and exit points to restrict
unauthorized access.
● Emergency Preparedness:
Develop a robust emergency response plan that caters to potential
rescues and contingencies, addressing each hazard delineated
during the initial survey.
● Standby Person's Role:
Define the responsibilities of the designated standby individual,
outlining the specific actions they are expected to undertake in the
event of a rescue or emergency scenario.
3. Hazard Mitigation Before Entry
● Hazard Isolation:
Take requisite measures to isolate and secure identified hazards
within the confined space, rendering them harmless.
● Space Preparation:
Before entry, ensure the confined space is thoroughly cleaned,
purged, and adequately ventilated to eliminate contaminants.

14. ● Atmospheric Assessment:
Continuously assess and monitor the atmosphere within the
confined space, emphasizing oxygen levels and the presence of
hazardous gasses.
● Program Establishment:
For operations necessitating recurrent confined space entries,
institute a confined space hazard assessment and control program.
This program should encompass detailed protocols for the
above-mentioned steps, facilitating a systematic approach to safety.
This structured procedure, along with rigorous training and
adherence to safety protocols, serves as an effective blueprint for
mitigating risks associated with confined space entries.
It prioritizes the welfare of workers, ensuring a secure working
environment in challenging confined spaces.
Dangers of Working in Confined Spaces
Confined spaces encompass a wide range of potential hazards, some
of which can be even more dangerous due to the limited space and
reduced ventilation.

15. These hazards include:
● Poor Air Quality
Confined spaces may have insufficient oxygen levels, toxic gasses, or
simple asphyxiants like argon or nitrogen, which can displace oxygen
and lead to rapid poisoning, unconsciousness, or death.
Naturally occurring reactions can deplete oxygen from the
atmosphere within a confined area.
An interaction between some soils and oxygen, or between
groundwater and chalk or limestone, results in the production of
carbon dioxide, which displaces oxygen. Inside tanks, rust formation
can lead to a lack of oxygen.
Three crew members died in 2014 after accessing a cargo hold at
Goole Docks.
● Chemical Exposure
Workers in confined spaces can be exposed to toxic gasses,
chemicals through skin contact or ingestion, and inhalation of
harmful substances, posing health risks.

16. Poisonous gases can enter the confined space via a burst gas pipe or
contaminated land.
They may also be produced as a result of the work being done, such
as welding, adhesives, or paint fumes.
These gases and fumes, if not removed or ventilated, can create a
hazardous atmosphere inside the confined space.
● Fire and Explosion
Accumulation of flammable gases, liquids, or combustible dust in
confined spaces can create explosive atmospheres, increasing the
risk of fires and explosions.
When any hot work or sparking equipment is utilized within the
confined area, the risk is increased manifold. Excessive quantities of
oxygen also increase the risk of fire and explosion.
● Process-Related Hazards
Residual chemicals or sudden release of supply line contents can
present process-related dangers within confined spaces.
Dust can accumulate in confined spaces, either naturally or as a
result of the operation being performed, such as drilling or grinding.

17. Inhaling too much dust causes respiratory issues and inhaling
hazardous dust can be fatal.
Dust accumulation can also enhance the risk of a fire or explosion,
particularly in areas with poor ventilation.
● Physical Hazards
Limited space may expose workers to various physical hazards,
including noise, extreme temperatures (heat or cold), radiation,
vibration, electrical risks, and inadequate lighting.
Smoke particles or poor lighting conditions can impair visibility,
making work even riskier.
Strenuous construction activity, hot work, or naturally occurring hot
conditions can cause dangerously high body temperatures.
This can soon become an issue in restricted locations that are
difficult to escape from.
Because of the contained nature of a confined space, temperature
can shoot up quickly. This can result in heatstroke, exhaustion, and
collapse.
● Safety Hazards

18. Confined spaces can harbor moving equipment parts, structural
hazards, risks of engulfment, entanglement, slips, falls, and
interactions with vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
The shifting or collapse of bulk materials can lead to engulfment and
burying workers under massive loads.
● Biological Hazards
Confined spaces may contain biological hazards like viruses, bacteria
from fecal matter, sludge, fungi, or molds, posing health threats to
workers.
Identifying and addressing these hazards, along with rigorous safety
measures, training, and proper equipment, are essential for ensuring
the safety of individuals working in confined spaces.
Confined Space Equipment
Confined space equipment is vital for ensuring safety and efficiency
in challenging environments.
Here's an overview of the devices used:
● Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

19. Essential for varying confined space hazards, including hard hats,
gloves, eye protection, footgear, flame-resistant clothing for explosive
environments, chemical-resistant gloves, and fall protection
harnesses.
● Systems for Confined Space Entry:
Facilitate horizontal or vertical entry, such as hoists for lifting and
positioning.
● Retractable Devices:
Provide bi-directional retrieval and fall protection for safe entry and
exit.
● Ventilation Equipment:
Ensures fresh air supply, contaminant removal, and improved air
quality.
● Rescue and Retrieval Equipment:
Includes harnesses, tripods, hoists, and winches for confined space
rescues.
● Confined Space Entry Permit Systems:

20. Establish safety protocols with checklists, documentation, and
approvals.
● Non-Sparking Tools:
Prevent ignition in explosive atmospheres, reducing fire and
explosion risks.
● Remote Data Collection Equipment:
Minimizes human entry with tools like Camera-on-a-Stick, Crawler
Robots for inspections in pipes and ducts, Snake Robots for agile
access, and Climber Robots using magnets on metallic surfaces.
Confined Space Inspection Drones
A confined space Drone Inspection is a specialized and essential tool
used for inspecting challenging environments that are difficult for
humans to access safely.
A notable example is Flyability's Elios 3, designed exclusively for
confined space inspections.
Unlike ground-based robots, these indoor drones offer unmatched
versatility.

21. Their ability to navigate in three dimensions enables access to
virtually any area within a confined space, regardless of its shape or
material.
However, flying indoors poses unique challenges, such as turbulence
from the limited air volume, signal interference, dust, darkness, and
reflective surfaces that affect image quality.
The Elios 3 addresses these challenges effectively. Enclosed within a
protective cage, it boasts collision-tolerance features, allowing it to
maneuver safely in confined spaces without the risk of damage.
Even in dusty or pitch-black conditions, its advanced lighting and
stability capabilities ensure the collection of high-quality images.
This technology represents a significant leap in ensuring the safety
and efficiency of inspections within confined spaces, where
traditional methods would be impractical or hazardous.
Confined Space Training and Permit Requirements
Confined space training is crucial due to the dangers of such
environments.

22. It equips workers with vital skills, including air quality testing, lockout
and tagout procedures, ventilation techniques, and observation skills
for assessing hazards.
Additionally, training emphasizes thorough rescue planning.
In the United States, OSHA mandates confined space certification
under the 29 CFR 1910.146 standard.
To become certified, workers must pass a written exam with a score
of at least 80%.
This exam evaluates their knowledge of confined space definitions,
OSHA standards, the establishment of permit-required confined
space (PRCS) programs, roles and responsibilities, emergency
procedures, and equipment usage. Such training is vital for worker
safety.
Confined space permit requirements are critical safety measures for
protecting workers in hazardous environments. A strict protocol is
followed before entering these spaces:
● Hazard Assessment
Identifying potential risks, such as toxic gases and physical hazards.

23. ● Detailed Plan
Develop an entry plan with procedures and emergency protocols.
● Training
Ensuring all workers are proficient in confined space procedures and
rescues.
● Ventilation
Maintaining safe air quality through proper ventilation.
● Continuous Monitoring
Regularly checking the atmosphere for hazardous gases and oxygen
levels.
● Permit Issuance
A permit is issued only after a thorough assessment and ensuring
compliance with safety measures.
● Safe Entry
Workers can enter with the permit, ensuring continuous monitoring
and adherence to the plan.

24. Permit-required confined space entry is crucial for risk mitigation in
challenging environments.
In the United States, the need for a confined space permit depends
on whether the work is planned in a Permit-Required Confined
Space (PRCS), as defined by OSHA.
PRCS may contain a hazardous atmosphere, materials that can
engulf entrants, structures trapping or asphyxiating entrants, or
other recognized hazards.
When a PRCS permit is obtained, workers conduct hazard
assessments and devise entry and rescue plans.
Some confined spaces meet the definition but don't require permits,
like equipment closets or crawl spaces, still requiring caution due to
potential risks.
These are non-permit-required confined spaces and do not follow
the formal PRCS permitting process.
Confined Space Work Standards and Codes
Confined space work standards and codes are vital for ensuring the
safety of workers in potentially hazardous environments.

25. These guidelines are designed to protect employees and establish
secure working conditions within confined spaces.
Key standards and codes include:
● OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.146 defines confined spaces, outlines procedures
for permit-required confined spaces (PRCS), and assigns
responsibilities for workers and employers in confined space
operations.
● NFPA (National Fire Protection Association)
NFPA 350 provides comprehensive guidance on confined space
evaluation, classification, and safe entry procedures.
It explains how to comprehend confined space safety and protect
employees from fire, explosion, and other health threats that are
particular to restricted spaces.
Also, it describes the training, qualifications, and competencies
required for employees responsible for confined space hazard
identification, evaluation, and control for those who work in and near
confined spaces.

26. NFPA 306 focuses on safety in confined spaces on vessels.
● ANSI (American National Standards Institute)
ANSI/ASSE Z11.1-2022 standard specifies the minimum safety criteria
for entering, exiting, and operating in and around confined spaces at
atmospheric pressure.
This standard is intended for voluntary acceptance and application.
● API (American Petroleum Institute)
This standard applies to stationary atmospheric and low-pressure
aboveground petroleum storage tanks (up to and including 15 psig)
used in all areas of the petroleum and petrochemical industries,
including crude oil refining, petrochemicals, Pipelines and terminals,
bulk storage, and ethanol plants.
This standard specifies the requirements for properly planning,
coordinating, and carrying out tank entry and cleaning activities,
from removal to return to service.
This standard does not cover every possible unique hazard or
circumstance that may happen during tank cleaning activities.

27. Employers must address site, product, and tank-specific hazards and
situations using the relevant concepts and considerations outlined in
this standard.
● EU Directive 92/91/EEC
This European directive sets minimum requirements for personal
protective Confined Spaces Equipment.
ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
ISO 14520-1 provides standards and guidelines for the design,
installation, operation, and maintenance of gaseous
fire-extinguishing systems that are used to protect enclosed areas or
volumes against fire.
Compliance with ISO 14520-1 ensures that gaseous fire-extinguishing
systems are designed and operated in a manner that effectively
protects people and property in confined spaces from fire hazards.
These systems utilize gases as an extinguishing agent to suppress or
extinguish fires in environments where water or other traditional
methods might be unsuitable or ineffective.

28. Compliance with these standards is essential to protect workers and
prevent accidents in confined spaces, and all parties involved should
be well-informed and follow these regulations diligently.
Conclusion
Confined spaces present unique challenges and risks in various
industries.
Identifying these spaces, adhering to stringent safety protocols, and
utilizing specialized equipment, including Drone Inspection, are
critical for worker safety and efficient operations.
Training and permit requirements, along with compliance with
industry standards and codes, are paramount for mitigating hazards
and ensuring a secure working environment in confined spaces.
Key Takeaways
● Confined spaces refer to areas not designed for continuous
human occupancy.
● Confined spaces are typically large enough for a person to
enter, not meant for continuous occupancy, and have limited
entry/exit points.

29. ● Industries with confined space work include the Oil and Gas
Industry, chemical, mining, power generation, wastewater,
maritime, and construction.
● Dangers of working in confined spaces include poor air quality,
chemical exposure, fire and explosion, process-related hazards,
physical hazards, safety hazards, and biological hazards.
● OSHA, NFPA, ANSI, API, EU Directive, and ISO provide
guidelines for safe confined space operations. Compliance with
these standards is crucial for worker safety.
Read More, Confined Spaces: An Industrial Work Guide