What Classifies as a ‘Confined Space’?
The definition of a confined space is an area that has a constrained entry. Space could be either partially or completely enclosed and is typically not meant for human inhabitance. Confined spaces pose safety hazards for several reasons. Substances in the space may be hazardous, the construction of the space may be faulty, or employment duties being performed in the space could be risky. The additional hazard of an enclosed or partially enclosed entry magnifies any pre-existing safety hazards.
It is common to only imagine confined spaces as being underground. However, tanks, silos, water supply towers, storage bins, and vaults are all examples of above-ground confined spaces. It is important to note that confined spaces do not necessarily have to be small and are present in every workplace.
Hazards Associated with Working in Confined Spaces
The US Department of Labor reported that an average of 92 workers die each year in confined space-related incidents in the workplace. This figure is equivalent to nearly two workers every week. The idea is that all hazards encountered in the regular workplace may occur in a confined space. However, these hazards are significantly more dangerous in a space where entry and exit may not be readily available. Common hazards in which workers may be confronted within a confined space include bad air quality or inadequate oxygen supply, hazardous gases, explosive or flammable substances, radiation, extreme heat or cold, structural perils, or electrical hazards.
As mentioned previously, the risks associated with working in confined spaces are amplified due to the nature of the space and the barriers to entry/exit. For instance, if there is a structural issue and confined space begins to collapse, the worker may be unable to escape in time. Furthermore, rescues from co-workers are made significantly more difficult. Given that the confined space is enclosed, workplace conditions can change very quickly. If there is a gas leak, it will spread much more rapidly than it would normally in an open environment. Lastly, communication barriers might exist if a worker is required to perform their duties alone in a confined space.
There are several approaches to mitigating the risks associated with working in confined spaces, such as ensuring that everything is structurally sound, checking air confined quality, enough ventilation, using proper communication systems, conducting regular cleaning of the space, and using personal job-specific protective equipment.
The Shipyard Confined Space Standard
The Shipyard Confined Space Standard is a set of guidelines for employees who work on ships. It is similar to every other safety system that is designed to reduce confined space hazards in that its primary goal is to protect workers from risks associated with working in an enclosed space. The Standard is important due to how common working in a confined space is on a ship. It focuses on the adjacent or bordering spaces. The aspects which the Shipyard standard includes are not exclusive to ships - they should be applied to all other industries and locations in which jobs are performed in confined spaces. Let’s look at some of these risk-mitigation methods.
The Use of Signs: The Standard promotes proper signage, including warnings that read “Enter with Restrictions” for spaces that can be entered only if constraints have been identified, such as engineering controls. Other signs may read “Safe for Workers” if someone has confirmed that air quality is good and working conditions are suitable. The goal of using signs is to describe the conditions or environment within the enclosed space, without a worker having to enter to find out.
Testing and Monitoring the Atmosphere: Areas that pose the greatest threat are those who have been recently painted or sealed, involve flammable or explosive substances, or contain asphyxiants or other hazardous gases.
Cold Work Requirements: All remnants of dangerous substances must be effectively removed, and a visual inspection must be carried out before any cleaning or cold work is done. Furthermore, ventilation must be provided continuously and cannot be an ignition source. The process of opening pipelines, scaling the structure of a ship, or working on electrical equipment is cold work. In fact, any job that is not welding, burning, or riveting, is classified as cold work. These tasks, just mentioned, are considered hot work.
Hot Work Requirements: Certain jobs that are considered hot work are restricted in some spaces unless a marine chemist has done a thorough inspection. Areas that once contained flammable substances, fuel tanks, and their neighboring spaces, and pipelines or other carriers that have once transported flammable substances are among the spaces which require inspection.
General Shipyard Standard Guidelines: Keeping hazardous substances out of the workplace requires all contaminated spaces to be isolated. This may mean disconnecting or blocking pipes. Next, the Standard mentions how being ready to change pre-existing workplace conditions is important to preserve the safety of workers. This is a requirement that recognizes the ever-changing nature of confined spaces. Adapting to conditions may mean regular inspections and safety tests if new hazards arise. Lastly, atmospheric tests should be done whenever they are required, especially if the current environment does not meet safety regulations.
As previously mentioned, The Shipyard Standards discussed in this article are not only specific to workplaces on a ship. They should be applied to all work environments that employ workers who perform their jobs in confined spaces. Given the severe consequences of hazards in an enclosed space, employers and employees must take all appropriate precautions. In our previous blog article Proactive and Reactive Safety Measures in the Workplace, we discuss how creating a positive work environment, proactive and reactive safety, as well as the direct and indirect cost of a workplace incident. Read more here
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