Oxygen Deficiency

Injury and death due to oxygen deficiency in confined spaces pose a serious hazard to workers in the oil and gas extraction industry. OSHA has determined that the optimal breathing range is between 19.5 and 23.5% atmospheric oxygen. Consider the following effects on workers as the oxygen concentration levels drop:

• At levels less than 19.5% oxygen, workers will feel the effects of oxygen deficiency, such as overall body weakness, fatigue, and dizziness.
• At levels between 19.5% to 15% oxygen, workers will be unable to work strenuously and their coordination may be affected.
• At levels between 15% and 10% oxygen, workers' lips will begin to turn blue and their judgment will be impaired.
• At levels between 10% and 8% oxygen, workers will faint and unconsciousness begins to occur.
• At levels between 8% or 6%, death will occur in 8 minutes.

These approximations may vary depending upon the health of the individual workers, the work activity, and the work environment.

If a work area, especially a confined space, is not adequately ventilated or if hazardous materials (such as hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide) are present, there is extreme risk to workers. Furthermore, a startling 60% of confined space fatalities are the "rescuers" who attempt to save victims of confined space incidents.

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