Hazards

Working in confined spaces is dangerous. It is important to categorize all confined spaces as hazardous, unless a competent person has determined otherwise through a risk assessment. A risk assessment involves giving thought to specific elements, as follows:

• The size of the entrance and exit
• Difficulties associated with self-rescue
• Difficulties of rescue operations by others
• Natural ventilation deficiencies
• Changing conditions
• How the space outside the confined space can impact conditions inside the confined space and vice versa
• Work activities that may introduce hazards not present initially
• Communication barriers between the workers in the space, the attendant, and the emergency response team

To learn more about Confined Space Competent Person/Supervisor visit our Confined Space Competent Person/Supervisor Online Training web page.