A confined space can be hazardous by its very nature. Beyond the way the enclosed nature of such spaces inhibits movement, they also create conditions that can increase the risk of injury. As such, a confined space risk assessment needs to be conducted to identify any common environmental hazards that may pose a risk to anyone required to work in that space.

Here are just six of the hazards that a confined space risk assessment can identify.

1. Lack of Oxygen

Enclosed spaces often suffer from poor ventilation, so they can lack proper oxygen levels. Additionally, oxygen may be displayed by other gases, absorbed onto certain surfaces, or contaminated by various biological or chemical reactions, such as rotting or burning.

2. Excessive Oxygen

Most people know that enclosed spaces can often suffer from a lack of proper oxygen, but an abundance of oxygen can be just as problematic. It increases the risk of fire or explosion when combined with the wrong materials, and even items that do not burn in normal air may do so when placed in an oxygen-rich environment.

3. Risk of Fire or Explosion

Fires or explosions tend to be even more hazardous in confined spaces since flames will travel faster, the space will fill with smoke sooner, and the force of any blasts will be contained in one small area. Flammable gases and liquids are clear risk factors, but you also need to think about things like combustible dust in the air.  

4. High Temperatures

Anyone who has ever worked in a confined space will be able to attest to how hot they can become. This can be hazardous as well as uncomfortable. The risk of heat stroke or heat stress increases in confined environments, especially since workers will often need to wear thick or bulky protective equipment and deal with a lack of ventilation.

5. Uncontrolled Liquids or Solids

If liquids or solids are free-flowing in a confined space, workers who enter will be at risk of being buried, drowned or otherwise injured. Solids can also pose risks in powder form. Within a confined space, having too much powder in the air can lead to asphyxiation.

6. Toxic Gases

Finally, poisonous gases and fumes can often leak into confined spaces through anything from burst pipes to leaky machinery. If they are not extracted before work begins, the toxic atmosphere they create in such a confined space can quickly become extremely hazardous.

For more information, reach out to a confined space entry training program near you.