FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dangers in Confined Spaces

Sioux Falls, SD – April 2025

A confined space is an area that is not designed for continuous human occupancy and has limited means of entry or exit. These spaces can present serious health and safety risks due to hazardous conditions like poor ventilation, lack of oxygen, the presence of toxic gases, or physical dangers. Confined spaces can be found in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, and utilities.

Common examples of confined spaces include:

• Tanks, silos, or vessels
• Piping systems or ducts
• Sewers or tunnels
• Crawl spaces or attics
• Manholes
• Cargo containers

OSHA uses the term “permit-required confined space” (permit space) to describe a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics: contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere; contains material that has the potential to engulf an entrant; has walls that converge inward or floors that slope downward and taper into a smaller area which could trap or asphyxiate an entrant; or contains any other recognized safety or health hazard, such as unguarded machinery, exposed live wires, or heat stress.

Confined spaces pose several dangers that can lead to severe injury or even death. Key hazards include:

1. Toxic Atmospheres

• Gases and Vapors: Harmful gases (like hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, and methane) can accumulate, leading to poisoning or asphyxiation.
• Lack of Oxygen: Spaces may have inadequate oxygen levels (below 19.5%), increasing the risk of unconsciousness and suffocation.
  

2. Physical Hazards

• Entrapment: Workers can become trapped or immobilized, making rescue difficult.
• Falling Objects: Tools or materials may fall from above, posing a risk to anyone inside.

3. Engulfment

• Liquids or Solids: Workers can be engulfed by materials like sand, grain, or liquids, which can lead to suffocation or drowning.

4. Fire and Explosion Risks

• Flammable Gases: Confined spaces may contain flammable materials, increasing the risk of fires or explosions if ignited.
• Electrical Hazards: Equipment used in confined spaces can create sparks that might ignite flammable atmospheres.

5. Limited Access and Rescue Challenges

• Difficult Exit: Confined spaces often have narrow openings, making it hard to exit quickly in an emergency.
• Rescue Challenges: Limited access complicates rescue efforts, which can be critical during an incident

To mitigate the dangers associated with confined spaces, it is essential to conduct thorough risk assessments before entry, use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and ensure proper ventilation to maintain air quality. Additionally, implementing monitoring with gas detectors is crucial for detecting hazardous atmospheres, and having a clear rescue plan in place is vital for responding effectively in case of emergencies.

Why wear a portable monitor? Confined spaces pose several dangers that can lead to serious injury or even death. Key hazards include:

1. Safety from Toxic Gases:

• Portable gas monitors detect hazardous gases like carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and volatile organic compounds, alerting users to dangerous levels that could cause illness or injury.

2. Real-Time Monitoring:

• These devices provide continuous, real-time monitoring of air quality, helping to identify risks immediately rather than after exposure.
  

  

3. Emergency Preparedness:

• In the event of a gas leak or emergency, portable monitors can quickly alert workers, enabling them to evacuate or take necessary precautions.

4. Regulatory Compliance:

• Many industries are required by law to monitor air quality and ensure worker safety, making portable gas monitors essential for compliance with health and safety regulations.

5. Peace of Mind:

• Wearing a gas monitor provides reassurance to workers, allowing them to focus on their tasks without constantly worrying about hidden gas dangers.

6. Protecting Personnel:

• In confined spaces or high-risk environments, these monitors help protect workers from exposure to hazardous gases, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and health issues.

In summary, wearing a portable gas detector is vital for ensuring individual safety, maintaining compliance, and fostering a proactive safety culture in various work environments. It acts as a critical line of defense against potential gas-related hazards, ultimately protecting lives and enhancing operational efficiency.