Engineering Term of the Month Confined Space
Confined spaces are areas found in many workplaces that are large enough for employees to enter and complete specific tasks but are not intended for continuous occupancy. These spaces typically have limited entry and exit points, making them potentially hazardous. Examples include tanks, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, pits, tunnels, pipelines, ductwork, and similar enclosed structures. Because of their design and environment, confined spaces require careful planning and safety procedures before workers enter them.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration( OSHA) identifies certain confined spaces as permit-required confined spaces when they contain serious hazards. These hazards include the presence or potential presence of dangerous atmospheres, materials that could engulf workers, inwardly sloping walls or tapered floors that could trap or suffocate someone, or other recognized dangers such as exposed electrical equipment, moving machinery, or excessive heat. Workers must follow specific safety procedures and obtain permits before entering these high-risk areas.
Confined spaces continue to pose significant occupational safety risks. According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1,030 workers lost their lives in confined space incidents between 2011 and 2018. The highest number of fatalities occurred in tank, bin, and vat interiors, while trenches, ditches, channels, and excavations also accounted for a large number of deaths. Oxygen deficiency is widely recognized as the leading cause of fatalities in confined spaces, emphasizing the importance of atmospheric testing, proper ventilation, emergency planning, and strict adherence to OSHA safety regulations to protect workers from preventable injuries and fatalities.
Image source: https:// www. nfpa. org / news-blogs-and-articles / blogs / 2025 / 08 / 22 / confined-space-risks-and-nfpa-350
Sources:
1. https:// www. osha. gov / confined-spaces 2. https:// www. bls. gov / iif / factsheets / fatal-occupational-injuries-confined-spaces-2011-19. htm 3. https:// www. nfpa. org / news-blogs-and-articles / blogs / 2025 / 08 / 22 / confined-space-risks-and-nfpa-350