The dangers of working in confined spaces include getting stuck and getting caught in a flood. Read on to learn more about these dangers and how to minimise them when working in confined spaces.

A confined space is an enclosed (or mostly enclosed) area that poses a risk. These risks will be known dangers like asphyxiation. They are often small spaces, but some larger areas like grain silos are also considered confined spaces. Spaces that pose a risk of serious injury or death, or those with limited entry and exit points, may also be considered confined.

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Working in a confined space can put you at a high-risk of workplace accidents. As confined spaces are fully enclosed or partially enclosed, they provide a high-risk of fire, explosions, drowning, asphyxiation, and loss of consciousness. 

This is why you need a confined space risk assessment when working in this type of working environment. A confined space risk assessment will ensure your safety in these small and restricted areas. 

Here's a look at the types of scenarios you should be prepared for when creating a confined space risk assessment for your workplace. 

What to Consider in a Confined Space Risk Assesment

• Will the confined space contain dangerous fumes? 
• How will you remove or ventilate the area in the event of dangerous fumes? 
• Can liquid flood the confined space? 
• If so, how can you stop the liquid flooding in? Can valves be shut? 
• Will there be enough oxygen in the confined space? 
• Can you take breathing apparatus in the confined space? 
• If someone is working alone in the confined space, how will you know if something goes wrong?
• How can you get someone out of the confined space if they pass out? 

What Equipment Do You Need in a Confined Space?

After completing your confined space risk assessment, it is important to acquire the necessary equipment for the job. A confined space rescue kit is a good place to start with these types of operations.

Here at SafetyLiftinGear, we provide a full confined space rescue kit which contains:

• 1 Lightweight Aluminium Rescue Trioid with a built-in Pulley
• 1 20mtr Man Riding Rescue Winch
• Automatic brake
• 1 Tripod Storage Bag
• 1 Rescue Full Safety Harness Size M-XL
• 1 4-Gas Detector
• 1 10-minute Escape Kit
• 12-month warranty

You can check out the specifications of this confined space rescue kit here. To stay safe in confined spaces make sure to check out our full range of confined space safety equipment here and be sure to complete your confined space risk assessment thoroughly.