Non-Atmospheric Hazards
Physical Hazards in Confined Spaces
Hazardous atmospheres are not the only hazards within confined spaces. As we'll see, there are many actual and potential non-atmospheric hazards within confined spaces, and we need to be aware of them to make sure they are eliminated.
Physical hazards come in many different forms and can cause death or serious physical harm.
Physical hazards come in many different forms and can cause death or serious physical harm. Examples include:
- Access problems: In an emergency, entrants may not be able to exit quickly.
- Absorbed chemicals: Chemicals can be absorbed through the skin or other tissues or membranes such as the eyes.
- Corrosive chemicals: Corrosive chemicals can cause severe eye or skin damage if exposed workers are not wearing protective clothing or eyewear.
- Falling objects: Objects can fall into the space because topside openings are unguarded or improperly guarded.
- Illumination problems: Poor lighting makes it difficult for workers to enter, work in, and exit a permit space.
- Inwardly converging surfaces: Inwardly converging walls and downward sloping floors that taper to a smaller cross section can trap a worker.
- Entrapment: Loose materials drawn from the bottom of storage bins can suffocate or bury a worker. Liquids or materials that are suddenly released into the space can have the same effect.
- Mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic energy: Mechanical and hydraulic equipment can move unexpectedly. Workers servicing mechanical and hydraulic equipment can be seriously injured or killed if the energy is not properly controlled using lockout/tagout procedures.
- Noise: Noise interferes with essential communication between workers in a confined space and those who are monitoring their work on the outside. High noise levels can impair hearing and cause hearing loss. Permit spaces can amplify sounds produced by tools and equipment.
- Radiation: Sources of radiation include x-rays, isotopes, lasers, and welders.
- Slippery surfaces: Wet, slippery surfaces increase the risk of falls. Leaks, spills, and condensation are common in permit spaces.
- Extreme temperatures: Hot environments put workers at risk for heat stress, especially when they do strenuous work or are wearing protective clothing. Cold environments make their tasks more difficult to accomplish.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-1. Why is poor lighting considered a hazard in a confined space?
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