EHS TODAY- 22nd APRIL 2019
CONFINED SPACE-A DANGEROUS SPACE.
Figure : Confined Space
Figure: Example of Non-Permit Confined Space
Figure: Example of A Permit - Required Confined Space.
Figure: Safety Sign for Confined Space.
Confined Space is any space that has the following characteristics:
 It is large enough or so configured that an employee can bodily enter
and perform assigned work.
 It has limited or restricted means for entry or exit.
 Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.
Examples: Underground and Overhead Tanks, Manholes, Boiler, Furnace,
Sewerage and Silos.
Are Confined Spaces Dangerous?
According to a report from the Occupational Health and Safety Many workers
are injured and killed each year while working in confined spaces. An
estimated 60% of the fatalities have been among the would-be rescuers.
Why Confined Space are called Dangerous Space?
Confined spaces are dangerous because:
 They may contain hazards in the air.
 Can trap you inside the space
 Can contain slip and fall, Fire and Explosion hazards
 Can contain hazards that you might be unable to see
Types of Confined Space.
1. Non-Permit Confined Space:
A confined space that does not contain or have the potential to contain any
hazard capable of causing death of serious physical harm.
Example: Drop ceiling, Motor control cabinets
2. A Permit-Required Confined Space:
A Permit-Required Confined Space (permit space) is a confined space that
is potentially hazardous.
A permit-required confined space has one or more of the following
characteristics:
 Contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere;
 Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant;
 Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could become
trapped or asphyxiated; or
 Contains any other serious safety or health hazard.
Example: Manholes going into sewers, Grain Silos, Underground Tank and
Trenches
Statutory Requirement:
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146: Permit-Required Confined Spaces - (Jan 1993)
 Identify Confined Spaces in Workplace
 Identify hazards in these spaces
 Identify procedures for controlling these hazards
 Train employees on confined space entry
 Keep records of compliance & training for all confined space activities
According to Factories Act 1948
Section 36: Precautions against dangerous fumes, gases, etc.
According to The Goa Factories Rules, 1985
Section (33): Certification for entry into confined spaces likely to contained
dangerous fumes.
Section (34): Precautions against shortage of Oxygen