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  5. Confined Space - Plan and Prepare
Worker Health and Safety
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A worker in a dark confined space

Confined Spaces. Get in easily. Get out safely.

If you have a query regarding confined spaces at your facility, we are here to help! Our experts will be happy to get in touch – no obligation.

Speak to a 3M Confined Space Expert
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What is a Confined Space?

  • A worker wearing 3M helmet in a confined space

    The definitions of a confined space vary from country to country (see HSE guidance for UK), but the common criteria commonly include:


    • A space that is mostly or entirely enclosed
    • Contains health and/or safety hazards
    • Not designed for continuous occupancy by the employee
    • Has a limited or restricted means of entry/exit
    • A space large enough to enter fully and perform assigned work
    • Limited air circulation

    Learn more about confined spaces definitions, regulations and statistics in the document below.

    CONFINED SPACE DEFINITIONS AND FACTS
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Speak to a 3M Confined Space Expert

Speak to a 3M Confined Space Expert

If you have a query regarding confined spaces at your facility, we are here to help! Our experts will be happy to get in touch – no obligation.

Speak to a 3M Expert
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What are the unique challenges in confined spaces?

No two confined spaces are exactly alike. Type, size and hazards vary greatly, along with different standards, regulations  and company policies that can apply to each working environment.

  • A worker wearing 3M respirator and helmet

    Common types of confined spaces

    Safely handling entries and exits starts with identifying your work spaces:


    • Storage tanks
    • Culverts
    • Tunnels
    • Elevator shafts
    • Ductwork
    • Trench box
    • Utility vaults
    Types of confined spaces
  • Workers setting up a Davit system

    Where confined spaces are found

    Working safely in confined spaces is universal, but different industries present their own challenges:


    • Pharmaceutical manufacturing
    • Chemical manufacturing
    • Food and beverage manufacturing
    • Oil and gas
    • Waste water treatment
    Confined Spaces in Different Industries
  • A worker in coverall in a confined space

    Confined space hazards

    Many different types of hazards can be found in confined spaces, whether inherent or created by the task being conducted. Common potential risks include:


    • Fire / explosion
    • Extremes of temperature
    • Loss of consciousness or asphyxiation from atmosphere (includes O2 deficiency, asphyxiant and toxic atmospheres),
    • Drowning
    • Engulfment
    Confined Space Hazards
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Developing a Confined Space Plan

  • Developing a Confined Space Plan

    The four elements to successful management of confined spaces:


    • Plan - Before working in a confined space, you will likely need to create a step-by-step method of carrying out a task that considers the hazards and risks involved and clearly states all control measures required for safe working.
    • Access and egress – where you need to access
    • Work inside – communication and respiratory protection
    • Rescue and Retrieval – ensure your team has a plan and are trained

    DOWNLOAD GUIDANCE DOCUMENT

    • The above whitepaper explains the four steps and offers guidance in developing an effective confined space plan.
    • Additional resources
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Have any questions about working safely in confined spaces?

Have any questions about working safely in confined spaces?

SPEAK TO A 3M CONFINED SPACE EXPERT
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    Speak to a 3M Confined Space Expert

  • Every confined space is different. Let a confined space specialist from 3M help you tailor a solution that offers the safety, compliance, reliability and efficient cost-of-ownership you need. The best way to learn what you need is an in-person site visit. Our confined space experts will come to you and learn more about your unique needs to offer the best possible solution we can offer.
    A 3M representative will be in touch shortly to discuss your needs and see how we can help you.

  • Thank you for your request to 3M. The information you provide on this form will be used to respond to your request though email or telephone by a 3M representative or by one of our authorized business partners with whom we might share your personal information consistent with the 3M privacy policy. 

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Thank you for contacting 3M to request a site visit.

A 3M representative will contact you to gather any additional information required and to arrange the visit.
In the meantime why not register for our webinars and watch one on confined spaces, or find out more about the training we have on offer.

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Confined Space Training

  • A male in a blue t-shirt delivering training

    Training is a key aspect of ensuring confined space entrants, attendants, supervisors, and rescuers are aware of the hazards they may face in confined spaces, and receive the proper training to carry out their job safely. 3M can support employers in complying with training requirements through our series of instructor-led Confined Space courses.

    View our full range of Confined Space training courses

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Introducing the new 3M™ DBI-SALA™ Davit Arm Systems High Capacity

  • Davit arm systems

    Increased versatility and mobility

    The 3M™ DBI-SALA™ Davit System, designed for manhole and confined space entry/retrieval applications, has been updated to address the needs of the changing work site.


    • Convenient positioning with front or back self-retracting lifeline mounting options
    • Increased versatility of extension sizes
    • Convert from short to long reach davit arm by changing just one part
    • Designed for portability and ease of assembly with high-strength, lightweight aluminium components

     

    LEARN MORE
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Confined Space Solutions

Equipment You Can Trust.  Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and your access and rescue equipment can mean the difference between getting in and out safely or not.

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Confined Spaces Product and Training Videos

Worker Health & Safety

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