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Confined Spaces. Get in easily. Get out safely.
The know-how to navigate jobsites with confined spaces.
What is a Confined Space?
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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Developing a Confined Space Plan
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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
- The above whitepaper explains the four steps and offers guidance in developing an effective confined space plan.
- Additional resources
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If you already have a plan in place and are ready to get started, request a site visit.
Confined Space Training
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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
Introducing the new 3M™ DBI-SALA™ Davit Arm Systems High Capacity
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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
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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Dec 1, 1901Comfort without compromise, the next generation of safety helmet with the patented 3M™ Pressure Diffusion Technology.
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Dec 1, 1901Get in easily. Get out safely. Lightweight, high strength and designed for manhole and confined space entry and retrieval applications.
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Dec 1, 1901In the extreme you must trust two things. Your team and your equipment. A positive pressure supplied air respirator with automatic changeover valve for emergency respiratory protection and escape capability.
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Dec 1, 1901We know what matters most to teams that work in the extreme. Attach with a carabiner to a suitable anchor point and work in any direction from any angle.
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Dec 1, 1901Get out safely with the Emergency Life Support Apparatus (ELSA). Simple and quick to operate, reliable and robust in use, ensure maximum protection in an escape situation.
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Dec 1, 1901Tested to be trusted. Know your atmosphere by monitoring up to 4 gases simultaneously and use an optional integrated internal pump for pre-entry checking.
Confined Spaces Product and Training Videos
Worker Health & Safety
United Kingdom - English
