Confined Spaces

Communications in Confined Spaces

Being able to maintain communications is essential in confined spaces working. Many of these harsh environments need particular communication solutions. For assistance with selecting confined spaces communications systems speak to our friends at con-space.com

OSHA’s General Industry Standards, CFR 1910:146 definitions;

"Confined space" means a space that:

(1) Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and (2) Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits are spaces that may have limited means of entry.); and
(3) Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.

"Permit-required confined space (permit space)" means a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics:-

(1) Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere;
(2) Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant;
(3) Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section; or
(4) Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.-IDLH means immediately dangerous to life or health.

If entry is needed when an IDLH atmosphere is present then a permit to work will be required detailing the authorized workers, the exact nature of the work, the hazards faced and the control measures needed.

If you require this hazard to be controlled using a permit to work download the documentation from the open access section of this website, fill in and issue to workers.

Atmosphere monitors should be capable of detecting oxygen levels, toxic gases and flammable or explosive environments.

The number of workers entering the confined space is to be appropriate to the task. Trapped gas, fume or vapours may be released when residues are disturbed or removed, giving rise to an IDLH atmosphere.