Confined spaces are not areas that you want to be in if you are not a trained professional. According to the Ontario Ministry of Labour, a confined space as a “fully or partially enclosed space” defined by two characteristics:

1. The space is not designed or constructed for continuous human occupancy
2. Atmospheric hazards may be present due to construction, location, contents, or the work being done

Examples of this include, but are not limited to: sewers, fuel tanks, wells, ducts, chimneys, and silos. They can be quite hazardous and if operation inside them isn’t approached with caution, then they can lead to very risky situations. Workers can get seriously injured or even die due to complications or lack of safety precautions within confined spaces. As such those entering a confined space should be adequately trained with the right tools and safety equipment for the job.

Working in confined spaces is something that should be taken very seriously. A lot can go wrong if workers don’t know how to act in certain situation while they are in a confined space. That’s why we’re here to help you out with our tips. If you manage to read them all thoroughly, you are going to feel much safer working in these types of conditions.

Make sure that you’ve read every single tip that we are about to give you. Your safety is the number one priority, and that should always be the case.

Avoid stress

It’s important to learn how to avoid stress when working in confined spaces. You never want to feel stressed when you are currently working, as it can impact everything that you do. Try to be as relaxed as possible, so you can be focused at all times.

Focus

You will need to be focused at all times if you wish to avoid any injuries to you or your coworkers. This is very important in confined spaces and you should always try to be as focused as possible. It can be the thing that decides whether or not you have a successful work day.

Safety equipment

In order to maximize your safety, you will have to wear all of the safety equipment that is presented to you. A lot of people disregard this matter, but that is a mistake they shouldn’t be doing at all costs.

Communication

Team communication is also vital when we’re talking about confined space work. If your team has good communication, it will allow you to stay out of potential troubles, and ultimately injuries. You never want to have bad communication skills with your team, because that can lead to a bad time.

Follow safety protocols

You will need to follow safety protocols if you wish to stay unharmed during your work in confined spaces. Many people don’t follow all of the rules, but we suggest that you do. They are there for a reason, and they are there for you.

Report the people who aren’t

If you notice someone isn’t following the safety protocols, then we advise that you report them. This can also affect you, as they can make a mistake that will leave you injured. Everyone needs to follow all of the protocols if they wish to keep their team’s safety.

Pay attention to safety signs

You will also need to pay attention to following safety signs. They are very useful in showing you where potential dangers are. You never want to ignore these, as you can get injured very easily if you do. Make sure that your eyes are open at all times.

Attend safety trainings

Safety trainings are something every worker who works in confined spaces should visit. You will need to be met with all of the necessary skills which you will need while working in these conditions. Don’t try to skip these trainings, as it can be detrimental.

Don’t rush anywhere

Taking your time is also important when you’re working in a cramped space. You don’t want to be rushing anywhere, as that can leave you susceptible to making mistakes, and that is something you will want to avoid at all costs.

Sleep and eat well

This is something we absolutely recommend that you do. Getting enough sleep and eating properly will allow you to think clearly while you are working in a confined space. A lot of people don’t have a regular sleep schedule, but that is something you should definitely avoid.

Confined space safety is an ongoing process that will not be perfected until no worker is injured or killed in these inherently dangerous environments. This list is not meant to be comprehensive (check the OSHA Standards for that), but rather a starting point for anyone needing to do maintenance, repair or inspection of confined space.

The greatest danger in confined space work lies in underestimating the potential life-threatening hazards that may lurk in very neutral-seeming surroundings. Stop to consider the dangers before you enter, and be mindful that confined spaces can become dangerous after you have entered. We hope this list may inspire you to review your safety plan and make adjustments that could potentially save a life.

In conclusion, you will need to follow all of these tips if you wish to have a safe working environment. Working in confined spaces is hazardous if everything isn’t done properly. The main goal is for everyone to go uninjured, which is impossible if all of the protocols aren’t being followed. That’s why you must follow them. We want you to be as safe as possible, and you can do that by being a responsible adult while you are working. Make sure that you wear all of your safety equipment and respect all of the protocols. Only then will you be one hundred percent safe.

The bottom line is that every confined space is going to present its own unique risks. Evaluating what risks are present and how to control for them is essential. Before anyone enters, the team should have done the proper investigation to ensure their safety.