What are confined spaces?

Confined spaces are spaces that have limited or restricted means of entry and exit, and may contain harmful atmospheres or stored substances that pose a risk to employees working in them.

Examples of potential confined spaces can include:

• vats, tanks and silos
• pipes and ducts
• ovens, chimneys and flues 
• reaction vessels
• underground sewers or wells
• shafts, trenches, tunnels and pits.