What are the risks?

Working in confined spaces can be extremely dangerous.

Some of the risks include:

• loss of consciousness, injury or death due to contaminants in the air
• fire or explosion from the ignition of flammable contaminants
• suffocation caused by a lack of oxygen
• enhanced combustibility and spontaneous combustion
• suffocation or crushing after being engulfed by loose materials stored in the space, such as sand, grain, fertiliser, coal or woodchips.

It’s not uncommon for incidents involving confined spaces to often result in multiple fatalities. Other workers, unaware of the risks, often enter a space to rescue a victim but are then also overcome by toxic vapours or gases.