ABSTRACT
Confined spaces are encountered in all industries and are routinely entered by workers to perform the tasks of their jobs. Confined spaces may be underground utility vaults, manholes, tunnels, storage tanks, and trenches. The hazards encountered when entering or working in confined spaces (i.e., asphyxiation, engulfment, electrical shock, fall, and heat stress) can result in serious injury, illness, and death. Each year more than 5000 workers are seriously injured while working in or entering confined spaces. In addition, more than 200 workers are killed (over 60% are would-be rescuers) in confined space accidents. These accidents usually occur because workers fail to recognize that confined spaces are potentially hazardous. In most cases of confined
space accidents, a number of scenarios that tend to continue to repeat themselves are the culprits. Most often, these accidents happen because of the failure to
. Recognize the space as a confined space.
