Confined Spaces

What is a confined space?

A confined space is not just a small enclosed area. , A confined space can include a variety of environments such as large chambers, tunnels or tanks; any space that is substantially enclosed could present a risk, whatever its size.

The Specified Risks identified in the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 are:

• Serious injury arising from a fire, explosion or excess of oxygen

• Loss of consciousness arising from an increase in body temperature

• Loss of consciousness or asphyxiation arising from gas, fume, vapour or the lack of oxygen

• Drowning arising from an increase in the level of liquid

• Asphyxiation arising from a free flowing solid or the inability to reach a respirable environment due to entrapment by a free flowing solid

Under this definition, if an area is substantially enclosed and also presents a reasonably foreseeable risk of one or more of the specified risks, then it should be defined as a confined space.