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|  | Confined SpacesConfined spaces are unique work areas that are enclosed or partially enclosed, and special procedures must be followed for any work inside them due to their potential hazards. Examples include vaults, crawl spaces, boilers, tanks, ventilation systems, and sewers.
Â鶹´«Ã½'s Confined Spaces program provides the framework to ensure that all work in and around confined spaces is done safely and in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.
It's important that you understand where confined spaces may exist in your work area and the associated hazards and protective measures to keep yourself and those around you safe. |
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| Did you know?Â鶹´«Ã½ 2.1 million workers enter confined spaces annually and an average of 100 confined space-related deaths occur each year in U.S. workplaces. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 60% of confined space fatalities are would-be rescuers. |
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| What is a confined space?To be classified as a confined space, the work area must have the following three characteristics:
- Large enough for you to enter and perform work
- Not designed for continuous occupancy (e.g., no ventilation)
- Has limited or restricted means of entry and exit (e.g., access hatch or ladder)
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| HazardsEnvironments inside confined spaces are often dynamic and can change rapidly. Common hazards include:
- Dangerous air quality (e.g., carbon monoxide, low oxygen)
- Moving parts like ventilation fan blades or gears
- Energy from utilities such as steam and water
- Extreme temperatures
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| Working safelyMost Â鶹´«Ã½ confined spaces require a permit and safe operating procedures to facilitate safe entry because the potential hazards may impede a person's ability to escape in an emergency. These entries require:
- A trained team, which includes the entrant, attendant, and supervisor
- Isolating hazardous energy sources like steam, electricity, or moving parts
- Establishing rescue procedures
- Providing ventilation and air quality monitoring
Training
If you are involved in confined space operations, you must complete biennial online and training in myHR Learn, in addition to training every three years. training is required if you will be operating rescue retrieval equipment, such as a tripod, winch, and body harness. Please contact ehs@northwestern.edu for more information. |
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| Confined spaces at Â鶹´«Ã½Â鶹´«Ã½ Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) has identified and evaluated hundreds of confined spaces on campus, and they are either marked with signage or locked to prevent unauthorized access. If you encounter a potential confined space that is not locked, marked with signage, or is not in the , notify your supervisor or contact EHS. |
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| Utility tunnelsIn general, the utility tunnels on campus are not classified as confined spaces, however, they have some of the same potential hazards as confined spaces. As such, most are classified as restricted access tunnels and should only be accessed by authorized personnel, such as Facilities or EHS. Safe operating procedures are required for all work in these tunnels to ensure exits are available and other precautions are in place, and it's important to always adhere to the requirements of posted signage. |
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| Do you want to learn more?
- Review OSHA's .
- Contact the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) team at ehs@northwestern.edu.
- View past Spotlight on Safety discussions here.
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