Confined space work is where a single mistake can turn into a life-changing tragedy. And here’s the real danger—most workers don’t even realize they’re entering a confined space until something goes wrong.
Whether you’re a safety supervisor, a field operator, or simply someone curious about industrial safety, understanding what a confined space is can mean the difference between life and death.
In this article, we’ll break down the definition, types, hazards, and real-life examples in a way that’s simple, practical, and grounded in real-world experience.
Let’s dive in.
What Is a Confined Space? (Clear & Practical Definition)
According to occupational safety standards such as OSHA and international HSE guidelines, a confined space is any area that meets all three of the following conditions:
- Not designed for continuous human occupancy
- Limited entry and exit points
- Large enough for a worker to enter and perform work