Why Oxygen Deficiency Is So Dangerous Oxygen deficiency is one of the most serious air hazards found in confined spaces. Unlike many contaminants, low oxygen levels cannot be seen, smelled, or felt until the body is already under stress. Normal air contains about 20.9 percent oxygen. When levels drop below safe limits, the body is…
What Is a Confined Space? A confined space is an area that: These spaces exist in many workplaces and are often part of normal operations. Common examples include: At first glance, many confined spaces do not appear dangerous. The risk comes from how air behaves once a worker enters. For an overview of how confined…
Who This Guide Is For This guide is intended for safety managers, supervisors, and workers who may be required to enter or oversee confined space operations. Confined spaces present some of the most dangerous air safety risks in the workplace. Unlike open work areas, these environments can trap hazardous gases, reduce oxygen levels, and change…