Confined spaces

1. Confined spaces What all agricultural workers need to know

2. What is a confined space? • Enclosed • Worker can get inside • Not intended for occupancy • Difficult to evacuate or rescue 2

3. Grain bins • Toxic gases • Low oxygen • Engulfment (by grain) • Bacteria and moulds • Mechanical equipment (augers) 3

4. Milk tanks • Mechanical parts (cleaning wands, agitators) • Toxic gas (from cleaning chemicals) 4

5. Manure pond • Toxic gases • Low oxygen • Drowning • Bacteria and moulds • Moving machinery (agitators and pumps) 5

6. Open-top water tanks • Toxic gases • Low oxygen • Drowning • Bacteria and moulds • Cleaning chemicals 6

7. Closed additive tanks • Toxic gases • Low oxygen • Drowning • Bacteria and moulds • Cleaning chemicals 7

8. Boilers • Asbestos • Silica dust • Hot surfaces • Welding fumes 8

9. Brown water tanks • Toxic gases • Low oxygen • Bacteria and moulds • Mechanical equipment(pumps, agitators) • Drowning 9

10. Pump sheds • Toxic gases • Low oxygen • Bacteria and moulds • Mechanical equipment • Electrical shock 10

11. Mobile equipment — manure tanks • Toxic gases • Low oxygen • Bacteria and moulds • Mechanical equipment • Cleaning chemicals 11

12. Crawl spaces • Toxic gases • Low oxygen • Bacteria and moulds • Vermin (spiders, snakes) 12

13. Storm water manholes • Toxic gases • Low oxygen • Bacteria and moulds • Drowning 13

14. Sanitary–septic tanks • Toxic gases • Low oxygen • Bacteria and moulds • Drowning 14

15. Valve boxes/chambers • Toxic gases • Low oxygen • Bacteria and moulds 15

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17. Keep out • Do not enter even to rescue someone, unless you have been trained • Talk to your employer or supervisor 17

18. For more information: www.WorkSafeBC.com 18

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