Confined spaces

Confined spaces What all agricultural workers need to know

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bunkers • Toxic gases • Low oxygen • Bacteria and moulds • Engulfment (burial) 16

Auger tunnels • Toxic gases • Low oxygen • Bacteria and mould • Vermin (spiders and snakes) • Mechanical Equipment 17

Sanitary pump/lift stations • Toxic gases • Low oxygen • Bacteria and moulds • Drowning • Electrocution 18

Well pits • Toxic gases • Low oxygen • Drowning (if flooded) • Electrocution 19

Keep out • Do not enter even to rescue someone, unless you have been trained • Talk to your employer or supervisor 20