There are a number of industries and professions that will require workers to enter confined spaces on the odd occasion and, to ensure that they are protected from the potential hazards that such spaces could contain, it is important to monitor the environment inside.

For those unsure about situations that could require the use of a confined space monitor, we have provided some examples below:

  • Vats, tanks and silos
  • Pipes and ducts
  • Ovens, chimneys and flues
  • Reaction vessels
  • Underground sewers and wells
  • Shafts, trenches, tunnels and pits

And for those unsure about the hazards that workers within these spaces could be exposed to, we have provided a list below:

  • Contaminants in the air
  • Ignition of flammable contaminants
  • Lack of oxygen
  • Combustibility and spontaneous combustion
  • Overcome by loose materials (such as sand, grain, fertiliser, coal or woodchips)

Workers who are exposed to these sorts of hazards could sustain serious injury or even death if they are not forewarned of the danger. Other risks include loss of consciousness, fire or explosion, suffocation, and crushing.

To ensure that your workplace complies with Occupational Health & Safety and WorkSafe requirements surrounding these enclosed areas, you will need access to an effective confined space monitor. Whilst, in some cases, the hazard could be obvious well in advance of it posing any sort of risk, it is important that your workers are able to pinpoint all potential threats in a way that allows them plenty of time to escape the area.