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  5. Confined Space Safety
Worker Health & Safety

Confined Space Solutions

From potentially toxic atmospheres, to physically hazardous conditions such as extreme temperatures, unstable materials, or the potential for falls, confined spaces often present unseen challenges.

  • Confined spaces are areas that meet all of the following criteria:
     

    • Large enough for workers to enter and perform certain jobs
    • Limited or restricted means for entry or exit
    • Not designed for continuous occupancy

Confined Space Videos

Many health and safety challenges are associated with confined spaces. We’re here to help with a comprehensive collection of videos

  • Two industrial workers in protective gear completing setup of confined space entry davit.
    Product Set-Up Video Series

    You’ve selected the right equipment. See how to use it before stepping on the job.

  • Worker in protective gear looking down into a confined space entry portal.
    Confined Space Educational Video Series

    Growing library for all roles and responsibilities in and around a confined space

  • A worker wearing breathing apparatus descending into a confined space.
    Solutions for Confined Spaces

    Safely access confined spaces with a wide range of versatile solutions configured for unique scenarios.

Confined spaces. Unique challenges.

Download the Confined Space Catalog (PDF, 10.43 MB)

No two confined spaces are exactly alike. Type, size and hazards vary greatly, along with different standards, regulations and company policies that can apply to each working environment.

  • Worker in protective respiratory gear, coveralls and hard hat looking up from confined space
    Common types of confined spaces

    Safely handling entries and exits starts with identifying your work spaces:
     

    • Storage tanks
    • Culverts
    • Tunnels
    • Elevator shafts
    • Ductwork
    • Trench box
    • Utility vaults
  • Workers in protective gear using a confined space entry davit.
    Where they are found

    Working safely in confined spaces is universal, but different industries present their own challenges:
     

    • Pharmaceutical manufacturing
    • Chemical manufacturing
    • Food and beverage manufacturing
    • Oil and gas
    • Waste water treatment
  • Worker descending into a confined space storage tank wearing protective gear and breathing aparatus.
    Hazards workers face

    Each year, an average of 96 deaths occur within confined spaces in the United States alone:

    Physical Hazards (61% of deaths):
     

    • Heat
    • Impact
    • Falls
    • Engulfment

     

    Atmospheric Hazards (34% of deaths):
     

    • Oxygen deficiency
    • Toxic chemicals
    • Combustible dust

    (Source: rocorescue.com)

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Download the Confined Space Plan Infographic



Creating and maintaining a safe job site with confined spaces depends on having correct, current information. Download our helpful infographic.

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Enter to Win Free Confined Space Training


Confined space safety comes from the right tools and the right training. We are offering the chance to help enhance your team's safety with Confined Space Entry Rescuer training, which we are giving to selected entrants who fill out the form below.


You could win:
• 24 hours of instruction from 3M confined space trainers
• Classroom instruction and hands-on training in a certified training facility
• Practical experience using pre-engineered rescue systems and techniques
• Instruction on the implementation and monitoring of a rescue plan
• Successful completion of the course earns participants a certificate recognizing that they have met OSHA and ANSI requirements

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Developing a Confined Space Plan

Be ready before getting to work, so your team can safely handle all entries and exits.
  • Four panels showing illustrations of workers preparing for and entering a confined space.

    Infographic: Four steps of a plan

    Before working in a confined space, always start with:
     

    • A site evaluation
    • Identification of proper safety equipment and other required tools
    • A trained rescue team that has developed a pre-planning program
    • Certified training that involves practice and hands-on experience for all parties who will work in and around a confined space

    Plan, Access, Work Inside, and Rescue & Retrieval: Learn what they mean and how to address each step.

    DOWNLOAD THE INFOGRAPHIC

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Contact us / Request a site visit


Every confined space is different. Let a confined space specialist from 3M help you tailor a solution that offers the safety, compliance, reliability and efficient cost-of-ownership you need.

The best way to learn what you need is an in-person site visit. Our confined space experts will come to you and learn more about your unique needs to offer the best possible solution.


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  •  

  • 3M takes your privacy seriously. 3M and its authorized third parties will use the information you provided in accordance with our Privacy Policy to send you communications which may include promotions, product information and service offers. Please be aware that this information may be stored on a server located in the U.S. If you do not consent to this use of your personal information, please do not use this system.

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Our Safety Specialists are Here to Help You

CONTACT US

Confined Space Products and Training

Trust your team and your tools. Workers must have adequate preparation and experience in the work involved to function safely in confined spaces.

Customer Service: 1-800-328-1667 Customer Service: 1-800-328-1667 Technical Service: 1-800-243-4630 Technical Service: 1-800-243-4630 Send Us a Message
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