The dangers of working in confined spaces

Occupational Health & Safety Resource Kit.
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the toxic gases that may be present can include:
- hydrogen sulphide
- carbon dioxide
- others specific to individual workplaces such as carbon monoxide from internal combustion engines.
liquids should be pumped out of the space and/or liquid flow diverted from the space before testing for toxic gases is carried out.
- if the liquid cannot be removed then it should be stirred as vigorously as possible while testing takes place.
- the stirring should be mechanical using a stirrer or pump or by blowing compressed air through the bottom of the space or by other suitable means.
- stirring the liquid manually with a paddle will not give

sufficient agitation to release the trapped gases.

Everybody associated with the entry must have confidence, gained from local knowledge and experience, that the atmosphere will not change while work is carried out in the space.

Following these steps should give a more accurate result on the presence of toxic gases. It is not sufficient that the atmosphere is free from toxic gases before entry. Everybody associated with the entry must have confidence, gained from local knowledge and experience, that the atmosphere will not change while work is carried out in the space.

Continuous monitoring: If there is any reason to suspect that the atmosphere may alter then the