Confined spacesWhat 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

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Grain bins

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

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Milk tanks

• 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

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Closed additive tanks

• Toxic gases• Low oxygen• Drowning• Bacteria and

moulds• Cleaning chemicals

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Boilers

• Asbestos• Silica dust• Hot surfaces• Welding fumes

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Brown water tanks

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• Toxic gases• Low oxygen• Bacteria and moulds• Mechanical

equipment(pumps, agitators)

• Drowning

Pump sheds

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• Toxic gases• Low oxygen• Bacteria and moulds• Mechanical

equipment• Electrical shock

Mobile equipment — manure tanks

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• Toxic gases• Low oxygen• Bacteria and moulds• Mechanical

equipment• Cleaning chemicals

Crawl spaces

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

Storm water manholes

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• Toxic gases• Low oxygen• Bacteria and moulds• Drowning

Sanitary – septic tanks

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• Toxic gases• Low oxygen• Bacteria and

moulds• Drowning

Valve boxes / chambers

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• Toxic gases• Low oxygen• Bacteria and moulds

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• Keep out• Do not enter

even to rescue someone, unless you have been trained

• Talk to your employer or supervisor

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For more information: www.WorkSafeBC.com

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