8.3 Safe working in confined spaces

Written by Imran Qureshi (NEBOSH)

NEBOSH IGC · Workplace hazards · 15 questions

Name: ____________________ Date: ____________

The main dangers in a confined space include:
- A Loud music
- B Lack of oxygen and toxic atmospheres
- C Heavy rainfall only
- D Too much natural light
Before entering a confined space you should:
- A Go in quickly to check
- B Use a permit to work and test the atmosphere
- C Enter alone without telling anyone
- D Remove all communication devices
A rescue plan for a confined space should be:
- A Based on untrained volunteers
- B Prepared in advance with trained rescuers outside
- C Avoided to save time
- D Decided after an incident
A confined space is one that:
- A Is any small room
- B Is always underground
- C Is always a tank
- D Is large enough to enter, not designed for continuous occupation and has a foreseeable risk
Which of these is a confined space?
- A A sewer
- B A car park
- C A canteen
- D A large open warehouse
A hazard in a confined space is:
- A Open ventilation always
- B Too much light
- C Easy exit
- D Lack of oxygen
Engulfment means:
- A Hearing loss
- B Radiation burns
- C Being surrounded and trapped by a liquid or solid
- D Heat stroke
Which of these is part of a safe system of work for confined spaces?
- A Ignoring rescue
- B Entering alone with no contact
- C Entering without testing
- D A permit to work
Testing the atmosphere before entry is to check:
- A The light level
- B The number of workers
- C Oxygen level and the presence of toxic or flammable gas
- D The noise level
Why do many deaths occur among would-be rescuers?
- A They are always too slow
- B They enter without the right equipment or training
- C They are always too late
- D They have time to prepare
A rescue plan should have:
- A Rescuers inside the space only
- B No equipment
- C Equipment and trained rescuers outside the space
- D Untrained volunteers
Isolation of services before entry means:
- A Opening the pipes
- B Disconnecting or blocking pipes, power and other hazards
- C Removing the signs
- D Switching on machines
Which action is best before entry if the work can be done another way?
- A Enter without a permit
- B Avoid entry if possible
- C Enter alone
- D Enter anyway
Communication for a person inside a confined space is needed to:
- A Replace the permit
- B Call for help and keep contact with the outside
- C Entertain them
- D Reduce ventilation
Restricted entry and exit makes confined spaces dangerous because:
- A They are always dry
- B Escape and rescue are difficult
- C They are always cold
- D They are always quiet

Answer key

1. B, 2. B, 3. B, 4. D, 5. A, 6. D, 7. C, 8. D, 9. C, 10. B, 11. C, 12. B, 13. B, 14. B, 15. B

The atmosphere is a major hazard.
A safe system of work is essential.
Many rescuers die because there is no plan.
The foreseeable risk may be toxic gases, low oxygen or liquid.
Tanks, silos, sewers, pits, ducts and vats are examples.
Too much oxygen can also be dangerous.
It is a main confined space hazard.
Isolation, testing, ventilation, communication and rescue also apply.
Monitoring continues while work goes on.
Never allow an untrained person to enter to rescue someone.
It must be ready before entry.
It prevents the hazard from entering the space.
Avoid entry is the first approach.
A person outside should keep contact.
Entry and exit are limited.