confined spaces what all agricultural workers need to know

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 tank

• Mechanical parts

(cleaning wands,

agitators)

• Toxic gas (from cleaning chemicals)

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Manure pond

• Toxic gases

• Low oxygen

• Drowning

• Bacteria and moulds

• Moving machinery (agitators and pumps)

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Open-top water tanks

• Toxic gases

• Low oxygen

• Drowning

• Bacteria and moulds

• Cleaning chemicals6

Closed additive tanks

• Toxic gases

• Low oxygen

• Drowning

• Bacteria and moulds

• Cleaning chemicals7

Boilers

• Asbestos

• Silica dust

• Hot surfaces

• Welding fumes

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Brown water tank

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• Toxic gases

• Low oxygen

• Bacteria and moulds

• Mechanical equipment(pumps, agitators)

• Drowning

Pump shed

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• Toxic gases

• Low oxygen

• Bacteria and moulds

• Mechanical equipment

• Electrical shock

Mobile equipment — manure tank

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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

Bunkers

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• Toxic gases

• Low oxygen

• Bacteria and moulds

• Engulfment (burial)

Auger tunnels

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• Toxic gases

• Low oxygen

• Bacteria and mould

• Vermin (spiders and snakes)

• Mechanical Equipment

Sanitary pump/lift stations

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• Toxic gases

• Low oxygen

• Bacteria and moulds

• Drowning

• Electrocution

Well pits

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• Toxic gases

• Low oxygen

• Drowning (if flooded)

• Electrocution

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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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