Given a topic as potentially complex as confined spaces, we can often enhance our understanding of the safety requirements by looking at other, similar standards. The shipyard employment standard (29 CFR 1915 Subpart B) offers us one such opportunity. If you would like to explore confined space standards in more detail (including the new construction standard) consider attending one of our Confined Space Train the Trainer classes.

Let's start by looking at ships in general and what characteristics their spaces may have. Vessels basically have confined spaces within other confined spaces surrounded by an enclosed space (the hull). The spaces adjoin or abut other confined spaces which may contain fuel, chemicals, fumigants, or any other cargo. Ventilating to the outside may be difficult. Ducts, coils and pipes usually connect these spaces in some manner. Finally ships may rock or sway causing hazards to slosh and shift.

Ships can contain a variety of confined and enclosed spaces. General industry locations may share some of these characteristics, specifically the effect which work activities in one space can have on adjacent spaces.