Confined Space Oxygen Level

Oxygen deficiency may occur from biological or chemical reactions such as rusting or by displacement of oxygen by other gases.

Confined space oxygen level. Oxygen content should be less than 23 but maintained at levels greater than 19 5. This hazard is a significant cause of many fatalities in confined spaces. Permit required confined space permit space means a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics.

Is 19 5 percent oxygen really safe. While normal atmosphere contains between 20 8 and 21 percent oxygen osha defines as oxygen deficient any atmosphere that contains less than 19 5 percent oxygen and as oxygen enriched any atmosphere that contains more than 22 percent. Oxygen osha dictates that the minimum safe level of oxygen in a confined space is 19 5 while the maximum safe level of oxygen in a confined space is 23 5.

3 has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor. To be oxygen deficient such factors as rusting metals coatings or paints may be present. These numbers can vary slightly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction surfaces coated with combustible material should be cleaned or shielded to prevent ignition.

Oxygen deficient atmospheres are the leading cause of confined space fatalities in the shipyard. Everybody knows that an oxygen level of 19 5 percent is safe for entry into confined spaces. Confined or enclosed spaces and other dangerous atmospheres oxygen deficient or oxygen enriched atmospheres.

Oxygen enriched atmosphere means an atmosphere containing more than 23 5 percent oxygen by volume. An oxygen enriched atmosphere contains more than 23 percent oxygen by volume. 1 contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere.

If the concentration of oxygen falls below the acceptable limit of 19 5 the space is oxygen deficient. A confined space is a place which is substantially enclosed though not always entirely and where serious injury can occur from hazardous substances or conditions within the space or nearby e g. Oxygen atmospheres based on osha guidelines a confined space is considered to have safe oxygen levels if readings are between 20 8 21 percent while a space with readings of less than 19 5 percent are considered to be oxygen deficient.