Ventilation for Confined

Spaces

1910.146 requires
ventilation as follows:
An employee may not enter the space
until the forced air ventilation has
eliminated any hazardous atmosphere
The forced air ventilation shall be so
directed as to ventilate the immediate
areas where an employee is or will be
present within the space and shall
continue until all employees have left
the space.

The air supply for the forced air

ventilation shall be from a clean
source and may not increase the
hazards in the space.

The atmosphere within the space

shall be periodically tested as
necessary to ensure that the
continuous forced air ventilation is
preventing the accumulation of a
hazardous atmosphere.

Types of Ventilation
Natural ventilation
Mechanical supply ventilation (positive
pressure)
Mechanical exhausting (negative
pressure)

Natural Ventilation
Natural air currents
Advantages

Quiet
Does not require power
Not a source of ignition
Maintenance free

Disadvantages

Highly unpredictable
Very inefficient

Mechanical Supply
Forcing fresh air in / contaminated air out
Should be at a minimum rate of 20 air
changes per hour
Advantages

Very effective in managing hazards

Eliminates gas seeping back into the space
Prevents flammable gas from being drawn across
the fan motor

Disadvantages

Fan noise
Stirring up dust

Mechanical Exhausting
Pulls contaminated air out / draws fresh air in
Works best when air intake is close to work
area
Advantages

Pulls heavier than air contaminates from low areas

Disadvantages

May not create sufficient air movement

Fan noise
May draw flammable gases across the fan motor
Supply ventilation can force air into the space 30 x
the distance exhaust can draw it

Ventilation Factors
Job details

Atmospheric hazard
Size of space
Contaminants density
How fast its created
How much space is available for vent.
Equipment

Airflow required

20 air changes per hour

Volume required

Ventilation Factors
Breeze to ensure comfort
Duct friction loss

Can reduce air flow over 50% in 15 foot of

duct

Fan performance

Design, Weight, Sound, Power

Supply Ventilation
Directions
Position fan 4-6 feet from entry with intake
into wind
Vertical spaces

Position hose of the distance to the bottom,

and no more than 15 feet from the work area

Horizontal spaces

Lay hose on the floor with the end within 10 feet

of the far wall

Turn fan on before placing duct into the

space
Ensure that there is no short circuiting

Exhaust Ventilation
Directions
Keep the duct 3 feet from the worker
Position duct 1 foot from contaminant and
1 foot below the worker breathing zone
Position so exhaust is out of wind and
exhausted air is not pulled back into space
If explosive, do not allow air to contact fan
motor. Unit should be grounded
Area around fan should be considered
hazardous

In all Cases
Ventilation should continue while space
is occupied
Prevent recirculation of exhaust air
If LEL reading is present, remove hose
before the fan is turned off

Lighter Than Air Gases

Heavier Than Air Gases

Special Situations

Below Grade Conditions