Web aided confined spaces risk assessment: Development of a web portal supporting the risk assessment of work in confined spaces

Past and recent statistics on industrial accidents show that work in confined spaces is a high-risk activity that frequently leads to multiple fatalities and serious injuries. The analysis of accidents dynamics reveals that the leading cause of such events is the lack of awareness about the risks that may be present within the confined space. This paper introduces an innovative web-based tool supporting employers, safety professionals and practitioners during the risk assessment of confined spaces in industry. The proposed tool is based on the Web Aided Confined Spaces Risk Assessment algorithm, i.e. a decisional flow chart that drives the user during each phase of the risk assessment for work in confined spaces. The aim was to support the prevention of occupational accidents during work in confined spaces and to promote the awareness about the risks of such activity. The proposed tool investigates critical issues dealing with confined spaces, e.g. the definition and the classification of confined spaces and the identification of hazards and risks, the qualification of the companies, the emergency and rescue procedures and the personal protective equipment. Two additional sections introduce a collection of previous cases of accidents in confined spaces and an archive of documents, e.g. reports and international regulations on work in confined spaces. Finally, a tutorial allows the interactive consultation of regulations, documents and media. A case study shows the application of the proposed tool to a grain silo and the investigation of the ordinary maintenance intervention performed inside the confined space. After completing the procedure with the flow chart, the user has proper information to make decisions about the confined space intervention. The dynamic structure of the web portal allows the user to interact with the contents by adding new case studies, work procedures and critical events, e.g. accidents, dangerous occurrences and near misses.