What is Asphyxiation and How to Avoid in Confined Space

Introduction

Did you know that the word "asphyxia" comes from ancient Greece, where they described it as the absence of a pulse or heartbeat? Today, we know asphyxia happens when the body doesn't get enough oxygen, causing organs to stop working properly. But what does asphyxiation meaning tell us? It’s the dangerous process of oxygen deprivation that can quickly turn life-threatening. It can occur in several ways, one of which is positional asphyxiation. So read on to find out what positional asphyxiation is, its symptoms, causes and tips to avoid it in confined spaces. 

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What is Positional Asphyxiation?

Asphyxia happens when the body doesn’t get enough oxygen to function properly. This can be due to blocked airways, lack of oxygen in the environment, or pressure on the chest or neck. Asphyxiation is the process that leads to asphyxia, which often causes serious harm or even death if not addressed quickly. Asphyxiation can occur in several ways, such as mechanical asphyxiation due to choking, chemical asphyxiation from toxic gases, and positional asphyxiation due to body position. 

So, what is positional asphyxiation? It happens when someone’s posture or placement limits their ability to breathe. This can occur if the chest or diaphragm is compressed or the airway is blocked due to an unnatural position. It’s most commonly seen in infants, people restrained incorrectly, or individuals trapped in tight spaces. Although it only accounts for about 1% of all deaths from asphyxia, it is still critical to understand and prevent.

What Are The Causes of Positional Asphyxiation?

Asphyxiation can occur due to a variety of factors, such as inadequate oxygen supply, exposure to harmful gases, or physical obstructions that block airflow. Moreover, certain causes directly affect the posture of an individual, which can result in positional asphyxiation. These causes are discussed as follows:

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Accidents and Trapped Positions

Accidents can leave people stuck in unnatural or cramped positions that restrict breathing. For example, someone might get wedged in a narrow space, caught in collapsed structures, or trapped in awkward postures after a fall. In these situations, the chest can’t expand properly, which may lead to positional asphyxiation.

Improper Restraint Techniques 

Improper restraint techniques can also cause positional asphyxiation. This often happens in law enforcement or security settings where excessive pressure is applied to the chest, back, or neck during physical altercations. Prolonged restraint in these positions can block airflow and can make it impossible to breathe.

Vulnerabilities in Infants and Children

Infants and young children are at higher risk because they can’t reposition themselves if their breathing is restricted. Unsafe sleeping environments, such as soft bedding, crowded cribs, or improper swaddling, can create dangerous conditions. Parents and caregivers must ensure a safe sleeping setup to reduce this risk.

Severe Allergic Reactions

Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction, can also lead to asphyxiation. Swelling of the airways caused by triggers like bee stings or peanuts can block oxygen flow. If combined with a poor body position, such as being trapped in a way that restricts chest movement, the airway obstruction worsens, leading to positional asphyxiation. Without immediate treatment, such as an epinephrine injection, this can result in death.

What Are The Symptoms of Asphyxiation?

Symptoms of asphyxiation can appear immediately or gradually due to prolonged oxygen deprivation. For instance, a worker exposed to a confined space with insufficient ventilation may experience immediate dizziness. Gradual symptoms like confusion or fatigue can occur in individuals exposed to low-oxygen environments over time. Some symptoms include:

• Loss of consciousness,

• Inability to speak,

• Face or lips changing color, turning bluish or pale. 

• Involuntary urination or defecation,

• Trouble swallowing,

• Shortness of breath.

What Is a Confined Space?

Now that we know what asphyxiation is and its symptoms let’s learn about confined space. A confined space is defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as an area that is large enough for a person to enter and perform work but not intended for continuous occupancy. These spaces often have limited access points for both entry and exit. Common examples include tanks, vaults, silos, manholes, and storage bins. While workers may need to enter these spaces to complete specific tasks, the confined nature of these areas makes them potentially hazardous. 

What Are the Risks Associated with Confined Space?

Confined spaces can pose serious risks, especially in terms of oxygen depletion, harmful gases, and limited ventilation. The main risk in confined spaces is asphyxiation, which can result from several factors, such as:

Oxygen Depletion

Oxygen levels can be significantly reduced in confined spaces. Natural causes, such as ventilation issues or high occupant density, can deplete oxygen. Additionally, certain work activities, such as welding, painting, or combustion processes, can also reduce oxygen levels. When oxygen levels fall between 12% and 16%, individuals may experience dizziness, headaches, nausea, and even loss of consciousness. At oxygen levels below 12%, unconsciousness and death may occur within minutes.

Harmful Gases and Toxic Substances

Confined spaces can accumulate hazardous gases such as carbon monoxide, methane, or hydrogen sulfide, which can be toxic or explosive. These gases can displace oxygen, further increasing the risk of asphyxiation. For example, in sewage tanks or industrial silos, decomposing organic materials can release methane, a highly flammable gas that poses a risk of explosion.

Engulfment Hazards

Another significant risk in confined spaces is engulfment, which occurs when a worker is surrounded or submerged by a material, such as liquids, grain, or sand. This can lead to suffocation or other serious injuries.

Limited Airflow

Confined spaces often have poor or limited airflow, making it difficult to replenish fresh oxygen. Without proper ventilation, the air quality can degrade rapidly. Workers may not notice these changes in air quality until symptoms of oxygen deprivation, such as dizziness or confusion, occur.

To manage these risks, a permit system is often implemented in confined space environments. This system ensures that proper safety measures, such as air quality checks and ventilation, are in place before workers are allowed to enter. It also ensures that emergency protocols are established in case of an incident. OSHA mandates specific requirements for confined space entry to prevent asphyxiation and other hazardous conditions.

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How to Prevent Asphyxiation in Confined Places?

Asphyxiation is a major risk in confined spaces, where airflow can be limited. With just a few simple precautions, these risks can be minimized. Here are some safety measures workers can follow to reduce the danger of asphyxiation in such environments:

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Install Monitoring Systems

Before workers enter a confined space, it’s important to test the air quality to ensure it’s free from toxic or flammable gases and has sufficient oxygen levels for safe breathing.

In construction, confined space air quality testing must be performed by a qualified individual using calibrated equipment. If the risk assessment indicates that conditions may change during work, continuous air quality monitoring should be implemented to ensure ongoing safety.

Proper Job Site Ventilation

Creating safe operating protocols involves conducting detailed air quality assessments and making sure of proper ventilation before workers enter confined or high-risk areas. In locations where natural airflow is insufficient, employers can use mechanical ventilation systems like blowers and fans to maintain safe air quality standards.

Purge the Confined Space Before Entering

Before entering a confined space, it’s critical to remove any hazardous materials, sludge, or vapors. These deposits can release toxic fumes, dust, or gases that not only disrupt work but can also lead to serious health risks.

To ensure safe air quality without increasing fire hazards, use mechanical ventilation. If steam cleaning is part of the purge process, make sure the space cools down before allowing workers to enter, ensuring it's safe to work in.

Check the Size of Entrance and Exits

Ensure that the entry to a confined space is large enough for workers to enter, exit, and perform tasks comfortably while wearing all necessary protective gear and equipment. The space should be secure and accessible for restricted use.

Proper Training With Modern Technology 

Confined space training for worker safety is important as it teaches how to identify hazards, how to respond in emergencies and prevent risks. But traditional methods lack realism, so virtual reality (VR) transforms the experience by immersing workers in lifelike scenarios without danger. From simulating toxic gas leaks to practicing rescues, VR builds confidence and sharpens skills in ways physical training alone cannot. 

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Be Safe in a Confined Space!

Asphyxiation remains a significant hazard, particularly in confined spaces where oxygen levels can vary and toxic gases may accumulate. Moreover, your position can restrict your lungs from expanding fully and cause inadequate breathing. Thus, you should also be aware of what positional asphyxiation is. Safety in confined spaces starts with awareness and depends on strict adherence to established protocols. Proper planning, regular training, and the use of advanced safety tools can significantly reduce the risks and protect lives.

References

• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/asphyxiation#symptoms

• https://www.chemscape.com/resources/chemical-management/health-hazards/asphyxiation

• https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/asphyxia-overview