Title: Confined spaces at construction sites

Authors: Cláudia Cândida de Lima Eustáquio; Felipe Mendes da Cruz; Rogério Pontes de Araújo; Augusto César Cabral Santos

Addresses: Polytechnic School of Pernambuco, University of Pernambuco, Brazil ' Polytechnic School of Pernambuco, University of Pernambuco, Brazil ' Polytechnic School of Pernambuco, University of Pernambuco, Brazil ' Polytechnic School of Pernambuco, University of Pernambuco, Brazil

Abstract: The objective of this article is to analyse the activities in the confined spaces of several industries to verify the state-of-the-art and identify the factors that contribute to the occurrence of accidents, as well as the tools, methods and technologies used in the management and control of the risks. The research used the systematic literature review (SLR). Of the 21 accepted papers, eight explored risk management and control in confined spaces (33.3%). The use of technologies appeared in six articles (28.6%) and the monitoring of environmental agents in five articles (23.8%). The main contributing factors for accidents were failures in the management process, lack of safe procedures, unsafe operations, financial restriction and training deficiencies. The studies showed the development of risk management and monitoring tools, and the use of technology as a way to improve worker safety.

Keywords: confined space; construction site; hazardous atmospheres; risk management; accidents; management tools; technologies.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2024.137357

International Journal of Environmental Engineering, 2024 Vol.12 No.3, pp.271 - 286

Received: 17 Jul 2023
Accepted: 16 Oct 2023
Published online: 13 Mar 2024 *